Focke-Wulf Ta-152H 'Special Schemes'

Focke-Wulf Ta-152H 'Special Schemes' The Ta-152H was one of the ultimate and finest German fighters of WWII, primarily designed for high-altitude operations. Its development began in the summer of 1943 with an aim to supersede the Fw-190D-9. It was a single-seat monoplane of an all-metal structure, featuring an enclosed pressurised canopy and a retractable landing gear. It was powered by a Jumo 213E in-line piston engine and its armament comprised three cannons. The prototype, designated the Fw-190V33/U1, flew in July 1944, while a number of other converted Fw-190s were used as test beds, including the Fw-190V30/U1. The Ta-152 series production began in late 1944 and eventually, only some 43 machines were built, including 20 pre-production H-0 aircraft and a batch of the first series Ta-152H-1s.

The first Ta-152s entered service with the Luftwaffe in January 1945 and although being capable interceptors, they came too late to be used in their role and to make a significant impact on the air war over Europe. In April 1945, Japan purchased the blueprints of the Ta-152 and reportedly one aircraft, although this did not lead to any production in Japan.

A number of Ta-152Hs fell into Allied hands and some of them were examined in Britain and the USA post-war.