It entered service in 1941, flying alongside the Bf 109 and it soon took control of air superiority over the English Channel. Establishing itself as a mainstay fighter of the Luftwaffe, it outperformed the contemporary Spitfire Mk. V's in almost every respect and maintained this advantage until the arrival of the Spitfire IX in July 1942. The FW 190 fighter underwent constant improvement throughout its life. The A-3 version used the improved BMW 801Dg engine that produced 1,700hp. Armament was increased from four to six guns, consisting of two rapid firing MG 151's in the wing roots; two MG FF's outboard of the landing gear and two fuselage mounted MG 17 machine guns.