Fw44 'Stieglitz'
G-STIG WkNr: 183

History

Design work on the A44 (as the type was originally designated) was completed in 1932. This simple tandem two seat Bi-plane Trainer and sports aircraft prototype (D-2409) made its first flight in the same year. Kurt Tank took over flight testing of the aircraft after he joined the company and implemented a considerable number of minor modifications which greatly improved the flight characteristics. After the establishment of the German RLM the type was re designated the FW44. Several prototypes with various modifications and engine configurations followed with the aircraft being adopted by a number of German expert aerobatic pilots including the famous Ernst Udet. It proved to be an excellent aircraft fully capable of the aerobatic manoeuvres performed by these pilots. The first prototype was equipped with a 150 hp Bramo Siemens Sh14A Radial engine. During the period that preceded WW2 the FW44 was delivered to Bolivia, Chile, China, Czechoslovakia, Finland, Romania, Switzerland, Turkey, Austria, Argentina, Bulgaria, Brazil and Sweden the last five countries producing the machine under licence.

Just before the war an improved version of the Stieglitz was built under the designation FW44J. Powered by a more powerful Sh14A4 engine which developed 160hp for take off, the variant saw widespread service with the Luftwaffe’s training schools.

General Construction:

The Fw44 “Stieglitz” is a Two-Seat, Single Engine, Brace and Strut Biplane of mixed construction powered by a Siemens SH14A Bramo 7 Cylinder Radial Engine and Wooden two bladed propeller. The aircraft was designed (Kurt Tanks first aircraft with Focke Wulf) for training, pleasure and both limited and unlimited aerobatics. Its key features which it endeared it to the Luftwaffe training schools are:

• Robust manufacturing allowing rough handling during landing.
• Simple construction in order to allow for easy repairs after incidents during
training.
• Good all round view for both pilots due to the position of the wings.
• Good gliding angle and landing speed and short landing run with the use of wheel brakes for advanced training.
• Weak spring response of the undercarriage linked to effective damping.
• Good flight and handling characteristics.

The design perfected by Kurt Tank has shown over the years that all these aims have been fulfilled its strength corresponding to Stress Group 5 with limited load (single occupancy) and Stress Group 4 fully laden.

History of G-GSTIG WkNr: 183

• Built by Focke Wulf, Bremen in 1937 as WkNr.183 which is still visible on the airframe.

• 1937 - 1939 one of a batch of fifteen Bremen built aircraft sent to Argentina by Focke Wulf before the war and before the aircraft type was produced under licence in this particular country was registered as LV-YYX.

• 1989 - 1990 acquired and operated by Hans Dittes, registered as D-EHDH in Germany.

• 1990 - 2004 acquired and operated by Y Vinlke, registered as OO-JKT in Belgium during this time in 1996 the aircraft suffered damage during a heavy landing at Speyer, Germany.

• 2004 - Present acquired by Glenn Lacey and registered G-STIG undergone complete and extensive restoration to original condition. Extensive damage found as a result of the landing accident.