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Focke-Wulf Fw 58 Weihe

Trainer · Germany · Interwar (1919–1938)

Focke-Wulf Fw 58 Weihe — Trainer
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The Focke-Wulf Fw 58 Weihe ("Harrier") was a German twin-engine multi-purpose aircraft — used as modern trainer, light transport, communications aircraft, and air-sea rescue. Kurt Tank designed the Fw 58 in 1935; the prototype first flew in 1935. About 1,350 Fw 58s were built between 1937 and 1942 at Focke-Wulf Bremen + licensed plants in Argentina + Brazil. The aircraft served Luftwaffe training schools + utility units 1937-1945, plus ~6 export operators.

The Fw 58 used 2 × Argus As 10C V-8 inverted engines (240 hp each). Maximum speed 274 km/h, range 800 km, service ceiling 5,600 m. Capacity: 6 (pilot + 5 passengers / students), or 600 kg of cargo. The aircraft was specifically designed as a multi-role training + utility aircraft — capable of training pilots in multi-engine operations + light cargo / communications use simultaneously. Some Fw 58 variants carried light defensive armament + bomb racks for training student pilots in in-service doctrine.

Fw 58 service spanned Luftwaffe pilot training (multi-engine conversion) + light transport (communications + courier missions) + air-sea rescue (post-1940 conversions). Argentine + Brazilian air forces operated licence-built Fw 58s through the 1950s. The aircraft was famously safe and easy to fly — about 1,350 produced + few combat losses + ~25 surviving airframes at museums worldwide (more than most Luftwaffe types). Several remain airworthy in private vintage collections.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Focke-Wulf Fw 58 Weihe was a German twin-engine plane that did many jobs. The German word Weihe means 'Harrier,' a type of bird. The plane was used for training, light cargo, communications, and rescue work.

Kurt Tank designed the Fw 58 in 1935. About 1,350 were built between 1937 and 1942 in Germany, Argentina, and Brazil. The plane had two Argus V-8 engines with 240 horsepower each.

The Fw 58 carried up to 6 people, or 600 kg of cargo. It was about as long as a city bus. The top speed was 170 mph, with a range of about 500 miles. Pilots could learn multi-engine flying and basic flight skills in the same plane.

During World War II, the Fw 58 helped rescue downed pilots from the sea. It also flew supplies between airfields and trained navigators and radio operators. Some Fw 58s served in air forces until the late 1940s. A few are still on display in museums today.

Fun Facts

  • The German word Weihe means 'Harrier,' a type of bird.
  • About 1,350 Fw 58s were built between 1937 and 1942.
  • The plane could be used as a trainer, cargo plane, or rescue aircraft.
  • It carried up to 6 people or 600 kg of cargo.
  • Argentina and Brazil also built Fw 58s under license.
  • Some Fw 58s rescued pilots who landed in the sea during World War II.

Kids’ Questions

Why was the Fw 58 used for so many different jobs?

The Fw 58 was made on purpose to be useful in many ways. It had room inside for students, passengers, or cargo. Two engines made it safe enough for long flights, and the price was low. That mix made it a popular plane for air forces and small airlines.

What is multi-engine training?

A plane with more than one engine flies differently than a plane with just one. If one engine quits, the pilot has to lean the plane the right way and adjust the controls. Students used the Fw 58 to learn these skills before flying real bombers or transports.

Variants

Fw 58B (basic trainer)
Standard trainer variant. About 800 built.
Fw 58C (light transport)
Light cargo + communications variant. About 400 built.
FMA I.Ae. 21 / 22 (Argentine licence)
Argentine FMA licence. About 100 built.

Notable Operators

Luftwaffe (1937-1945)
Principal user. Multi-engine training + light transport + air-sea rescue.
Argentine + Brazilian air forces
Combined ~150 airframes. Postwar service through the 1950s.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Fw 58 used for?

Multi-engine pilot training (transitioning students from single-engine to multi-engine operations), light transport (communications + courier flights between Luftwaffe bases), and air-sea rescue (post-1940 conversions of older airframes). The aircraft's reasonable speed + reasonable range + 6-passenger capacity made it valuable for many secondary roles.

Sources

See Also