This section covers three most significant aircraft of Nazi Germany that served in the Luftwaffe during the Second World War as defined by the years 1939 to 1945.
Dornier Do 335 Pfeil
- Aircraft designers are constantly seeking to maximize engine power and minimize drag. The increased power resulting from the adoption of a traditional twin- engined layout is normally partially offset by the increased drag and reduced maneuverability. An alternative arrangement, with the two engines mounted fore-and-aft in tandem (一前一後地) is known as center-line thrust. The obvious benefits of this layout include reduced frontal area, an aerodynamically clean wing and the elimination of the asymmetry problems associated with engine failure.
The Do-335 was the fastest production piston-engined fighter ever built, attaining 474 mph in level flight. Powered by two 1800-hp engines in a unique low-drag configuration and it was an exceptional heavy fighter. The unconventional configuration of the Do-335 provided the power of two engines, but with reduced drag and better maneuverability
- This aircraft was captured by Allied forces at the plant and was shipped to the United States in 1945. It was then returned to Germany, where the Dornier restored it to original condition in 1975 and returned to Smithsonian in 1986. Museum's aircraft is the only Dornier Do 335 known to exist.
Arado AR 234B Blitz
The Ar 234 Blitz was the world's first operational jet bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. It was powered by two Junkers turbojets and the maximum velocity topped 456 mph. All the prototypes had provision for rocket-assisted takeoff boosters. A rack was fitted under each outer wing to carry a rocket. Each rocket weighed about 600 pounds, and was capable of generating 1,100 lbf thrust for 30 seconds. The rockets were dropped by parachute after the Ar-234 was airborne.
- There were a number of innovations in the Ar-234 that would be seen in later aircraft. The autopilot-bombsight linkup was a primitive version of the systems installed in modern single-seat strike aircraft like the F-117 Stealth fighter, which largely flies itself over the target while the pilot guides its bomb.
Focke-Wulf FW 190
- The Fw 190 is widely regarded as Germany's best fighter aircraft of World War II. Its appearance in the skies over France in early 1941 was a rude shock to the Allies, as it was clearly superior to any other plane. For nearly a year, until the debut of the Spitfire IX, the Fw 190 was the unmatched champion of the air war.
The Fw 190 was known as a "pilot’s airplane," meaning she was a sweet ship to fly, light and easy on the controls. Its speed, climb, dive, and roll rate were superior to the Spitfire. Many of the top German aces, started flying the Bf 109 early in the war, and later transitioned to the Fw 190. Many of the 107 Luftwaffe aces to score over 100 confirmed victories flew both types.
- The Focke-Wulf pilot benefited from a canopy with a fine all-around view. The Fw 190 had a wide track landing gear, which made it much less prone (傾斜的) to ground loops than the Bf 109, and it could absorb more battle damage. Arguably, the Fw 190's greatest impact on the Allied war effort was to spur ever-greater advances in technology and aircraft design to counter its threat. In all, nearly 37,000 Bf-109 and 20,000 FW 190 aircraft of all types were completed by the end of the war.
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