Focke-Wolf FW 189 in Action (Aircraft 142)
By George Punka
Publisher: Squadron/Signal Publications Inc. 1994 50 Pages
ISBN: 0897473108
PDF 16 MB
In ihc February of 1937 the Technische Ami (Technical Office) of the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM > opened competition for a new aircraft to replace the Luftwaffe’s current reconnaissance aircraft thai equipped the Aujkldrungsslaffeltt (H) (tacti-cal reconnaissance squadrons). Up until this time, the Luftwaffe had used the Hcinke! He 46 for this role, but this aircraft was rapidly becoming obsolete. The He 46 filled the reconnais-sance mission with excellent downward visibility and good slow speed handling. In 1935. Hcnschel offered the HS 122 as a replacement for the He 46; however, the aircraft was only some six mph (10 km/h ) faster than the earlier aircraft. The Hs I22’s 167 mph top speed (270 km/h) was deemed to be insufficient and Hcnschel rebuilt the prototype, using a more power-ful engine and improved airframe. This prototype evolved into the Hs 126 high wing, two seat tactical reconnaissance aircraft.