The Focke-Wulf Fw190 was one of the most important fighters of World War II. It entered service in 1941 and outclassed the Allied fighters of the time. It remained in production during the war and over 20,000 were manufactured.

Development of the Fw190 began in 1937 and the first prototype was flown on 1 June 1939.

During the development phase a number of changes were made to its engines and various design features including wing span and nose shape.

The first production aircraft began leaving assembly lines in late 1940 and 100 had been completed by early 1941.

When they entered service in May 1941 they outclassed the Spitfire V that was Britain’s front line fighter.

Developments continued during the rest of the war so the Fw190 remained a formidable front line fighter.

This model represent a Fw190A based near Le Bourget in 1941.

Matchbox 1/72 kit. Completed in October 1991.