Focke-Wulf Fw 44

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focke-Wulf_Fw_44

The Focke-Wulf Fw 44 is a 1930s German two-seat biplane known as the Stieglitz
("Goldfinch"). It was produced by the Focke-Wulf company as a pilot training and
sport flying aircraft. It was also eventually built under license in several
other countries.

Role
Biplane trainer

National origin
Germany

Manufacturer
Focke-Wulf
FMA

First flight
Late summer 1932

The Fw 44 was designed as a biplane with conventional layout and straight,
untapered wings. Its two open cockpits were arranged in tandem, and both
cockpits were equipped with flight controls and instruments. The Fw 44 had fixed
tailwheel landing gear. It employed ailerons on both upper and lower wings. It
did not use flaps. It was flown with a Siemens-Halske Sh 14 radial engine.

The first prototype flew in 1932. After many tests and modifications to increase
the plane's durability and aerodynamics, the final Fw 44 proved to have
excellent airworthiness.

A second version of the Fw 44 was the Fw 44B, which had an Argus As 8
four-cylinder inverted inline air-cooled engine of 90 kW (120 hp). The cowling
for this engine gave the plane a more slender, aerodynamic nose.

20 Fw 44s purchased by China were modified for combat missions, and participated
in the early stage of the Second Sino-Japanese War until all were lost in
action.

The last series version was the Fw 44J, which was sold or built under license in
several countries around the world. It was equipped with a seven-cylinder
Siemens-Halske Sh 14 radial engine.

Specifications (Fw 44)

General characteristics
Crew: two, student and instructor
Length: 7.30 m (23 ft 11 in)
Wingspan: 9.0 m (29 ft 6 in)
Height: 2.80 m (9 ft 2 in)
Wing area: 20 m² (215.2 ft²)
Empty weight: 565 kg (1,243 lb)
Loaded weight: 770 kg (1,694 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 785 kg (1,727 lb)
Powerplant: 1 × Siemens Sh 14 A-4 7-cylinder radial engine, 118 kW at 2,100 rpm
(160 hp)

Performance
Maximum speed: 185 km/h (115 mi)
Range: 550 km (340 mi)
Service ceiling: 3,900 m (12,790 ft)




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