Focke-Wulf Fw 190 (Wurger)

Single-Seat Fighter / Fighter-Bomber Aircraft

Nazi Germany | 1941

"The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighter is regarded by many to be the best German fighter aircraft of World War 2."

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Power & Performance
Those special qualities that separate one aircraft design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9 (Dora) Single-Seat Fighter / Fighter-Bomber Aircraft.

1 x Junkers Jumo 213A-1 inverted V piston engine developing 1,776 horsepower driving a three-bladed propeller unit at the nose.
Propulsion

426 mph
685 kph | 370 kts
Max Speed

39,370 ft
12,000 m | 7 miles
Service Ceiling

519 miles
835 km | 451 nm
Operational Range

2,812 ft/min
857 m/min
Rate-of-Climb

Structure
The nose-to-tail, wingtip-to-wingtip physical qualities of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9 (Dora) Single-Seat Fighter / Fighter-Bomber Aircraft.

1
(MANNED)
Crew

33.5 ft
10.20 m
O/A Length

34.4 ft
(10.50 m)
O/A Width

11.0 ft
(3.35 m)
O/A Height

7,694 lb
(3,490 kg)
Empty Weight

10,688 lb
(4,848 kg)
MTOW

Armament
Available supported armament and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 (Wurger) Single-Seat Fighter / Fighter-Bomber Aircraft provided across 3 hardpoints.

STANDARD (Model Dependent):
2 x 13mm MG 131 machine guns in engine cowling.
2 x 20mm MG 151 cannons in wing roots.

OPTIONAL:
External payload of up to 1,102lb (500kg).
2 x Machine guns OR 20mm cannons in outboard wing positions.
2 x Cannons in underwing gunpods.
1 x Bomb under fuselage centerline.
2 OR 4 x Underwing bombs
Underwing aerial rockets.
1 x 30mm cannon firing through the propeller hub.
6 x Cannons (two in cowling, two in wing roots, two in wings).

X

Hardpoints Key:

Centerline

Wingroot(L)

Wingroot(R)

Wing

Wingtip

Internal

Not Used

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 (Wurger) family line.

Fw 190 "Wurger" ("Shrike") - Base Series Designation

Fw 190 V1 - Prototype Model; fitted with BMW 139 engine of 1,550 horsepower.

Fw 190 V2 - Second prototype based on V1; new spinner with new cooling equipment; armament of 2 x 7.92mm machine guns and 2 x 13mm machine guns in wing roots.

Fw 190 V3 - Proposed prototype; not built

Fw 190 V4 - Proposed prototype; not built

Fw 190 V5 - Prototype; BMW 801 radial piston engine

Fw 190 V5k - Prototype with short-span wings

Fw 190 V5g - Prototype with long-span wings; adopted as production model.

Fw 190 A - Initial serial production version

Fw 190 A-0 - Preproduction Model Designation; 28 examples produced.

Fw 190 A-1 - Role specific optimized variant; appeared in June 1941; fitted with BMW 801C-1 engines of 1,560 horsepower; longer propeller; 4 x 7.92mm machine guns (2 in fuselage and 2 in wing roots) and 2 x 20mm cannons in outboard wings; bulged engine cowlings.

Fw 190 A-2 - Role specific optimized variant; appeared in October 1941; fitted with BMW 801 C-2 engine of 1,600 horsepower; redesigned exhaust system; upgraded gun sight; 2 x 7.92mm machine guns in fuselage and 4 x 20mm cannons (2 replaced original 7.92mm machine guns) in wings.

Fw 190 A-3 - Role specific optimized variant; appearing in spring of 1942; fitted with BMW 801 D-2 engines of 1,754 horsepower; centerline bomb rack.

Fw 190 A-3a - First appearing in fall of 1942; Turkish export version; fitted with 4 x 7.92mm machine guns and 2 x 20mm cannons (same as A-1 model).

Fw 190 A-4 - Role specific optimized variant; appeared in July 1942; improved radio equipment; similar to A-3 in most respects (armament/engine).

Fw 190 A-4/U1 - Centerline bomb rack fitted; MG 151 cannons retained but all other machine gun armament removed.

Fw 190 A-4/U3 - Similar to U1 model; some converted to night-fighter duty; served as basis for Fw 190 F-1 "assault" fighter version.

Fw 190 A-4/U4 - Dedicated Reconnaissance Platform; fitted with photographic cameras; armament of machine gun and cannons fuselage mounted.

Fw 190 A-4/U7 - High-Altitude Variant; compressor intakes implemented on side cowlings.

Fw 190 A-4/U8 - Would later serve as basis for Fw 190 G-1 model.

Fw 190 A-4/R6 - Fitted with underwing rocket mortar weaponry

Fw 190 A-5 - Role specific optimized variant; revised engine placement; fitted with BMW 801 D-2 engine of 1,700 horsepower; MW 50 power boost capable.

Fw 190 A-5/U2 - Dedicated Nightfighter; 2 x 20mm MG151 cannons.

Fw 190 A-5/U3 - Nightfighter with provision for fuel tanks and bombs; 2 x 20mm MG151 cannons.

Fw 190 A-5/U4 - Dedicated Reconnaissance Fighter; fitted with cameras.

Fw 190 A-5/U8 - Night-fighter fitted with underwing racks for centerline bombs and underwing fuel drop tanks; 2 x 20mm MG151 cannons; later to become the Fw 190 G-2 model series.

Fw 190 A-5/U12 - Bomber Interceptor Variant; fitted with two underwing gun pods for array of 2 x 7.92mm machine guns and 6 x 20mm MG151 cannons.

Fw 190 A-5/U12 - Prototype Model

Fw 190 A-5R11 - Night-fighter Conversion Model; fitted with radar.

Fw 190 A-6 - Role specific optimized variant; new wing design; extra ammunition for 2 x 7.92mm fuselage machine guns and 4 x 20mm wing-mounted cannons; improved radio navigation system; streamlined centerline bomb/fuel rack fitting.

Fw 190 A-7 - Role specific optimized variant; based on the Fw 190 A-5/U9 prototype; fitted with BMW 801 D-2 engine of 1,700 horsepower; 2 x 20mm MG 131 cannons replacing standard MG17 7.92mm fuselage machine guns; upgraded gun sight.

Fw 190 A-8 - Role specific optimized variant; improved bubble canopy.

Fw 190 A-9 - Final A-Series Production Models; fitted with BMW 801S engines of 1,973 horsepower; improved engine armor protection; improved radiator system.

Fw 190 A-10 - High-Altitude Prototype Development

Fw 190 B - Wider wing span; higher altitude capability; pressurized cockpit; turbocharged BMW 801 engine.

Fw 190 C - High altitude capability; turbocharged Daimler-Benz DB 603 powerplant.

Fw 190 D "Dora" - Main service model by 1944; fitted with Junkers Jumo 213 supercharged engine.

Fw 190 D-0 - Developmental Prototype; fitted with Jumo 213a engine.

Fw 190 D-1 - Developmental Prototype

Fw 190 D-2 - Developmental Prototype

Fw 190 D-9 - Role specific optimized variant

Fw 190 D-10 - Role specific optimized variant

Fw 190 D-11 - Role specific optimized variant; fitted with uprated Jumo 213E engines; 17 examples produced.

Fw 190 D-12 - Role specific optimized variant; based on D-11 model; Mk 108 30mm cannon in propeller hub.

Fw 190 D-13 - Role specific optimized variant; based on D-11 model; Mk 151/20 20mm cannon in propeller hub.

Fw 190 D-13/R11 - All-Weather Development

Fw 190 E - Proposed reconnaissance fighter

Fw 190 F - Ground attack model based on Fw 190 A-4 powerplant.

Fw 190 F-1 - Improved under-fuselage armor; centerline and wing bomb racks.

Fw 190 F-2 - Based on Fw 190 A-5/U3; replaced F-1 series on production lines.

Fw 190 F-3 - Based on Fw 190 A-5/U17; 432 examples produced.

Fw 190 F-4 - Abandoned Strafing Design Variant

Fw 190 F-5 - Abandoned Strafing Design Variant

Fw 190 F-6 - Abandoned Strafing Design Variant

Fw 190 F-7 - Abandoned Strafing Design Variant

Fw 190 F-8 - Improved radio equipment; redesigned compressor for low-altitude boost in performance; 2 x 20mm MG151/20 cannons in wing roots and 2 x 7.92mm MG131 machine guns above engine housing; 3,400 examples produced.

Fw 190 F-8/U1 - Long-Range Night-fighter; underwing and centerline provision for fuel tanks and/or bombs.

Fw 190 F-8/U2 - Torpedo Bomber

Fw 190 F-8/U3 - Heavy Torpedo Bomber

Fw 190 F-8/U4 - Night-fighter

Fw 190 F-9 - Based on the Fw 190 A-9; redesigned empennage as found on the Ta 152 development; 147 examples produced.

Fw 190 G - Long-Range Attack Model; based on the Fw 190 A-5 powerplant.

Fw 190 G-1 - Based on the Fw 190 A-4/U8

Fw 190 G-2 - Based on the Fw 190 A-5/U8

Fw 190 G-3 - Based on the Fw 190 A-6

Fw 190 G-8 - Based on the Fw 190 A-8

Fw 190 A-5/U1 - Trainer; second cockpit; reworked internals; revised three-section, side-opening canopy; based on A-5 model.

Fw 190 A8/U1 - Trainer; based on A-5/U1 models

Fw 190 S-5 - Trainer; redesignation of A-5U1 mark

Fw 190 S-8 - Trainer; redesignation of A-8/U1 mark

Ra-2 - High-Altitude Development

Ra-3 - High-Altitude Development

Ta 152 - Ultra-high altitude fighter; Wider wing span; Jumo 213E powerplant; based on the Ra-3 development model.

Ta 152C - Low-Altitude Developmental Ta 152 Model; fitted with DB 603 engine; only two examples produced.

Ta 152H - Improved Ta 152; Only operational variant of the Ta 152.

Authored By: Dan Alex | Last Edited: 04/02/2023 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

While the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter/fighter-bomber became the iconic German fighter of World War 2 (1939-1945), the Luftwaffe fielded a potent "one-two" punch that included the classic Focke-Wulf Fw 190 "Wurger" ("Shrike") aircraft making up the second component of this aerial lethality. The Fw 190 is regarded by most observers as the finest of the German fighters featured in the whole of the war as it was used to finally wrestle the mantle of air superiority from the famous British Supermarine Spitfire V mark which held firm for short time. The Fw 190 saw production reach over 20,000 aircraft by war's end - several hundred short of total Spitfire production while several thousand ahead of the equally famous North American P-51 "Mustang".

With such available numbers, the Fw 190 was featured in a myriad of battlefield variants to fulfill a variety of roles - from fighter/fighter-bomber and general bomber interception to ground attack and torpedo bombing. First flight of the series occurred on June 1st, 1939 just months before the official start of World War 2 (September 1st). Introduction followed in August of 1941 with a combat debut arriving in 1942. While German Luftwaffe examples managed an operational existence only to the end of the war in 1945, the Turkish Air Force - recipients of some Fw 190s from Germany during the conflict - flew their stock until 1949.

Despite the short operational tenure, Fw 190s left an undeniable impression on observers during and after the war. Indeed even famed American aviator and aviation pioneer Chuck Yeager remarked on how the Fw 190 was the only aircraft to match the P-51D Mustang following post-war flying of the German design. The evolution of the Fw 190 also forced the British to continually evolve their own Spitfires which ultimately produced the Spitfire IX mark capable of matching the latest Fw 190s.

Origins of the Fw 190 come from a 1937 German Air Ministry endeavor to couple their new Bf 109 fighters with an interception-minded form. Kurt Tank (1898-1983) from the Focke-Wulf concern had become convinced of the merits of a well-streamlined fighter fitting a radial-piston engine to compete with any then-known inline engined fighter types - including Germany's own Bf 109. Additionally, radial aircraft offered more simplicity in manufacture and operation when compared to the complexity required of the liquid-cooling function of inline engine fighters. Additionally, there was an understanding that two frontline fighters would be competing for a single stock of Daimler-Benz DB601 inline engines so selection of a radial engine for the new Focke-Wulf fighter would be radial in nature, bypassing any powerplant competition with the Messerschmitt product.

The Fw 190 In Action

First combat actions involving Fw 190s were in February of 1942 when the nimble little fighters were called to cover the retreats of several prominent German naval warships escaping to friendly ports for self-preservation. Attacking British torpedo bombers were dealt with swiftly as they attempted to damage and sink the German vessels which brought a taste of the firepower and capabilities inherent in the new German design. Fw 190s proved highly agile and fast, capable of tangling with all known Allied fighter types of the period. In August of 1942, the Fw 190 was used in anger against invading Allied forces during the Dieppe Landings that proved a disastrous endeavor for the enemy - ninety-seven RAF aircraft were claimed in the operation with Fw 190s playing their part to perfection.

As the war moved on, the Fw 190 was in constant contact with incoming streams of enemy bombers and for this armament was improved by way of more cannons and support for underwing rockets. Only when Allied fighter escorts were given added range did a floating defense network follow the formations to and from targets deep within German-held territories. Bomb racks were eventually fitted to the Fw 190 airframe both under the fuselage and under the wings to broaden the fighter line into a fighter-bomber form suitable for attacking ground targets.

By the end of the war, fighter airfields were pressed further towards Berlin which forced the Fw 190 more and more into the ground attack/support role as German air supremacy dwindled into the final days. Regardless, beleaguered German aircrews fought on with their Fw 190s despite mounting losses and the arrival of the jet fighter. The Allied bombing campaign ultimately served to sever numbers of Fw 190s available en mass and pilot attrition only made a bad situation for Germany worse. In the end, the fighter had played its role and was eventually undone along several fronts beyond its control - though its end only came through the formal surrender of Germany itself.

Production totals benefitted the Fw 190 line as a whole and the type saw service on all the fronts that the German military committed to. Despite the availability and general excellence of the competing Bf 109, pilots tended to score their Fw 190s higher between the two German fighters - such was the respect given the product. Fw 190s fought in the Mediterranean, Eastern, and Western theaters during their war time tenure which went generally undetected by the Allies for a greater part of 1941 and 1942. This all changed when a German pilot mistakenly landed his Fw 190 at an English airfield - providing the needed bounty of information for the Allies as examination and study of the new German fighter ensued. The Allies would now understand what they were up against and work feverishly to counter it.

Fw 190 Walk-Around

During the aircraft's design phase, German engineers elected for a rather unique, though essentially conventional, design form when it came to the Fw 190 product. The radial piston engine was encased in a tubular forward section of the aircraft as normal while the cockpit was installed just aft. The position of the cockpit was such that vision was generally relatively poor in early-form Fw 190s due to the high instrument panel ahead, raised fuselage spine aft, and the location of the wing mainplanes underneath. The empennage was conventional through a single, small-area vertical tail fin and low-mounted horizontal planes. The wing mainplanes were situated well-forward of amidships and of a straight design with clipped wing tips. The undercarriage was of the typical tail-dragger arrangement with the main legs retracting under the wings. Ground running was something of a challenge for greenhorn pilots due to cockpit vision but the wide track of the main legs aided this somewhat. The engine drove a three-bladed propeller assembly at front capped by a large spinner at center. Compared with the competing Bf 109, the Fw 190 was a decidedly different approach to the German fighter need.

Variants - The Protoypes

The Fw 190 series began with the "BMW 139" prototypes in the Fw 190 V1 and the Fw 190 V2. The pair featured the BMW 139 14-cylinder, twin-row radial piston engine of 1,529 horsepower in a streamlined engine cowling with V1 making its maiden flight on June 1st, 1939. V2 followed on October 31st, 1939 and featured a new spinner assembly with new cooling fan. This pilot model was armed with 2 x 7.92mm MG 17 machine gun and 2 x 13mm MG 131 machine gun at the wing roots (synchronized as they fell within the arc of the spinning propeller blades). While planned, prototypes V3 and V4 were ultimately abandoned ventures.

Prototype Fw 190 V5 appeared with the new BMW 801 14-cylinder, twin-row radial piston engine offering more power. An engine management system was also installed in the cockpit, one of the earliest uses of such a feature in a combat aircraft and it helped manage engine boosting and propeller pitch as required. The Fw 190 V5k offered a shortened wing span and first flew in early 1940 but reflected that the new wings - coupled with the stated V5 additions - made for a poorer-handling fighter than initially envisioned. This led to the Fw 190 V5g prototype which included lengthened wings providing increased agility than the preceding V5k but becoming slightly slower overall. The design's wings were officially adopted for the upcoming production Fw 190A fighters.

Fw 190A Models

The A-model series began with the pre-production Fw 190A-0 model of 1940. Nine of these early-batch aircraft still featured the "small wing" approach of the V5k as finalization on the long wing models was still ongoing. Standardized armament became 6 x 7.92mm MG 17 machine guns with two installed at the engine cowling, two in the wing roots and two in the wings proper. Of the six, the cowling and wing root machine guns were synchronized to fire through the spinning propeller blades - the outboard wing guns sitting just outside of the propeller arc. 28 total aircraft of this mark were eventually completed.

Come June of 1941, the Fw 190A-1 model series was introduced and these aircraft fitted BMW 801 C-1 series radial engines of 1,560 horsepower. Armament was varied slightly in this mark as the two outboard MG 17 machine guns were replaced by 2 x20mm MG FF/M cannons. The Fw 190A-2 followed in June of 1942 with the BMW 801 C-2 series radial engine and changes included the wing root machine guns being replaced by 2 x 20mm MG 151/20E cannons.

The Fw 190A-3 included several subvariants to its name. A-3 models introduced the BMW 801 D-2 radial engine of 1,677 horsepower while fielding the same machine gun/cannon armament as the A-2 models. Subvariants of the mark included the Fw 190A-3/U1 with lengthened engine mounting, the U2 variant with provisions for underwing rocket-launching rails, the U3 in a fighter-bomber form (centerline, up to 1,100lbs of ordnance), and the U4 reconnaissance-minded Fw 190. The U3 included the standard armament seen in prior Fw 190 models but lost its outboard MG FF cannons. For the U4 reconnaissance variant, 2 x RB 12.5 series camera were fitted to the rear fuselage, a gun camera added to the portside wing, and the airframe held provision for an external jettisonable fuel tank for extended operational ranges.

Fw 190A-3a were seventy-two aircraft delivered to the Turkish Air Force to help woo the country into supporting the Axis powers. Turkey eventually maintained a neutral position for most of the war before committing in the final months to the Allied side. The aircraft began arriving in the Turkish inventory during October of 1942.

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Then followed the Fw 190 A-4 mark which included even more subvariants. The line was introduced in July of 1942 and followed closely the form and function of the preceding A-3 models now with water-ethanol power-boosting for the engine. The Fw 190A-4/R6 was given underwing provision for launching rocket mortars while the A-4/U1 lost its machine guns, retaining its cannons and provision for bombs. The U3 mark designated a prototype that eventually influenced the upcoming Fw 190F-1 production model. The U4 became a reconnaissance-minded mount with cameras as well as the combination machine gun and cannon armament. U7 was a high-altitude fighter form that added compressor intakes along the sides of the cowling and the U8 became a long-range fighter-bomber form with underwing drop tanks and a centerline bomb rack. The latter model lost its cowling machine guns and outboard 20mm cannons as a weight-savings measure. The R1 wrapped up the A-4 model line and served as dedicated "formation leaders" ahead of the flight group, outfitted with specialized tracking and direction equipment for the role.

The Fw 190A-5 appeared as an improved, slightly revised Fw 190 form. It still utilized the same BMW D-2 series radial engine but its installation was moved forward some six inches to better balance the airframe. The initial mark was Fw 190A-5/U2 which served in the night-minded fighter-bomber role by way of a centerline bomb rack, underwing fuel tanks, and 2 x 20mm cannon armament. The U3 was another fighter-bomber variant and followed the armament of the U2. U4 was used in the reconnaissance role and outfitted with cameras as usual and relied on all-cannon armament. U8 used a centerline bomb rack with underwing fuel tanks and armament centered on 2 x 20mm MG 151 cannons. U9 was a test platform that influenced the upcoming Fw 190A-7 model line. U-12 was a intended to tackle Allied bombers directly through increased armament by way of 2 x 7.92mm MG 17 machine guns in the cowling, 2 x 20mm MG 151 cannons in the wing roots, and 2 x 20mm MG 151/20 cannons in underwing pods held outboard of the propeller arc. The R11 of November 1942 served in the night-fighter role and was outfitted with the "Neptune" radar suite - these forms identified by their protruding antenna aerials.

The Fw 190A-6 was introduced as an improved bomber interceptor model and fitted 2 x machine guns in the engine cowling and 4 x 20mm cannons in the wings as standard with a new, lightened wing assembly in play. The Fw 190A-7 followed in November of 1943 and this mark relied on the proven BMW 801 D-2 radials of earlier versions but saw its cowling 7.92mm MG 17 machine guns replaced with 2 x 13mm MG 131 machine guns for a heftier offensive punch.

In February of 1944, the Fw 190A-8 was introduced and this mark also carried the BMW D-2 engines but some were completed with the BMW 801Q line as well. Several changes were enacted to extract better performance from the line and went on to produce the Fw 190A-8/R2 and R8 subvariants. The R2 lost its outboard 20mm cannons in favor of 2 x 30mm MK 108 cannons while the R8 added more cockpit armored for better pilot survivability. A-8 models showcased a maximum speed of 408 miles per hour, an operational ceiling of 37,400 feet, and a range of 500 miles. The Fw 190A-9 arrived in September of 1944 and used the new BMW 801S of 1,973 horsepower. The Fw 190A-10 high-altitude performance model followed with larger-area wings which accepted more potent 30mm MK 103 series cannons.

Fw 190D Models - "Dora"

Even as far back as 1941, Focke-Wulf engineers were already entertaining the thought of high-altitude versions of the Fw 190. This thinking was further fueled by rumors of a new high-altitude, highly-advanced bomber being developed by Boeing in the United States (to become the B-29 Superfortress). Several Fw 190 prototypes led the way before the Fw 190B-0 appeared with its turbocharged BMW 801 engine. The B-1 followed but with revised armament through 4 x 7.92mm machine guns and 2 x 20mm MG FF cannons and the Fw 190C introduced the turbocharged Daimler-Benz DB603 liquid-cooled inline engine which forced a lengthening of the nose section. This work then culminated in the definitive Fw 190D.

The Fw 190D ("Dora") line was easily identified from previous Fw 190 incarnations due to its longer nose assembly and the design brought about a much needed higher altitude performer. Fw 190D-0 led the way in October of 1942 when it appeared with a fully-pressurized cockpit and supercharged liquid-cooled Junkers Jumo 213 inline engine. The mark was then followed by the initial Fw 190D-1 production model which was, in turn, followed by the Fw 190D-2. The Fw 190D-9 mark was envisioned as a bomber interceptor but relegated to the ground attack/support role when Allied advances on the ground required it. This definitive "Dora" form joined the Luftwaffe in the fall of 1944. The D-11 installed a more powerful Junkers Jumo 213F engine and featured 2 x 20mm MG 151 inboard wing cannons with 2 x 30mm MK 108 outboard wing cannons. The D-12 followed suit but with a sole 30mm MK 108 cannon firing through the propeller hub and the D-13 was outfitted with 20mm MG151/20 cannons. The D-9 models exhibited a maximum speed nearing 425 miles per hour with a ceiling of 39,370 feet (water-ethanol boosted). Performance included a range out to 520 miles with a rate-of-climb of 2,810 feet-per-minute.

Fw 190F Models

The final Fw 190 forms were born through the Fw 190F model mark and were specifically designed for the ground attack role (centerline bomb rack) while retaining their fighter characteristics. These emerged from the Fw 190A-4/U3 models mentioned earlier and began with the Fw 190F-1 which were U3 converted forms for the role. Fw 190F-2s were based on the A-5/U3 airframe and the Fw 190F-3 mark introduced a larger fuel drop tank for improved ranges. The F-8 was formed from the Fw 190A-8 model and modified for the low-altitude attack role. Armament was standardized as 2 x 13mm MG 131 machine guns in the engine cowling and 2 x 20mm MG 151/20 cannons in the wing roots. Fw 190F-8/U1 became a long range fighter-bomber with provision for underwing fuel tanks or bombs as well as a centerline bomb position. U-2 was a dedicated torpedo bomber for maritime operations and featured underwing bomb racks and centerline torpedo support (up to 1,543lb). The U3 followed suite as a torpedo bomber but designed with greater capabilities to carry an ever-heavier torpedo load of up to 3,086lb. Fw 190F-8/U4 was a dedicated night-fighter with just 2 x MG 151/20 cannons as standard though full support of conventional drop ordnance including torpedoes.

The Fw 190F-0 was brought along from the Fw 190A-9 models. These featured an all-new tail unit - an assembly designed for the new Focke-Wulf Ta 152 high-altitude fighter/interceptor - and the canopy was revised for much improved vision out-of-the-cockpit. The fighter-bomber requirement was fulfilled by way of 4 x underwing bomb hardpoints and this mark emerged from January 1945 onwards.

Fw 190G Models

Fw 190G was intended as a long-range fighter-bomber and 1,300 examples to this standard followed. The G-1 used only 2 x 20mm MG 151 cannons as standard armament but was cleared to carry bombs under its centerline section as well as under each wing. The G-2 was similar but fielded more universal underwing racks that could be used for either bombs or fuel tanks. The G-3 mark was fielded with just 2 x 20mm MG 151 wing cannons but the more universal bomb/fuel tank underwing racks. These were born from the Fw 190A-6 models of earlier and two subvariants included the R1 (with 6 x 20mm cannon armament) and the R5 (with underwing racks). The Fw 190G-8 followed from the Fw 190A-8 mark with universal underwing racks for bombs or fuel and the much-improved bubble-style canopy.

Fw 190 Trainer Marks

As with any frontline fighter mounts, specialized trainer versions of the Fw 190 were ultimately required and realized. This was initially fulfilled through the Fw 190A-5/U1 mark which saw a second cockpit added under an all-new, awkward-looking, canopy assembly. These were eventually redesignated to Fw 190S-5. The Fw 190A-8/U1 served the A-8 model forms and were, themselves, redesignated to Fw 190S-8 by war's end.

The Focke-Wulf Ta 152

The Ta 152 existed as a direct offshoot of the Fw 190 program though changes proved so substantial that it required its own designation. Additionally, the aircraft broke from previous designation markers by including the first two letters of Kurt Tank's surname ("Ta") to signify his primary role in its development. The Ta-152 was a true high-altitude interceptor built on speed and a strong rate-of-climb, the aircraft easily identified from previous Fw 190 offerings due to its much longer nose and aft fuselage as well as wide-spanning wings. With introduction in January of 1945 amidst the chaos beginning to surround the German war situation, only some 43 aircraft were completed by the end of the war. Despite a handful of pre-production models, the only main production version became Ta 152H-1. Power to this type came from a Junkers Jumo 213E liquid-cooled V-12 inline piston engine outputting at 2,050 horsepower with ethanol boosting (1,750 horsepower otherwise) and performance specifications included a 472 miles per hour maximum speed, 1,240 mile range, nearly 50,000 foot ceiling and near-4,000 feet-per-minute rate-of-climb. Armament was 1 x 30mm MK 108 cannons with 2 x 20mm MG 151/20 cannons. The aircraft is detailed elsewhere on this site.

Fw 190 Operators

Beyond Germany and Turkey, other Fw 190 operators included Czechoslovakia, France, Hungary, Japan, Spain, Romania, and Yugoslavia. Czech, French, and Yugoslavian usage was only post-war with the Yugoslavians managing just one aircraft. Hungary and Romania - Axis supporters during the war - were given stocks of the fine aircraft for the duration of their involvement in the conflict. The Imperial Japanese Army Air Force evaluated a sole Fw 190A-5 model but never adopted the type. The United Kingdom evaluated a sole Fw 190A-4 for a time and this aircraft was assigned to RAF No. 1426 "enemy squadron".

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Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 (Wurger). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national aircraft listing.

Total Production: 20,000 Units
Contractor(s): Focke-Wulf - Nazi Germany

[ Czechoslovakia; France; Nazi Germany; Hungary; Imperial Japan; Romania; Spain; Turkey; Yugoslavia (one example). ]

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