Focke Wulf Ta-306 Falke

When the Ta-183 proved to be very instable and dangerous to fly during its trials, Professor Tank started the design of a new fighter jet which was to correct the problems of the Ta-183. At the end of 1946 the Ta-306 Falke made it first flight. Immediately it was clear that this was a superior aircraft.

It was ordered in production after only a few test flights and entered service in the middle of 1947. It was a very unpleasant surprise for the Allies and completely outclassed the Meteor, Vampire and P-80. The German ace Erich Hartman switched from the Me-109 to the Ta-306 and achieved his 400th victory in this aircraft.

The Allies has to rush the North American F-86 Sabre in production to counter this new threat. Only the F-86 could hold its own against the Falke. In all almost 20.000 Ta-306 were built of various models. It also served in the air forces of all Axis powers. In Spain the Ta-306 was in service until 1966.