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-A8 was the most widely produced 190 with many sub-variants and adaptations, including extra armour, 30mm cannon, radar, and torpedo carrying versions.