View source for Focke-Wulf Fw 44 Stieglitz

{{short description|1932 general aviation aircraft family by Focke-Wulf}}
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= Fw 44 Stieglitz
 |image= File:Fliegerwerft 2008 Borkum 061.jpg
 |caption= A Focke-Wulf Fw 44J in 2008
 |type= [[Biplane]] [[Trainer (aircraft)|trainer]]
 |national_origin= Germany
 |manufacturer= [[Focke-Wulf]]
 |builder= [[Fábrica Militar de Aviones|FMA]]
 |designer=
 |first_flight= Late summer 1932<ref name="Holmes">Holmes, 2005. p. 79.</ref>
 |introduction=
 |retired=
 |status=
 |primary_user=
 |number_built=
 |developed_from=
 |variants=
}}

The '''Focke-Wulf Fw 44 ''Stieglitz''''' (Goldfinch) is a twin-seat [[biplane]] designed and produced by the [[Germany|German]] aircraft manufacturer [[Focke-Wulf]]. It was the company's first major international success.{{Sfn | Munson | 1978 | p =  53}}

The Fw 44 had a relatively conventional layout for a biplane, possessing a pair of open [[cockpit]]s that were arranged in [[tandem]]; both cockpits were equipped with flight controls and instrumentation. The aircraft had straight untapered wings, fixed [[Conventional landing gear|tailwheel landing gear]], and was typically powered by a [[Siemens-Halske Sh 14]] [[radial engine]]. It was furnished with [[aileron]]s on both upper and lower wings, but did not use [[Flap (aircraft)|flap]]s. The design team was headed by [[Kurt Tank]].<ref>Munson 1977, p. 129.</ref> Intended for use as a pilot [[Flight training|training]] and sports aircraft, the first [[prototype]] conducted its [[maiden flight]] in the latter half of 1932; while initially proving to be troublesome, remedial modifications and design tweaks quickly adapted the Fw 44 into a suitable aircraft for performing  [[aerobatics|aerobatic manoeuvres]], a feat which numerous noted pilots took advantage of.

The aircraft quickly garnered substantial orders from flight schools and flying clubs, both in Germany and abroad. The rate of orders was such that not only did Focke-Wulf establish a second factory but multiple [[licensed production|licences]] were issued to other companies, leading to the Fw 44 being produced in several other countries. The ''Fw 44C'' had been considered to be the definitive version of the aircraft, it was powered by a [[Siemens-Halske Sh 14]] [[radial engine]]. On several occasions, the type saw key military use; the [[Republic of China Air Force]] had their aircraft adapted for frontline combat during the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]]. The [[Luftwaffe]] operated numerous Fw 44s, both before and during the [[Second World War]].

==Design and development==
During the mid-1920s, the recently formed German aircraft manufacturer [[Focke-Wulf]] commenced limited production of their first civil-orientated aircraft, such as the [[Focke-Wulf A 16]].<ref name = "smithkay 155"/> In 1931, the company benefitted from two key events, the [[Mergers and acquisitions|merger]] of rival aircraft manufacturer [[Albatros Flugzeugwerke]] with Focke-Wulf and the arrival of the capable [[aeronautical engineer]] [[Kurt Tank]] as the leader of the firm's design department. In this capacity, Tank played a key role in the development of what would become the Fw 44, which commenced that same year.<ref name = "smithkay 155">Smith and Kay 1972, p. 155.</ref>

The Fw 44 was a single-bay [[strut]]-and-wire-[[bracing (aeronautics)|braced]] twin-seat biplane intended for use as a primary trainer and sporting aircraft.<ref name = "smithkay 1556">Smith and Kay 1972, pp. 155-156.</ref> It had equal span wings which had slight [[swept wing|sweepback]], [[Stagger (aeronautics)|stagger]], and [[dihedral (aeronautics)|dihedral]]. The lower wings attached directly to the bottom of the fuselage, the upper wings were connected to the upper fuselage via struts, and a set of N-shaped struts ran between the upper and lower wings on either side of the aircraft.<ref name = "smithkay 156"/> Wood was used for the wing's structural members, such as [[Pine wood|pinewood]] [[Spar (aeronautics)|spar]]s and [[rib]]s; a combination of [[fabric]] and [[plywood]] was used to cover the wing. The structure of the fuselage comprised [[Welding|weld]]ed [[steel]] tubing; metal panels covered the forward fuselage while a fabric covering was used for elements aft of the rear cockpit.<ref name = "smithkay 156"/>

The tail unit featured mixed construction, being covered with both fabric and plywood; the [[Angle of incidence (aerodynamics)|angle of incidence]] was adjustable mid-flight.<ref name = "smithkay 156"/> To reduce the risk of a fire within the engine bay, a [[Bulkhead (partition)|bulkhead]] composed of [[duralumin]] was present behind the tubular engine mount. The fuselage contained two fuel tanks, the lower of which was used during inverted flight; both tanks were forward of the bulkhead, as was a third tank containing lubricating oil.<ref name = "smithkay 1567">Smith and Kay 1972, pp. 156-157.</ref> Both of the aircraft's two cockpits, which were open, were compatible with seat-type [[parachute]]s. Just aft of the rear cockpit was a luggage locker that was accessed by folding down the seat.<ref name = "smithkay 157"/>

During late summer 1932, the first [[prototype]] performed its [[maiden flight]].<ref name="Holmes"/> Early test flights were troubled by a range of technical issues, compelling a detailed redesign of the aircraft.<ref name = "smithkay 156"/> Following extensive modifications and testing, it was determined that the redesigned aircraft not only possessed favourable flight characteristics but was also capable of withstanding considerable stresses; these qualities proved to be quite beneficial for conducting [[aerobatics|aerobatic manoeuvres]]. Several noted pilots opted to perform aerial displays using the type, such as [[Gerd Achgelis]], [[Enrst Edet]], and [[Emil Kopf]], the latter's aircraft bore the registration ''D-EMIL''.<ref name = "smithkay 156">Smith and Kay 1972, p. 156.</ref>

Much of the early demand for the type came from flight schools and flying clubs; the order numbers were such that Focke-Wulf was able to establish a second factory to produce the type.<ref name = "smithkay 156"/> Customers were not only confined to the German market; numerous nations in [[South America]], [[Europe]], and [[Asia]] would purchase the type, some opting to establish [[licensed production|local production]] of the Fw 44 in order to meet their needs. Multiple variants of the aircraft were developed, many of which were for these export customers.<ref name = "smithkay 156"/>

The ''Fw 44B'' was the second production version of the aircraft; it was powered by an [[Argus As 8]] four-cylinder inverted [[Inline engine (aviation)|inline]] air-cooled engine, capable of producing up to 90&nbsp;kW (120&nbsp;hp).<ref name="Holmes"/> The [[cowling]] for this engine gave the plane a more slender and aerodynamic nose.<ref name = "smithkay 156"/> The definitive version of the aircraft was the ''Fw 44C'', which was powered by a [[Siemens-Halske Sh 14]] [[radial engine]] instead.<ref name = "smithkay 156"/>

The last series version was the ''Fw 44J'', which was sold or built under license in several countries around the world.

==Operational history==
Nineteen Fw 44s (Twelve Fw 44Fs and seven Fw 44Js) were purchased by the provincial government of Canton ([[Guangdong]]) in 1935–36, for use by its own air force.{{sfn|Andersson|2008|p=267}} The Canton Air Force was incorporated into the main [[Republic of China Air Force|Nationalist Air Force]] in July 1936, as Canton lost its independence.{{sfn|Andersson|2008|pp=38, 152}} These were modified for combat missions and participated in the early stage of the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]], all are believed to have been lost in action.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}

Many Fw 44Cs were operated by the [[Luftwaffe]]; this included during the [[Second World War]], with the Flugzeugführerschulen and one or two Flugkriegsschulen.{{Sfn | Munson | 1978 | p =  53}}<ref name = "smithkay 157">Smith and Kay 1972, p. 157.</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:Stieglitzc 2008.jpg|thumb|right|Fw 44J G-STIG at Old Warden 2008]]
;Fw 44B
:
;Fw 44C
:Main production version with minor equipment changes, powered by a seven-cylinder Siemens-Halske Sh 14a radial piston engine.
;Fw 44D
:
;Fw 44E
:
;Fw 44F
:
;Fw 44J
:Final production model, powered by a seven-cylinder [[Siemens-Halske Sh 14]]a radial piston engine.
;I1AvN
:Fw 44J produced under license in Brazil by [[Fábrica do Galeão]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazilian Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/brazil.html |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>

=== I.Ae. 23 ===
[[Image:IA23.jpg|thumb|I.Ae. 23, the Argentinian "Wooden Focke-Wulf"]]

Between 1937 and 1942 the [[Fábrica Militar de Aviones]] (FMA) of [[Argentina]] had built 190 units of the FW-44J Stieglitz. It was powered by a domestically built version of the Siemens Bramo Sh-14 engine called the I. Ae. Sh-14. The Fw 44Js were destined for the Argentine Military Aviation School and for numerous aero clubs for use as training aircraft.

In 1944, the Instituto Aerotécnico received the request to experiment with the construction of the Fw 44J, but using purely national woods instead of importing them, following the pattern initiated by the development of the [[I.Ae. 22 DL|I.Ae. 22 "DL"]] trainer. The project was named '''I.Ae. 23'''.  It was known as "Wooden Focke-Wulf" (Focke-Wulf de Madera in Spanish).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Halbritter |first=Francisco |title=Historia de la industria aeronáutica argentina |date=2004 |publisher=Asociación Amigos de la Biblioteca Nacional de Aeronáutica |isbn=9872077444 |edition=1st |location=Buenos Aires |page=324}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=I.Ae. 23 on Airwar |url=http://www.airwar.ru/enc/other2/iae23.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Aviastar FMA I.Ae.23 |url=http://www.aviastar.org/air/argentina/fma-23.php}}</ref> The I.Ae. 23 flew for the first time on July 7, 1945.<ref name = airwar>{{cite web |title=Corner of the sky - FMA IAe.23 |url=http://www.airwar.ru/enc/other2/iae23.html |website=Airwar |access-date=29 September 2024}}</ref> The plane was used for training and aerobatics.  It was configured with a Kodak [[Gun camera|photo gun]].  Despite its success, only one was built, as its design was surpassed by other machines of British origin that were acquired in 1946.

==Operators==
[[File:Focke Wulf Fw 44 J Stieglitz 1.jpg|thumb|A Focke-Wulf Fw 44J in 2005]]
[[File:FOCKE WULF 44-J STIEGLITZ FAA.jpg|thumb|Focke-Wulf Fw 44s from Argentina, c. 1937.]]
;{{ARG}}
* [[Argentine Air Force]]
* [[Argentine Naval Aviation]]
The aircraft was produced under license in 1937–1942 period<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2003/01/stuff_eng_detail_fw44.htm |title=Focke-Wulf Fw 44 Stieglitz in Detail |access-date=9 August 2017 |archive-date=15 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715092040/http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2003/01/stuff_eng_detail_fw44.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
;{{AUT}}
* [[Austrian Air Force (1927–1938)]] – license production
;{{BOL}}
* [[Bolivian Air Force]] – one aircraft was delivered in November 1937<ref>[http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/americas/bolivia/Bolivia-af-Fw44.htm Focke-Wulf Fw-44J Stieglitz  * Retired *　Used by the Escuela Militar de Aviación.]</ref>
;{{BRA}}
* [[Brazilian Air Force]]
* [[Brazilian Naval Aviation]]
– license production
;{{flag|Bulgaria|1878}}
* [[Bulgarian Air Force]] – license production
;{{China as ROC}}
* [[Republic of China Air Force]]
;{{CHI}}
* [[Chilean Air Force]] – 15 aircraft delivered in February 1938<ref>[http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/americas/chile/AirForce/Chile-af-Fw44.htm Focke-Wulf Fw-44 Stieglitz  * Retired * Used by the Escuela de Aviación.]</ref>
;{{COL}}
* [[Colombian Air Force]]
;{{CZS}}
* [[Czechoslovak Air Force]] (postwar)
;{{FIN}}
* [[Finnish Air Force]]
;{{flag|Germany|Nazi}}
* ''[[Luftwaffe]]''
;{{flag|Hungary|1920}}
* [[Hungarian Air Force]]
;{{POL}}
* [[Polish Air Force]]
;{{flag|Romania}}
* [[Royal Romanian Air Force]]
;{{flag|Slovakia|1938}}
* [[Slovak Air Force (1939–1945)]]
;{{ESP}}
* [[Spanish Air Force]]
;{{SWE}}
* [[Swedish Air Force]] – license production; called Sk&nbsp;12<ref>[https://www.plane-encyclopedia.com/ww2/nazi-germany/focke-wulf-fw-44-stieglitz/ Plane Encyclopedia Focke-Wulf Fw 44 Stieglitz]</ref>
;{{SUI}}
* [[Swiss Air Force]] - One Fw 44F defected to Switzerland in 1945, and was purchased from the [[Allied Control Commission]] later that year, serving with the Swiss Air Force until 1953.<ref>{{harvnb|''Aeroplane Monthly'' March 1997|p= 54}}</ref>
;{{TUR}}
* [[Turkish Air Force]] (1937–1962)
;{{YUG}}
* [[SFR Yugoslav Air Force]] – postwar

== Specifications ==
{{Aircraft specs
|ref= ''Flugzeug Typenbuch 1941'' <ref name=schneider>{{cite book |last1=Schneider |first1=Helmut |title=Flugzeug Typenbuch |date=1941 |publisher=Herm. Beyer Verlag |location=Leipzig |page=68 |language=de}}</ref>
|prime units?= met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew= 2
|length m= 7.3
|length note=
|span m= 9
|span note=
|height m= 2.7
|height note=
|wing area sqm= 20
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=<!--'''root:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA ]]; '''tip:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA ]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>-->
|empty weight kg= 565
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg= 870
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number= 1
|eng1 name= [[Bramo Sh 14A-4]]
|eng1 type= seven-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng1 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng1 note={{cvt|150|PS|hp kW|0}}

|prop blade number= 2
|prop name= Starrschraube 
|prop dia m= 2.25
|prop dia note= fixed-pitch RH rotation wooden propeller
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh= 185
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kmh= 172
|cruise speed note=<br/>
*'''Landing speed:''' {{cvt|74|km/h|mph kn}}
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed note=
|range km= 675
|range note=
|combat range km=
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=
|ferry range note=
|endurance= Four hours and 24 minutes
|ceiling m= 3,900
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms= 3.4
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=<br/>
:*{{cvt|1000|m}} in five minutes and 30 seconds
:*{{cvt|3000|m}} in 23 minutes and 36 seconds
|wing loading kg/m2= 43.5
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|power/mass={{cvt|0.1724|PS/kg|hp/lb kW/kg}}
|more performance=<br/>
*'''Fuel consumption:''' {{cvt|.20|L/km|impgal/mi}}
*'''Oil consumption:''' {{cvt|.01|L/km|impgal/mi}}
*'''Take-off distance:''' {{cvt|140|m}}
*'''Landing distance:''' {{cvt|140|m}}
}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |last=Andersson |first=Lennart |title=A History of Chinese Aviation: Encyclopedia of Aircraft and Aviation in China until 1949 |year=2008 |location=Taipei, Republic of China |publisher=AHS of ROC |isbn=978-957-28533-3-7}}
* {{cite magazine |last1=Cortet |first1=Pierre |title=Rétros du mois |magazine=Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire |date=May 2002 |issue=110 |page=4 |trans-title=Retros of the Month |language=fr |issn=1243-8650}}
* {{cite book |last= Holmes |first= Tony |title=Jane's Vintage Aircraft Recognition Guide |year=2005 |publisher=Harper Collins |location=London, UK |isbn = 0-00-719292-4 }}
* {{cite magazine |title=Interned! |magazine=[[Aeroplane Monthly]] |date=March 1997 |volume=25 |issue=3 |pages=54–57 |issn=0143-7240 |ref={{harvid|''Aeroplane Monthly'' March 1997}} }}
* {{cite book |last = Munson |first = Kenneth |title = Fighters Between the Wars 1919-39 |year = 1977 |ISBN = 071370750X}}
* {{cite book |last = Munson |first = Kenneth |title = German Aircraft Of World War 2 in colour |location = Poole, Dorsett, UK |publisher = Blandford Press |year = 1978 |isbn = 0-7137-0860-3}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Smith |first1 = John Richard |first2 = Anthony L. |last2 = Kay |first3 = Eddie J. |last3 = Creek |title = German Aircraft of the Second World War |location = London, UK |publisher = Putnam and Company Ltd. |year = 1972 |isbn = 978-1-55750-010-6}}

== Further reading ==
* {{cite book |last1=Ketley |first1=Barry |last2=Rolfe |first2=Mark |title=Luftwaffe Fledglings, 1935-1945: Luftwaffe Training Units and Their Aircraft |publisher=Hikoki |year=1996 |isbn=9780951989920 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vkgDAAAACAAJ }}
* {{cite book |last1=Pavlovcic |first1=Gabriel |last2=Raczynsk |first2=Esteban |title=Focke-Wulf 44J en Argentina |date=4 October 2018 |language=es |url=https://www.gacetaeronautica.com/gaceta/wp-101/?p=29436 }}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070927045017/http://www.ajbs.fr/musee/stieglitz.php Musee volant de l'Amicale Jean-Baptiste Salis]
* [http://www.rwebs.net/ghostsqd/fw44.htm Commemorative Air Force]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150601095535/http://www.biplanes.de/airshows/bottenhorn_05/stieglitz/ Biplanes.de's Fw 44 D-EMMI Stieglitz Photo Page] (in German)
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLZtU7u1D-I YouTube's D-EMMI Stieglitz Takeoff at Eisenhardt airshow in 2010]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131219000018/http://www.biplanes.de/bilderserien/bremen_09/index.php Biplanes.de's 85th Anniversary of Focke-Wulf's founding Stieglitz Fly-In Page] (in German)

{{Focke-Wulf aircraft}}
{{RLM aircraft designations}}
{{Kurt Tank aircraft}}
{{Swedish military aircraft designations}}
{{Czech trainer aircraft}}
{{AvN aircraft designations}}
{{FMA aircraft}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Focke-Wulf aircraft|Fw 044]]
[[Category:1930s German military trainer aircraft]]
[[Category:Biplanes]]
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[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1932]]
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[[Category:1940s Argentine military trainer aircraft]]