This is a one of a kind airplane. It was built two months before the war ended and uses the most powerful engine fitted on the Focke Wulf 190 series of aircraft. Less than 100 of these were built. This one was delivered to Major Franz Goetz who had 63 kills during the war. When the war ended he flew it to an RAF airfield and surrendered. He probably didn't want to wait for the Russians.
Five of these long nose Fw190's were taken back to the USA after the war for evaluation. Three survived. This one went to the Georgia Technical University and the other two went to the National Air & Space Museum. By the 1970's this one needed restoration and it was sold to a private owner. It has changed hands several times since then with the latest again in 2021. It received a major restoration between 2001 and 2007. Today it looks mint. It is the only remaining "Dora" in flyable condition.
27 авг 2024