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Focke-Wulf Fw 187 Falke

Germany · Interwar (1919–1938)

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The Focke-Wulf Fw 187 Falke ("Falcon") was a German twin-engine single-seat heavy fighter prototype — an aircraft that notably outperformed the Bf 110 + Bf 109 but was rejected by the Luftwaffe due to political + doctrinal constraints. Kurt Tank designed the Fw 187 in 1936-1937; the prototype first flew on 31 May 1937. About 9 Fw 187s were built (V1 through V9 prototypes); the Luftwaffe declined to order series production despite the aircraft's exceptional performance. The Fw 187 represents one of the most-puzzling cancelled fighter programmes of the period.

The Fw 187V3 used 2 × Daimler-Benz DB 600 V-12 engines (1,000 hp each). Maximum speed 635 km/h — exceeding the contemporary Bf 109E (550 km/h) and Bf 110 (560 km/h) by large margins. Range 1,150 km, service ceiling 10,000 m. Armament: 4 × MG 17 7.92 mm machine guns + 2 × 20 mm MG FF cannons in late variants. Crew: 1 (the only twin-engine fighter intended for single-pilot operation, which Luftwaffe doctrine considered unusual). The aircraft demonstrated speed + manoeuvrability + range that exceeded all contemporary German fighters.

Fw 187 cancellation was politically complicated. The Luftwaffe ordered only 9 prototypes (V1-V9) + declined series production despite the aircraft's exceptional performance. Several factors contributed: (1) Willy Messerschmitt's political support for the Bf 110 heavy fighter; (2) Luftwaffe doctrine favouring two-seat heavy fighters (rejecting the single-pilot Fw 187 concept); (3) Focke-Wulf's competing single-seat Fw 190 fighter that was further along in development. The 9 prototypes saw very limited Luftwaffe in-service use — about 3 V-series airframes flew Norwegian-based operations briefly in early 1940 before being withdrawn. About 0 Fw 187 airframes survive.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Focke-Wulf Fw 187 Falke was a German twin-engine fighter from the late 1930s. The German word Falke means 'Falcon.' The plane was very fast — faster than the famous Bf 109 and Bf 110 fighters. But Germany never ordered many of them.

Kurt Tank designed the Fw 187 in 1936 and 1937. The first one flew on 31 May 1937. Only 9 Fw 187s were built in total. None of them ever entered regular German service. The reason is one of the strangest stories in fighter plane history.

The Fw 187 had two Daimler-Benz V-12 engines, each with 1,000 horsepower. Its top speed was 395 mph, much faster than the Bf 109's 342 mph. The plane was about as long as a small school bus and carried machine guns and small cannons. Pilots who flew it said it handled beautifully.

Why did the Germans not buy more Fw 187s? The Luftwaffe believed in fighters with two crew or one crew, not in single-seat twin-engine fighters. The plane fell between the two ideas and was rejected. Many experts still call the Fw 187 one of the great cancelled fighters of history.

Fun Facts

The German word Falke means 'Falcon.'
Only 9 Fw 187s were ever built.
It was faster than the famous Bf 109 and Bf 110 fighters.
Its top speed was 395 mph — much faster than the Bf 109's 342 mph.
Pilots who flew it said it handled beautifully.
Many experts call the Fw 187 one of the great cancelled fighter projects of history.

Kids’ Questions

Why was the Fw 187 so fast?

The Fw 187 had two powerful engines but only one pilot. With two engines, it could climb fast and reach high speeds. With only one seat, it was lighter and slimmer than two-seat heavy fighters. This rare mix gave it speed that few fighters could match.

Why did Germany not order more?

The German Air Force did not see a place for a single-seat twin-engine fighter. They wanted single-engine fighters like the Bf 109 for dogfights, and two-seat planes like the Bf 110 for long-range escort. The Fw 187 did not fit either group, so it was passed over even though it was faster.

Variants

Fw 187 V1-V9 (prototypes only): Nine prototypes 1937-1940. No series production.

Notable Operators

Luftwaffe (prototype testing + limited Norwegian operations 1940): About 3 V-series airframes flew Norwegian-based operations briefly in early 1940. Withdrawn from in-service use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Fw 187 rejected despite better performance?

Politics + doctrine. The Luftwaffe leadership (Hermann Göring + Ernst Udet) favoured Willy Messerschmitt's Bf 110 over the Focke-Wulf design. Luftwaffe doctrine specified two-seat heavy fighters (pilot + gunner); the single-pilot Fw 187 was considered doctrinally unusual. Focke-Wulf's own competing Fw 190 single-engine fighter was further along in development. The combination resulted in the Fw 187's cancellation despite its exceptional performance. Modern aviation historians widely regard the cancellation as a Luftwaffe technical mistake.

Was the Fw 187 really faster than the Bf 110?

Yes — by large margins. Fw 187V3 maximum speed 635 km/h vs. Bf 110C maximum speed 560 km/h. The Fw 187 was also more manoeuvrable + lighter + had better fuel economy. The aircraft would have been a much more-capable Luftwaffe heavy fighter than the Bf 110 that fought (badly) in the Battle of Britain. Battle-of-Britain Bf 110 losses might have been notably lower if the Luftwaffe had ordered the Fw 187 into series production in 1938.

Sources

Wikipedia — Focke-Wulf Fw 187