Focke-Wulf Fw 190F-8, WNr. 931862, "Weisse 1"
History
The Focke-Wulf Fw 190F-8, Werknummer 931862, commonly known as "White 1," is a rare and historically significant Luftwaffe fighter aircraft from World War II. Assigned to 9./Jagdgeschwader 5 (JG 5), also known as "Eismeer," it was piloted by Unteroffizier Heinz Orlowski. On February 9, 1945, during a combat engagement over Norway, "White 1" was shot down by an RAF Mustang. Orlowski survived the crash.
The wreckage remained on the mountainside near Forde, Norway, for over 25 years. In September 1983, a recovery team salvaged the remains, transporting them to Flesland Airport near Bergen. The Norwegian Defense Museum initially oversaw the project but later transferred it to the Texas Air Museum in Kissimmee, Florida. Eventually, the Collings Foundation took responsibility for the restoration, moving the aircraft to GossHawk Unlimited in Casa Grande, Arizona .
The restoration process was meticulous, aiming for historical accuracy. Efforts included sourcing original German WWII rivets, recreating internal markings, and refurbishing the BMW 801D engine to its original specifications. In early 2023, the aircraft underwent engine trials, marking a significant milestone toward its return to flight. Once operational, "White 1" will become only the second airworthy original Fw 190 since the 1940s .