The Focke-Wulf 190 entered service with the Luftwaffe in 1941. It was a fast and versatile fighter and was unusual in that it had an 18 cylinder radial engine. The BMW 139 was prone to overheating in the early versions, but the problem was solved by the time full production began.

The Fw-190-A5 was an improved version of the A4. It was armed with 2 x 7.92mm machine guns and 4 x 20mm cannon, and an uprated BMW engine, which was moved further forward to balance the centre of gravity.