Draft:Focke-Wulf W 4

The Focke-Wulf W 4 was a German floatplane and naval training aircraft developed by Focke-Wulf, an early German aircraft manufacturer. A total of 22 Focke-Wulf W 4s were built, and the plane saw service in the late 1920s.

Design and development
The W 4 was designed primarily as a training aircraft for naval aviators. The aircraft featured a conventional biplane configuration with two main floats mounted beneath the fuselage for water operations. The W 4 was constructed primarily from wood, which was common for aircraft of that era, with fabric-covered surfaces. It was equipped with a single engine mounted in the nose, driving a two-bladed propeller.

The aircraft was intended to provide pilots with the necessary skills for takeoff and landing on water, as well as general handling and navigation in maritime environments. The W 4's design emphasized stability and ease of control, which were critical for training purposes.

The Focke-Wulf W 4 saw service primarily with the German Navy. Its role as a training aircraft meant that it was not intended for combat operations. Instead, it played a crucial role in preparing pilots for more advanced and complex naval aircraft. Despite its limited operational scope, the W 4 contributed to the development of naval aviation in Germany during the interwar period.

General

 * Type - Biplane and floatplane
 * Crew - 2
 * Length - 8.50 meters (27 ft 11 in)
 * Wingspan: 13.00 meters (42 ft 8 in)
 * Height - 3.20 meters (10 ft 6 in)
 * Empty weight - 1,200 kg (2,645 lb)
 * Gross weight - 1,700 kg (3,748 lb)
 * Engine - 1 × Mercedes D.IIIa inline piston engine, 160 kW (210 hp)

Performance

 * Maximum speed - 160 km/h (99 mph)
 * Range - 500 km (311 mi)
 * Service ceiling - 3,000 meters (9,843 ft)

Legacy
Although the Focke-Wulf W 4 did not achieve fame or widespread recognition, it played a vital role in the early days of naval aviation training in Germany. The experience gained from operating the W 4 informed the development of subsequent naval aircraft and training programs. Focke-Wulf would go on to produce many notable aircraft, including the famous Fw 190 fighter of World War II.