Focke-Wulf Ta 152

The Focke-Wulf Ta 152 was a German high-altitude fighter and interceptor designed by Kurt Tank and produced by Focke-Wulf, developed from the Fw 190. Its Ta prefix honours Tank. Three versions were planned: the Ta 152H high-altitude fighter, the Ta 152C for medium altitudes and ground attack with a Daimler-Benz DB 603, and the Ta 152E fighter-reconnaissance aircraft. The first Ta 152H entered Luftwaffe service in January 1945, and production ceased a month later as Germany position worsened, so the type arrived too late and in too few numbers to matter in the war. Japan bought the licence and drawings in April 1945 but no Japanese aircraft are believed to have been completed, and only one original Ta 152, an H-0, survives.