Sunday, December 05, 2010

Fw190A-5/U3 Flies Again

On Wednesday afternoon, December 1, the Flying Heritage Collection’s (FHC) reported on its Facebook page that its Fw-190A-5/U3 fighter made its first post-restorative flight, marking the first time it’s been airborne since 1943 when it was shot down near Leningrad during World War II.

Veteran test pilot Steve Hinton was at the controls as the aircraft took off in Tehachapi, California, and tested all major systems during a 20-minute flight. The pilot reported that the aircraft passed its trial flight with flying colors, stating, “The plane is very light, fast, and responsive…This lived up to the history books."

Paul G. Allen, FHC owner, wrote on his Twitter page Thursday, “Yesterday saw FHC Warbird Fw 190A5 fighter fly for 1st time since WWII; Steve Hinton at the controls, pretty amazing.”

See the EAA report, and an engine test (watch in HD):

FW 190 engine test

You Tube link

FlugWerk in Germany has built some "new" Fw190's, using the original blueprints, but they use Russian engines.  This, AFAIK, will be the only Focke Wulf flying with its original BMW radial.

About seven weeks ago EAA reported the airplane’s BMW 801 engine had its first run by Vintage V12s in Tehachapi. The plane was discovered in a Russian swamp.

Any time we get more vintage planes flying is a good time!

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