The first version of the Fw 190 was fitted with a BMW 139 fourteen-cylinder radial air-cooled engine and flew in 1939. The original engine was then replaced by the fourteen-cylinder BMW 801, which was some 91 kg (200 lb) heavier, and several modifications were incorporated in the airframe. At that time the Reichsluftministerium (Ministry of Air) could not be convinced that a successful single-seat fighter could have an air-cooled radial engine and it was intended ultimately to fit a liquid-cooled in-line power-unit. In the meantime, the radial-engined Fw 190A became operational and proved itself to be a worthy opponent of contemporary British fighters. Despite any initial skepticism, the Fw 190A was used extensively until the capitulation and was the subject of continuous development to meet new operational requirements. The performance was increased substantially by the fitting of power-boosting systems and a heavier armament was mounted as new and improved guns became available.

Length (m): 8.84
Height (m): 3.96
Wing Span (m): 10.49
Top Speed: 400 mph
Ceiling (feet): 37,434
Weight (lbs): 10,803
Range: 560 miles
Crew: 1

Armament consisted of two 13 mm MG 131 in top cowling, two 20 mm MG 151/20 in wing roots, and optionally, two 20 mm MG 151/20 or 30 mm MK 108 in wings outboard of landing-gear. Most sub-variants identical to those for the A-6, except for A-8/R7 with armoured cockpit

Single-seat fighter or fighter-bomber.