Focke-Wulf Fw 44 Stieglitz

Fw 44 Stieglitz
A Focke-Wulf Fw 44J in 2008
General information
Type	Biplane trainer
National origin	Germany
Manufacturer	Focke-Wulf
Built by	FMA
History
First flight	Late summer 1932[1]

The Focke-Wulf Fw 44 Stieglitz (Goldfinch) is a twin-seat biplane designed and produced by the German aircraft manufacturer Focke-Wulf. It was the company's first major international success.^[2]

The Fw 44 had a relatively conventional layout for a biplane, possessing a pair of open cockpits that were arranged in tandem; both cockpits were equipped with flight controls and instrumentation. The aircraft had straight untapered wings, fixed tailwheel landing gear, and was typically powered by a Siemens-Halske Sh 14 radial engine. It was furnished with ailerons on both upper and lower wings, but did not use flaps. The design team was headed by Kurt Tank.^[3] Intended for use as a pilot training and sports aircraft, the first prototype conducted its maiden flight in the latter half of 1932; while initially proving to be troublesome, remedial modifications and design tweaks quickly adapted the Fw 44 into a suitable aircraft for performing aerobatic manoeuvres, a feat which numerous noted pilots took advantage of.

The aircraft quickly garnered substantial orders from flight schools and flying clubs, both in Germany and abroad. The rate of orders was such that not only did Focke-Wulf establish a second factory but multiple licences were issued to other companies, leading to the Fw 44 being produced in several other countries. The Fw 44C had been considered to be the definitive version of the aircraft, it was powered by a Siemens-Halske Sh 14 radial engine. On several occasions, the type saw key military use; the Republic of China Air Force had their aircraft adapted for frontline combat during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The Luftwaffe operated numerous Fw 44s, both before and during the Second World War.