Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8/R6, WNr. 733682
History
The Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8/R6 with serial number 733682 is a significant artifact on display at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford in Shropshire, England. This aircraft is one of the few surviving examples of the Luftwaffe's Mistel program, a unique combination of a manned Fw 190 fighter and an unmanned Ju 88 bomber, designed for guided explosive attacks
Constructed in 1944 or 1945, Fw 190A-8/R6 733682 was part of the Luftwaffe's Mistel S3B composite aircraft. In this configuration, the Fw 190 was mounted atop a Ju 88 bomber, with the pilot of the Fw 190 controlling both aircraft during the flight. Upon reaching the target, the two aircraft would separate, allowing the pilot to guide the explosive-laden Ju 88 into the target. This innovative but ultimately impractical weapon system saw limited use during the war.
The aircraft was captured by Allied forces at Tirstrup, Denmark, in May 1945. Subsequently, it was ferried to Schleswig, Germany, and later transferred to the United Kingdom. Upon arrival, it was assigned the Air Ministry number "AM75" and was initially displayed at Farnborough in November 1945.
After its time at Farnborough, the aircraft was exhibited at various locations, including RAF Cranwell, RAF Biggin Hill, and London's Imperial War Museum. In 1986, it was moved to Duxford for restoration by The Fighter Collection.Following restoration, it returned to Lambeth in 1989, where it was displayed suspended in the museum. In December 2012, the aircraft was transferred to the RAF Museum Cosford, where it is currently on display in the "War in the Air" hangar. The museum's conservation team has undertaken maintenance to ensure the aircraft's preservation for future generations.