[Guest]

The Fw 190 is undoubtedly a formidable low- and
medium-altitude fighter. Its designer has
obviously given much thought to the pilot. The
cockpit is well laid out and the absence of large
levers and unnecessary gadgets most noticeable.
The pilot is given a comfortable seating position,
and is well protected by armour. The simplicity of
the aircraft as a whole is an excellent feature,
and enables new pilots to be thoroughly
conversant with all controls in a very brief period.

The all-round search view is the best that has yet
been seen from any aircraft flown by this unit.
The rough running of the engine is much
disliked and must be a great disadvantage, as
lack of confidence in an engine makes flying
over bad country or water most unpleasant.
The armament is good and well positioned,
and the ammunition capacity should be
sufficient for any normal fighter operation. The
sighting view is approximately half a ring (of
deflection) better than that from the Spitfire.

The flying characteristics are exceptional,
and a pilot new to the type feels at home
immediately. The controls are light and well
harmonised and all manoeuvres can be carried
out without difficulty at all speeds. The fact that
the Fw 190 does not require re-trimming under
all conditions of flight is a particularly good
point. The initial acceleration is very good and is
particularly noticeable in the initial stages of a
climb or dive. Perhaps one of the most
outstanding gualities of this aircraft is the
remarkable aileron control. It is possible to
change from a turn in one direction to a turn in
the opposite direction with incredible speed.

The main conclusion gained from the tactical
trials of the Fw 190 is that our fighter aircraft
must fly at high speed when in an area where
the Fw 190 is likely to be met. This will give our
pilots the chance of 'bouncing' and catching the
Fw 190 and, if 'bounced' themselves, the best
chance of avoiding being shot down.