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Unlike the Messerschmitt Bf-109, the Fw-190 had a landing gear with a
wide-stance, making it far more stable during takeoff and landing, especially
for less experienced pilots. The bubble canopy provided excellent all-round
visibility which not only bettered the Bf 109 but all of the Allies' fighters as
well. The air-cooled BMW radial proved reliable and easier to maintain than the
Daimler Benz liquid-cooled engines of the Messerschmitt.
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Fact File:
Fw190
Excellent German fighter
The Fw-190 began life as a back-up to the Germans' leading fighter, the
Messerschmitt Bf 109. By the end of the war it had established itself as the
most dependable fighter in the Luftwaffe. It was Germany's first radial-engined
monoplane fighter, and flew for the first time in June 1939. The plane was
introduced into service gradually; too late for the Battle of Britain, it was
first sighted over the United Kingdom in August 1941.
In 1943 the Fw-190D
entered service. This was powered by the Junkers Jumo 213 inline engine, a
change which necessitated several modifications to the airframe. The fuselage
was lengthened, and this produced the characteristic 'long nose', and the fin
was widened. Extra speed was obtained with the addition of a power boost to the
engine, driving the D12 at a maximum speed of 729 kph (453 mph). Increased
firepower was allowed for in the 190D 12 and 13, with a 30-mm cannon firing
through the airscrew boss. Previous versions of the Fw-190 were armed with two
rapid-firing 20-mm cannon mounted near the base of the wings; two slower-firing
cannon were positioned midway along the wings.
The D model, which enjoyed considerable success on the Eastern Front, was
further developed under the designation Ta 152, the prefix being a tribute to
the plane's designer, Kurt Tank. Most notable of the Ta 152s were the C model
interceptor fighter and the H high-altitude interceptor. These were notably
sleeker than their Fwl90 predecessors, but were introduced too late in the war
to have a great impact. With nitrous-oxide fuel injection the Ta 152H had a
maximum speed of 760 kph (472 mph) and a ceiling of 14,800 m (48,000 ft). The
Fw-190F, a ground-attack machine, was armed with 24 50-mm air-to-air missiles or 14
anti-tank missiles; it could alternatively carry bombs. The G version was a
fighter-bomber and had a strengthened undercarriage for carrying a bomb-load of
up to 1,800 kg (3,967 lbs).
Specifications:
Length: 8.84 m (29 ft) Span: 10.51 m (34 ft 6 in) Powerplant: BMW 801
14-cylinder air-cooled radial engine Combat weight: 3,945 kg (8,700 lbs) Max
speed: 629 kph (391 mph) Ceiling: 10,600 m (34,775 ft) Armament: four 20-mm
cannon: two 7.92-mm MGs Crew: one.
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