The second Gruppe of Germany's best fighter unit, JG 26, began conversion to the potent Fw 190A-1 in July and introduced it to combat in September. On the 21st, the shot down four Spitfires for no loss. British pilots were suprised by its excellent speed, firepower, and performance. German pilots liked its rapid rate of roll and used slashing attacks to beat the British. By December they were reequipped with the even better A-2 model of the Focke Wulf.
