WARBIRDFINDERS.CO.UK

FOCKE-WULF 189 A1

Aircraft Type:
Focke-Wulf 189 A1
Werke No: 2100
Unit Code: v7+1H
Built: Prague, July 1941

Last Mission: 04th May 1943 during reconnaissance mission on Loukhi 3 (Northern Russia). Purchased and recovered by Jim Pearce, 1990

Status: SOLD to collector in USA

Airframe:
FW189, Werke no. 2100; significantly complete and believed to be the only remaining FW189 in existence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gallery Click on a thumbnail image below to see a larger version (please allow time for larger images to load if viewing at connection speeds of 56.6kbps or less)

                       

                         

Engines: Two original Argus 410 engines recovered from crash site.

Spares:

- Argus 410 ‘overhauled’ engines (2 off)

- Set of wings

- Tailplane

- Vertical Fin (1 off)

- Tail Boom (1 off)

- Propeller Hubs (2 off in addition to the two original)

- New Dual Magneto for Argos 410 Engine

Miscellaneous Equipment: RB50/30 aerial reconnaissance camera (fuselage mounted).
Centre Section Jig made by Airframe Assemblies.

Restoration progress prior to sale:
Centre-section stripped of most damaged parts and where possible damaged parts repaired. Where not possible remade new with UK CAA release notes.

The two Argus 410 Engines were also completely overhauled by Deltair Engines. New components included dual magnetos, all engine seals and o-rings.

Extensive research was considered of major importance and commenced upon aircraft recovery. Using the combat report for the last mission the pilot, Lothar Mothes, who flew the last mission was located. The pilot's survival story was documented along with details of the last mission and the subsequent crash landing.

History: This aircraft last served with 1.(H)32 unit based at Pontsalenjoki, Finland. The pilot at this time was Lothar Mothes. On 4th May 1943 this aircraft was deployed on a reconnaissance mission to take aerial pictures of Loukhi Air Force base and nearby railway line. The last radio message was received at 03.37 indicating they were under attack by Russian fighters. Two of the three crew died from injuries sustained during the attack and subsequent crash landing. The Pilot survived the crash and a further two weeks in arctic conditions and hostile territory as he trekked back across the Finish Border to his base.

Following the crash v7+1H laid untouched until the recovery by Jim Pearce and his team in 1990.
 

        

(left-to-right): V7+1H pilot Lothar Mothes, sole survivor of the crash; FW189 at the factory in Prague; contemporary photo of an FW189 in the air;  Lothar Mothes reunited with V7+1H at the 1996 Biggin Hill International Airshow with Jim Pearce.

A total of 846 FW 189 aircraft were built. This aircraft is believed to be the only surviving example. Considering this and the extensively researched history, verified by the pilot, make this aircraft one of the most unique of all warbirds.

 

 

back to top of page  |   Back to AIRCRAFT FOR SALE
 

web design: david siddall multimedia, monmouth, uk | © 2007