Compared with the RAF's main fighter of 1941, the Spitfire VB, the 190 was roughly 35mph faster at all altitudes, it had a much faster rate of roll, and it had the devastating armament of four 20mm cannon and two machine guns.

It is surely extraordinary that, though some 19,400 were constructed, not one Fw190 remains in flying condition, and almost the only example left in its original condition should be a 'one-off' two-seat conversion!

It is also remarkable that most of these superb fighters were used mainly on ground-attack missions, while the ace pilots of the Luftwaffe generally flew the Bf 109, which was inferior on almost every count, except for being cheaper to buy.