The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Würger (Shrike)

Germany
Germany

side view front view under view

The Focke-Wulf is an aircraft whose fame reached lonely heights. Together with the Spitfire, Mustang and Messerschmitt 109 it was one of the prominent air-domination fighters in the European Theatre. When it first became operational in 1941 it first caused a shock to the Allied forces, and soon became a feared adversary. For 1 year it ruled the skies over Europe because of it's comfortably higher speeds, excellent handling and powerfull armament. It was not until the Spitfire Mk IX entered the skies that the Focke-Wulf 190 finally met it's master.
Nicknamed Würger (Butcherbird, or Shrike), it made short work of all opposition, be it fighters or bombers. The main armament consisted of 2 machineguns and 4 cannons (A-3 versions and up), and all aircraft could be fitted with even more armament with help of so called Umrüst-Bausätze (factory conversion sets) or Rüstsätze (field conversion sets). These sets really made for a deadly and almost unparallelled firepower, enabling the Luftwaffe pilots to quickly disable or destroy bombers and other targets

Versions:

Further pictures:

The Focke-Wulf FW 190A in full flight
The Focke-Wulf FW 190A in full flight

Another Focke-Wulf FW 190A in full flight
Another Focke-Wulf FW 190A in full flight

The Focke-Wulf FW 190D
The Focke-Wulf FW 190D

The Focke-Wulf FW 190F
The Focke-Wulf FW 190F

The Focke-Wulf FW 190G
The Focke-Wulf FW 190G

 

Technical data on the Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8
Powerplant 1 × BMW 801D radial, rated at 1700 hp (1267.33 kW) Role during war
  • Fighter
  • Close Support Attack Fighter
  • Fighter-bomber
Length 29 ft 4.25 inch Height 12 ft 1.15 inch
Empty weight 7000 lb Operational weight 10802 lb max
Wing Span 34 ft 5.5 inch Wing Aspect ratio 6.03
Wing Area 196.98 sq ft Service ceiling 37400 ft
Maximum speed 408 mph at 20670 ft Cruising speed 298 mph at 6560 ft
Initial climb rate 3,440 ft per min,
Climb to 19,685 ft in 9 min 06 sec		 Range 644 miles typical,
915 miles max
Fuel capacity internal 115.25 Imp gal (138.4 US gal) plus provision for 25.3 Imp gal (30.4 US gal) of auxiliary fuel in a rear-fuselage tank Fuel capacity external 66 Imp gal (79.25 US gal) in one centerline droptank
Machine guns 2 × 0.51 inch MG 131 fixed forward firing in upper nose, 475 rounds each Cannons
  • 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20E fixed forward firing in wing roots, 250 rounds each
  • 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20E fixed forward-firing in wing leading edges, 140 rounds each
Bomb load - Torpedoes/rockets -
Crew 1 Naval or ground based Ground
First flight (prototype) 1 June 1939 Operational Service August 1941 - 1948
Manufacturer Focke-Wulf Flugzeugbau G.m.b.H. Number produced 20.051 total, 1.334 this version
Metric system
Length 8.95 m Height 3.69 m
Empty weight 3175 kg Operational weight 4900 kg max
Wing Span 10.5 m Wing Aspect ratio 6.03
Wing Area 18.3 m² Service ceiling 11400 m
Maximum speed 657 km/h at 6300 m Cruising speed 480 km/h at 1999 m
Initial climb rate 1.050 m per min
Climb to 6.000 m in 9 min 6 sec		 Range 1036 km typical,
1473 km max
Fuel capacity internal 524 liters plus provision for 115 liters of auxiliary fuel in a rear-fuselage tank Fuel capacity external 300 liters in one centerline droptank
Machine guns 2 × 13 mm MG 131 fixed forward firing in upper nose, 475 rounds each Cannons
  • 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20E fixed forward firing in wing roots, 250 rounds each
  • 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20E fixed forward-firing in wing leading edges, 140 rounds each
Bomb load - Torpedoes/rockets -

Technical data on the Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9
Powerplant 1 × Junkers Jumo 213A-1 inverted Vee, rated at 2240 hp (1669.9 kW) Role during war
  • Fighter
  • Close Support Attack Fighter
  • Fighter-bomber
Length 33 ft 5.25 inch Height 11 ft 0.25 inch
Empty weight 7964 lb Operational weight 9480 lb typical,
10670 lb max
Wing Span 34 ft 5.5 inch Wing Aspect ratio 6.03
Wing Area 196.98 sq ft Service ceiling 32810 ft
Maximum speed 426 mph at 21650 ft Cruising speed 357 mph at sea level
Initial climb rate Climb to 19,685 ft in 7 min 06 sec Range 519 miles typical
Fuel capacity internal 115.25 Imp gal (138.4 US gal) plus provision for 25.3 Imp gal (30.4 US gal) of auxiliary fuel in a rear-fuselage tank Fuel capacity external 66 Imp gal (79.25 US gal) in one centerline droptank
Machine guns 2 × 0.51 inch MG 131 fixed forward firing in upper nose, 475 rounds each Cannons 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20E fixed forward firing in wing roots, 250 rounds each
Bomb load 1 × 551 lb bomb type SC-250, centerline Torpedoes/rockets -
Crew 1 Naval or ground based Ground
First flight (prototype) 1 June 1939 Operational Service August 1941 - 1948
Manufacturer Focke-Wulf Flugzeugbau G.m.b.H. Number produced 20.051 total, 674 all Fw 190D versions
Metric system
Length 10.19 m Height 3.36 m
Empty weight 3612 kg Operational weight 4300 kg typical,
4840 kg max
Wing Span 10.5 m Wing Aspect ratio 6.03
Wing Area 18.3 m² Service ceiling 10000 m
Maximum speed 686 km/h at 6599 m Cruising speed 575 km/h at sea level
Initial climb rate Climb to 6.000 m in 7 min 6 sec Range 835 km typical
Fuel capacity internal 524 liters plus provision for 115 liters of auxiliary fuel in a rear-fuselage tank Fuel capacity external 300 liters in one centerline droptank
Machine guns 2 × 13 mm MG 131 fixed forward firing in upper nose, 475 rounds each Cannons 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20E fixed forward firing in wing roots, 250 rounds each
Bomb load 1 × 250 kg bomb type SC-250, centerline Torpedoes/rockets -

Technical data on the Focke-Wulf Fw 190F-3
Powerplant 1 × BMW 801D-2 radial, rated at 0 hp (0 kW) Role during war
  • Fighter
  • Close Support Attack Fighter
  • Fighter-bomber
Length 29 ft 4.25 inch Height 12 ft 11.5 inch
Empty weight 7330 lb Operational weight 9700 lb typical,
10846 lb max
Wing Span 34 ft 5.5 inch Wing Aspect ratio 6.03
Wing Area 196.98 sq ft Service ceiling 34780 ft
Maximum speed 394 mph at 18045 ft Cruising speed 342 mph at sea level
Initial climb rate 2,106 ft per min Range 466 miles typical
Fuel capacity internal 115.25 Imp gal (138.4 US gal) Fuel capacity external 198 Imp gal (237.8 US gal) total, consisting of 3 × 66 Imp gal (79.25 US gal) droptanks
Machine guns 2 × 0.51 inch MG 131 fixed forward firing in upper nose, 475 rounds each Cannons 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20E fixed forward firing in wing roots, 250 rounds each
Bomb load Up to 2,205 lb, generally consisting of:
  • 1 × 1,102 lb (SC-500) bomb centerline
  • 2 × 551 lb (SC-250) bombs or 8 × 110 lb (SC-50) bombs under wings
 Torpedoes/rockets -
Crew 1 Naval or ground based Ground
First flight (prototype) 1 June 1939 Operational Service August 1941 - 1948
Manufacturer Focke-Wulf Flugzeugbau G.m.b.H. Number produced 20.051 total, about 250 this version
Metric system
Length 8.95 m Height 3.95 m
Empty weight 3325 kg Operational weight 4400 kg typical,
4920 kg max
Wing Span 10.5 m Wing Aspect ratio 6.03
Wing Area 18.3 m² Service ceiling 10601 m
Maximum speed 634 km/h at 5500 m Cruising speed 550 km/h at sea level
Initial climb rate 642 m per min Range 750 km typical
Fuel capacity internal 524 liters Fuel capacity external 900 liters total, consisting of 3 × 300 liters droptanks
Machine guns 2 × 13 mm MG 131 fixed forward firing in upper nose, 475 rounds each Cannons 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20E fixed forward firing in wing roots, 250 rounds each
Bomb load Up to 1000 kg, generally consisting of:
  • 1 × 500 kg (SC-500) bomb centerline
  • 2 × 250 kg bombs or 8 × 50 kg (SC-50) bombs under wings
 Torpedoes/rockets -

Technical data on the Focke-Wulf Fw 190G-3
Powerplant 1 × BMW 801D-2 radial, rated at 1700 hp (1267.33 kW) Role during war
  • Fighter
  • Close Support Attack Fighter
  • Fighter-bomber
  • Long range (attack) Fighter
Length 29 ft 4.25 inch Height 12 ft 11.5 inch
Empty weight 7959 lb Operational weight 11045 lb max
Wing Span 34 ft 5.5 inch Wing Aspect ratio 6.03
Wing Area 196.98 sq ft Service ceiling unknown
Maximum speed 388 mph at 16405 ft Cruising speed 262 mph at optimum altitude
Initial climb rate unknown Range 398 miles typical,
652 miles max
Fuel capacity internal 115.25 Imp gal (138.4 US gal) Fuel capacity external 198 Imp gal (237.8 US gal) total, consisting of 3 × 66 Imp gal (79.25 US gal) droptanks
Machine guns - Cannons 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20E fixed forward firing in wing roots, 250 rounds each
Bomb load Up to 3,968 lb on three hardpoints:
  • center fuselage rated at 3,968 lb, carrying 1 × 3,968 lb (SC-1800) bomb or 1 × 1,102 lb (SC-500) bomb
  • 2 underwing units rated at 551 lb, carrying 2 × 551 lb (SC-250) bombs, or 4 × 110 lb (SC-50) bombs
 Torpedoes/rockets -
Crew 1 Naval or ground based Ground
First flight (prototype) 1 June 1939 Operational Service August 1941 - 1948
Manufacturer Focke-Wulf Flugzeugbau G.m.b.H. Number produced 20.051 total, unknown number this version
Metric system
Length 8.95 m Height 3.95 m
Empty weight 3610 kg Operational weight 5010 kg max
Wing Span 10.5 m Wing Aspect ratio 6.03
Wing Area 18.3 m² Service ceiling unknown
Maximum speed 624 km/h at 5000 m Cruising speed 422 km/h at optimum altitude
Initial climb rate unknown Range 641 km typical,
1049 km max
Fuel capacity internal 524 liters Fuel capacity external 900 liters total, consisting of 3 × 300 liters droptanks
Machine guns - Cannons 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20E fixed forward firing in wing roots, 250 rounds each
Bomb load Up to 1800 kg on three hardpoints:
  • center fuselage rated at 1800 kg, carrying 1 × 1800 kg (SC-1800) bomb or 1 × 500 kg (SC-500) bomb
  • 2 underwing units rated at 250 kg, carrying 2 × 551 lb (SC-250) bombs, or 4 × 50 kg (SC-50) bombs
 Torpedoes/rockets -

Here is a quick overview of all different versions, without the full technical specifications:

Different versions of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190  Würger (Shrike)
Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Vx All V models (V1 thru V54) were prototypes for various variants, based on various variants. The V5k (klein, or small) and the V5g (gross, or large) were the first aircraft to carry the BMW 801C-0 engine. Because that engine was heavier than it's predecessor (BMW 139), some changes were made to the aircraft, like shifting the cockpit backward and changing the engine cowling. This gave the Fw 190 it's specific look. The V5k had still sthe smaller wings, the V5g had the larger wings like seen on all subsequent aircraft, to maintain it's agility even with the heavier engine. The V5g was the real prototype that stood model for all Fw 190's to follow.
Number built/converted: 54
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-0 Pre-production model. First 9 aircraft were delivered based on the V5k prototype, the other 21 were based on the V5g prototype.
Number built: 30
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-1 First production model, but because of it's poor firepower was soon considered only an interim type. It was powered with 1 × BMW 801C-1 radial, armed with 4 × 0.312 inch (7.92 mm) MG 17 fixed forward-firing machine guns, had a length of 28 ft 10.5 in (8.80 m), and a maximum take-off weight of 7,066 lb (3205 kg).
Number built: 102
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-2 Identical to the Fw 190A-1, but with better armament: the 2 × 0.312 inch (7.92 mm) MG 17 machine guns in the wing roots were replaced by 2 × 20 mm MG FF cannons, drum fed with 60 rounds each. Later aircraft received an additional 2 × MG 17 fixed forward firing guns, magazine-fed. The Fw 190A-2 was powered by the improved BMW 801C-2 engine, had additional radio equipment, and had a max take-off weight of 7,716 lb (3500 kg), a max level speed of 388 mph (625 km/h) at 18,945 ft (5.500 m).
Number built: 426
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-3 First real production standard. Powerplant was 1 x BMW 801D-2 radial, rated at 1,700 hp (1.267,5 kW), and the wing-mounted armament was revised to 2 x MG FF cannon in the outboard positions, and 2 x MG 151/20 cannon in the inboard positions. The MG 151/20 had a significantly higher rate of fire than the MG FF, and was also a belt-fed weapon supplied with ammunition from a large-capacity magazine in the fuselage. Other features were explosive bolts to jetison the canopy in emergencies, and improved armor for the pilot. This variant was built in 10 separate factories. Empty weight was 6,393 lb (2.900 kg), max take-off weight was 8,377 lb (3.800 kg), max level speed was 382 mph (615 km/h) at 19,685 ft (6.000 m), declining to 312 mph (502 km/h) at sea level, cruising speed was 278 mph (447 km/h) at optimum altitude, max range was 497 miles (800 km), initial climb rate was 2,838 ft (865 m) per minute, and service ceiling was 34,775 ft (10.600 m)

Umrüst-Bausätze (factory conversion sets):

Fw 190A-3/U3 Equal to the Fw 190A-3/U1, unknown differences
Fw 190A-3/U7 Equal to the Fw 190A-3/U1, unknown differences
Fw 190A-3/U4 Reconnaissance fighter, without the 2 x 20 mm MG FF, but with 1 or 2 Rb 12.5/7 cameras


Number built: 509
Focke-Wulf Fw 190Aa-3 Almost identical to the Fw 190A-3, delivered to Turkey.
Number built: 72
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-4 Identical to the Fw 190A-3, but with revised radio equipment, and the engine revised with the MW 1 methanol/water power-boost system to raise the engine’s maximum rating to 2,100 hp (1.566 kW) for short periods, permitting an increase in maximum level speed to 416 mph (670 km/h) at 20,670 ft (6.300 m) and a max weight of 8,377 lb (3.800 kg).

Umrüst-Bausätze (factory conversion sets):

Fw 190A-4/U1 Fighter-bomber (heavy) with 2 × 20mm MG 151/20 cannons and 2 × 1,102 lb (SC-500) 500 kg bombs on two ETC 501 racks.
Fw 190A-4/U3 Fighter-bomber (medium) with 2 × 20mm MG 151/20 cannons, 2 × MG 17 guns, and 1 × 1,102 lb (SC-500) 500 kg bombs on one ETC-501 rack.
Fw 190A-4/U4 Reconnaissance fighter without the 2 × 20 mm MG FF, but with 1 or 2 Rb 12.5/7 cameras
Fw 190A-4/U8 Fighter-bomber (long range) with a max take-off weight of 10,803 lb (4.900 kg) and armament with 2 x MG 151/20 cannon and 1 × 1,102 lb (500 kg) SC-500 bomb carried on one ETC 501 rack Range could be increased by 2 × 66 Imp gal (79.25 US gal; 300 liter) droptanks.
Fw 190A-4/Trop Fighter-bomber, tropicalized verion for use in the North African theatre with dust/sand filters, desert survival kit and an ETC 250 rack to carry 1 × 551 lb (250 kg) SC-250 bomb. Max take-off weight was 8,818 lb (4.000 kg)



Rüstsätze (field conversion sets):

Fw 190A-4/R6 fitted with two underwing launchers for 8.27 in (21 cm) WGr.21 rockets, max take-off weight was 9,480 lb (4300 kg)


Number built: 894
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-5 Basically the same as the Fw 190A-4, but with a revised engine mounting to place the BMW 801D-2 engine 5.9 in (0.15 m) farther forward to increase length to 29 ft 4.25 in (8.95 m) and restore the center of gravity to the location it had occupied before its alteration by the addition of extra equipment in the rear fuselage. It had a max take-off weight of 9,480 lb (4.300 kg), and provision for a larger assortment of Umrüst-Bausätze and Rüstsätze:

Umrüst-Bausätze (factory conversion sets):

Fw 190A-5/U1 Fighter-bomber (heavy) with 2 × 20mm MG 151/20 cannons and 2 × 1,102 lb (SC-500) 500 kg bombs on two ETC 501 racks.
Fw 190A-5/U2 Night-fighter-bomber (medium) fighter-bomber with a max take-off weight of 9,655 lb (4.380 kg), flame-damped exhausts, 2 × MG 151/20 cannon, 1 × 1,102 lb (500 kg) SC-500 bomb on an underfuselage ETC 501 rack, and underwing provision for two 66 Imp gal (79.25 US gal; 300 liter) drop tanks.
Fw 190A-5/U3 Fighter-bomber (medium) with 2 × 20mm MG 151/20 cannons, 2 × MG 17 guns, and 1 × 1,102 lb (SC-500) 500 kg bombs on one ETC-501 rack. Max take-off weight was 10,580 lb (4.800 kg)
Fw 190A-5/U4 Reconnaissance fighter with same cameras as the Fw 190A-3/U4
Fw 190A-5/U8 Fighter-bomber (long range) with a max take-off weight of 10,803 lb (4.900 kg) and armed with 2 × MG 151/20 cannon and 1 × 1,102 lb (500 kg) SC-500 bomb carried on one ETC 501 rack. Range could be increased by 2 × 66 Imp gal (79.25 US gal; 300 liter) droptanks.
Fw 190A-5/U9 Bomber-destroyer, armed with 2 × MG 151/20 cannon and 2 × 0.51 in (13 mm) MG 131 guns.
Fw 190A-5/U10 Fighter, armed with 4 × MG 151/20 cannon and 2 × 0.312 in (7,92 mm) MG 17 guns.
Fw 190A-5/U11 fighter (heavy), armed with 2 × MG 151/20 cannon and 2 × 0.312 in (7,92 mm) MG 131 guns, supplemented by 2 × 30 mm MK 103 cannon in underwing gondolas. Max take-off weight was 9,921 lb (4.500 kg).
Fw 190A-5/U12 Bomber-destroyer, armed with 2 × MG 151/20 cannon and 2 × 0.312 in (7,92 mm) MG 17 guns, supplemented by 4 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in two WB 151A twin-gun containers scabbed under the wings.
Fw 190A-5/U13 Fighter-bomber (long range), armed with 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon, 1 × 1,102 lb (500 kg) SC-500 bomb on one ETC 501 centerline rack, and 2 × 551 lb (250 kg) SC-250 bombs on two Focke-Wulf underwing racks, also able to carry 2 × 79.25 US gal (66 Imp gal; 300 liter) drop tanks.
Fw 190A-5/U14 Torpedo fighter (light), armed with 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon and 1 × LT F5b torpedo.
Fw 190A-5/U15 Torpedo fighter (heavy), with a max take-off weight of 10,802 lb (4.900 kg), armed with 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon, and 1 × 2,094 lb (950 kg) LT 950 torpedo
Fw 190A-5/U16 Ground-attack fighter, with a max take-off weight of 9,744 lb (4.420 kg) and armed with 2 × 30 mm MK 108 cannon, 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon, and 2 × 0.312 in (7,92 mm) MG 17 guns.
Fw 190A-5/U17 Ground-attack fighter, armed with 2 × 20 mm MG151/20 cannon, 2 × 0.312 in (7.92 mm) MG 17 guns, and with 4 × 110 lb (50 kg) SC-50 bombs carried on two ETC 50 racks
Fw 190A-5/Trop Fighter-bomber, tropicalized version for use in the North African theatre with dust/sand filters, desert survival kit and an ETC 250 rack to carry 1 × 551 lb (250 kg) SC-250 bomb.


Number built: 723
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-6 Production version of the Fw 190A-5/U10, with a lightened wing structure. Fighter, armed with 4 × MG 151/20 cannon mounted in the wing, and 2 × 0.312 in (7,92 mm) MG 17 guns mounted in the upper nose. Max take-off weight was 8,598 lb (3.900 kg).
Only one Umrüst-Bausatz was used and five Rüstsätze:

Umrüst-Bausätze (factory conversion sets):

Fw 190A-6/U3 Fighter-bomber, fitted with one ETC 501 underfuselage rack and 2 × ETC 250 underwing racks for a max load of 1 × 1,102 lb (500 kg) SC-500 and 2 × 551 lb (250 kg) SC-250 bombs or 2 × 66 Imp gal (79.25 US gal; 300 liter) drop tank for additional range.



Rüstsätze (field conversion sets):

Fw 190A-6/R1 Bomber-destroyer, armed with 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon and 2 × 0.312 in (7.92 mm) MG 17 guns, with an additional 4 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in two WB 151A twin-gun containers scabbed under the wings
Fw 190A-6/R2 Bomber-destroyer,armed with 2 × fixed 30 mm MK 108 cannon in the outboard wing positions, 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in the inboard wing positions, and 2 × 0.312 in (7.92 mm) MG 17 guns on the upper nose. Max take-off weight was 10,362 lb (4.700 kg)
Fw 190A-6/R3 Bomber-destroyer, armed with 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon, 2 × 0.312 in (7.92 mm) MG 17 guns, supplemented by 2 × 30 mm MK 103 cannon in underwing gondolas
Fw 190A-6/R4 Fighter, produced only in prototype form as the Fw 190 V45, and fitted with the GM 1 power-boost system that injected nitrous oxide into the BMW 801D-2. This fighter was the forerunner for the BMW 801TS turbocharged engine that was installed in July 1944
Fw 190A-6/R6 Bomber-destroyer, fitted with two underwing launchers for 8.27 in (21 cm) WGr.21 rockets.


Number built: 596
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-7 Production version of the Fw 190A-5/U9, armed with 2 × MG 151/20 cannon mounted in the wing, and 2 × 0.312 in (7,92 mm) MG 17 guns mounted in the upper nose. Also a new gunsight was used. Max take-off weight was 8,818 lb (4.000 kg).

Rüstsätze (field conversion sets):

Fw 190A-7/R1 Bomber-destroyer, armed with 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon and 2 × 0.312 in (7.92 mm) MG 17 guns, with an additional 4 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in two WB 151A twin-gun containers scabbed under the wings
Fw 190A-7/R2 Bomber-destroyer,armed with 2 × fixed 30 mm MK 108 cannon in the outboard wing positions, 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in the inboard wing positions, and 2 × 0.312 in (7.92 mm) MG 17 guns on the upper nose. Max take-off weight was 9,215 lb (4.180 kg)
Fw 190A-7/R3 Bomber-destroyer, armed with 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon, 2 × 0.312 in (7.92 mm) MG 17 guns, supplemented by 2 × 30 mm MK 103 cannon in underwing gondolas. Max take-off weight was 9,039 lb (4.100 kg)
Fw 190A-7/R6 Bomber-destroyer, fitted with two underwing launchers for 8.27 in (21 cm) WGr.21 rockets.


Number built: 80
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8 Final production version of the Fw 190A, see above. Additionally, they had different radio equipment,and the ETC 501 underfuselage rack moved 7.9 in (0.20 m) farther forward

Umrüst-Bausätze (factory conversion sets):

Fw 190A-8/U1 Three aircraft were converted to two-seat trainers. The cockpit was lengthened to the rearto accommodate the instructor with dual controls and limited instrumentation
Fw 190A-8/U3 This was the upper element of the Mistel (mistletoe) composite attack warplane whose lower component was the Focke-Wulf Ta 154 ‘Moskito’ night-fighter
Fw 190A-8/U11 Fighter-bomber, whose standard external load of up to 2,205 lb (1.000 kg) of bombs on the ETC 501 underfuselage rack could be replaced by 1 × 1,543 lb (700 kg) BT 700 torpedo bomb to allow the aircraft to operate in the torpedo-fighter role. Max take-off weight was 10,538 lb (4.780 kg).



Rüstsätze (field conversion sets):

Fw 190A-8/R1 Bomber-destroyer, armed with 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon and 2 × 0.312 in (7.92 mm) MG 17 guns, with an additional 4 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in two WB 151A twin-gun containers scabbed under the wings. Max take-off weight was 10,367 lb (4.700 kg)
Fw 190A-8/R2 Bomber-destroyer, armed with 2 × fixed 30 mm MK 108 cannon in the outboard wing positions, 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in the inboard wing positions, and 2 × 0.312 in (7.92 mm) MG 17 guns on the upper nose.
Fw 190A-8/R3 Bomber-destroyer, armed with 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon, 2 × 0.312 in (7.92 mm) MG 17 guns, supplemented by 2 × 30 mm MK 103 cannon in underwing gondolas. Max take-off weight was 10,141 lb (4.600 kg)
Fw 190A-8/R6 Bomber-destroyer, fitted with two underwing launchers for 8.27 in (21 cm) WGr.21 rockets.
Fw 190A-8/R7 Assault-fighter, it had a fixed armament of 4 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon and 2 × 0.51 in (13 mm) MG 131 guns, and fitted with an armored cockpit. Meant to be used by the newly created Sturmgruppen (assault wings).
Fw 190A-8/R8 Assault-fighter, based on the Fw 190A-8/R7, and armed with 2 × fixed 30 mm MK 108 cannon in the outboard wing positions, 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in the inboard wing positions, and 2 × 0.312 in (7.92 mm) MG 17 guns on the upper nose (like the Fw 190A-8/R2).
Fw 190A-8/R11 All-weather fighter, armed with 4 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon and 2 × 0.51 in (13 mm) MG 131 guns . It was powered by 1 × BMW 801TU radial, rated at 2,000 hp (1.491 kW), and featured the PKS 12 radio navigation equipment, revised radio equipment, and heated cockpit windows. Max take-off weight was 9,921 lb (4.500 kg)
Fw 190A-8/R12 All-weather fighter, identical to the Fw 190A-8/R11, except for armament: 2 × 30 mm MK 108 cannon, 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon and 2 × 0.51 in (13 mm) MG 131 guns


Number built: 1.334
Focke-Wulf Fw 190B The Fw 190 V12 prototype featured a rudimentary pressure cabin, and retained the Fw 190A’s wing and BMW 801C engine with the GM 1 nitrous oxide power-boost system. Wingspan increased to 40 ft 4.25 in (12,30 m) and an area increase of 21.53 sq ft (2,00 m²). There were considerable problems with the pressure cabin and GM 1 system, and when the German air ministry also realized the extent to which firepower would have to be sacrificed to offset the weight of the pressure cabin and GM 1 system, it ordered an end to the Fw 190B program at about the time that the first six production aircraft were completed.
Number built: 6
Focke-Wulf Fw 190C Parallell with the development of the Fw 190B version there was a desing effort for another high-level interceptor. The Fw 190 V13 had 1 × Daimler-Benz DB603 inverted-Vee, rated at 1,750 hp (1.305 kW) for take-off and 1,850 hp (1.379 kW) at 6,890 ft (2.100 m) with a standard supercharger, which increased length by 2 ft 2.5 in (0.66 m). The Fw 190 V13 differed little from the Fw 190A. The following Fw 190 V15 and Fw 190 V16 prototypes were generally similar, but the Fw 190 V16 was later fitted with 1 x Daimler-Benz DB 603E, rated at 1,800 hp (1.342 kW) for take-off and with a max level speed of 450.5 mph (725 km/h) at 22,965 ft (6.800 m), an initial climb rate of 4,331 ft (1.320 m) per minute.
The next prototype was the Fw 190 V18, which was completed with a pressure cabin, an enlarged vertical tail surface and powered by 1 × Daimler-Benz DB 603G, driving a four-blade propeller and fitted with a Hirth 9-2281 turbocharger. The turbocharger was installed in a prominent ventral installation with a large air inlet. The Fw 190 V18 was later revised to Fw 190 V18/U1 standard with a revised powerplant (the DB 603A engine and a DVL TK-11 turbocharger), rated at 1,600 hp (1.193 kW) at an altitude of 35,105 ft (10700 m).
These and another five prototypes were flown extensively during 1943 and into early 1944 in a program designed to lead to the initial pair of Fw 190C production models, namely the Fw 190C-1 without a pressure cabin and the Fw 190C-2 with a wing span of 40 ft 4.125 in (12.30 m) with an aspect ratio of 7.45 and an area of 218.51 sq ft (20.30 m²), a pressure cabin and an armament of 2 × 0.51 in (13 mm) MG 131 guns in the upper nose and 5 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon fitted as four in the wings and one between the engine cylinder banks in a Motorkannon installation although weight restrictions might have meant a reduction to just two 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon.
There were continued problems with the pressure cabin and turbocharger installation, however, and the German air ministry ordered the termination of the Fw 190C program as the Fw 190D fighter was already in production and offering excellent capabilities in the high-altitude role
Number built: 9 (prototypes)
Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-0 The fact that the Fw 190B and Fw 190C series are described here is because the Fw 190D series depended heavily upon the -B and -C series. The three concurrent programs were therefore:
  • Fw 190B: with a turbocharged BMW 801 radial engine, a pressure cabin and a wing of extended area
  • Fw 190C with a turbocharged DB 603A inverted-Vee engine, a pressure cabin and a wing of considerably enlarged span and area
  • Fw 190D with a Junkers Jumo 213 inverted-Vee piston engine and a pressure cabin but without an enlarged wing.
As history shows, the Fw 190D series proved to be a winning combination. The demand was so high that the first pre-production batch were 10 aircraft converted from the Fw 190A-7 standard
Number converted: 10
Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9 There are no D-1 through D-8 versions, because it was decided that the A-8 should be succeeded directly with the D series on all production lines. The initial Fw 190D-9's were based on the airframe of the Fw 190A-8 mated with the Jumo 213A-1 engine with the MW 50 water/methanol power-boost system to raise short-term power to 2,240 hp (1.670 kW). This was fitted in a ‘power egg’ that was attached to the forward bulkhead of the fuselage by just four bolts. Later production aircraft received the slightly bulged canopy that had been developed for the Fw 190F series and offered better visibility and well as improved aerodynamics. Despite the efforts made to improve the weight of the fighter’s firepower in the second and third prototypes, the Fw 190D-9 carried a fixed armament of just 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in the wing roots and 2 × 0.51 in (13 mm) MG 131 guns in the upper nose. An ETC 504 rack was fitted under the fuselage to carry a 551 lb (250 kg) SC-250 bomb or a 66 Imp gal (79.25 US gal; 300 liter) drop tank. Only one Rüstsatz was used:

Rüstsätze (field conversion sets):

Fw 190D-9/R11 All-weather fighter with improved radio equipment and the PKS 12 radio navigation system


Number built: Unknown, out of a total of 674 D-series aircraft
Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-12 The Fw 190D-10 and Fw 190D-11 never were produced, save for 7 D-11 prototypes. The Fw 190D-12 was the definitive ground attack fighter. It was powered by 1 × Jumo 213F, rated at 1,750 hp (1.305 kW) for take-off or 2,060 hp (1.536 kW) with the MW HD high-pressure methanol/water power-boost system. It had a three-stage supercharger, was fitted with a fixed armament of 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in the wing roots and 1 × 30 mm MK 108 cannon between the cylinder banks of the engine. A sheathing of armor was designed and installed to protect it from anti-aircraft fire during low-level missions.
None of these aircraft were used operationally, probably because of a lack of fuel.
Number built: Unknown, out of a total of 674 D-series aircraft
Focke-Wulf Fw 190F-1 The Fw 190F was a dedicated close-support fighter, and was a production line model of the Fw 190A-5/U3, with a strengthened landing gear and fitted with 1 × ETC 501 center fuselage rack, and 4 × ETC 50 underwing racks. Max bomb load was 1,984 lb (900 kg), optionally increased to 2,646 lb (1.200 kg) under special circumstances as the ETC 501 rack was able to carry a 2,205 lb (1.000 kg) load. Also, the Fw 190F-series had improved protection in the form of some 794 lb (360 kg) of armor for the pilot, engine and oil tank. This model was based on the Fw 190A-4, rather than the Fw 190A-5
Number built: 25 to 30
Focke-Wulf Fw 190F-2 First true F-series production. Based on the airframe of the Fw 190A-5 but generally similar to the Fw 190F-1 with the exception of its revised cockpit canopy and modified disposable armament capability. The cockpit was based on a single-piece sliding section of the blown type that bulged upward slightly to offer more headroom and also improve the aerodynamics of the upper fuselage. The modification of the bomb-load resulted from provision for an ER-4 supplementary rack to be installed on the ETC 501 underfuselage rack to carry 4 × 110 lb (50 kg) SC-50 bombs as an alternative to a single larger bomb. One conversion existed.

Umrüst-Bausätze (factory conversion sets):

Fw 190F-2/Trop Tropicalized with dust/sand filters for service in Tunisia and in southern Italy


Number built: 271
Focke-Wulf Fw 190F-3 Based on the airframe of the Fw 190A-6, fitted with 2 × ETC 250 racks in stead of 4 × ETC 50 racks under the wings. These racks could each carry a single 551 lb (250 kg) SC-250 bomb or 66 Imp gal (79.25 US gal; 300 liter) drop tank.

Rüstsätze (field conversion sets):

Fw 190F-3/R1 Simplified bomb-release gear
Fw 190F-3/R3 Tank-buster version with 2 × 30 mm MK 103 under the wings


Number built: about 250
Focke-Wulf Fw 190F-8 Designated Fw 190F-8 (in stead of Fw 190F-4) to synchronise on the Fw 190A series. Armed with 2 × 0.51 in (13 mm) MG 131 guns in stead of 2 × 0.312 in (7.92 mm) MG 17's. Further features include an improved fuel-injection system, revised radio equipment, provision for 25.3 Imp gal (30.4 US gal; 115 liters) of auxiliary fuel in a 30.4 US gal (25.3 Imp gal; 115 liter) rear-fuselage tank, and a modified bomb-release system capable of dropping of the bombs in a single salvo or a number of ‘sticks’.
A lot of Fw 190F-8's could also be fitted with 24 × 2.16 in (55 mm) R4/M rockets, or 14 × 220 lb (100 kg) RBS B/F21 rocket bombs, or two clusters of 3 × 9.84 in (280 mm) WGr.28 rockets, or Panzerblitz anti-tank rockets in 2.16, 3.07 and 5.12 in (55, 78 and 130 mm) calibers, or large numbers of small anti-personnel bomblets

Umrüst-Bausätze (factory conversion sets):

Fw 190F-8/U1 Two-seat tandem advanced trainer. Uncertainty exists over whether or not this version was actually built or not
Fw 190F-8/U2 Torpedo-fighters with provision for the 882 lb (400 kg) BT 400, 1,543 lb (700 kg) BT 700 or 3,086 lb (1.400 kg) BT 1400 torpedo-bomb
Fw 190F-8/U3 Torpedo-fighters with provision for the 882 lb (400 kg) BT 400, 1,543 lb (700 kg) BT 700 or 3,086 lb (1.400 kg) BT 1400 torpedo-bomb (like above)
Fw 190F-8/U14 Torpedo-fighter, with provision for the LT F5b torpedoes.
Fw 190F-8/U15 Torpedo-fighter, with provision for the 2,094 lb (950 kg) LT 900 torpedo.



Rüstsätze (field conversion sets):

Fw 190F-8/R1 Attack aircraft, armed with 2 × 0.51 in (13 mm) MG 131 fuselage-mounted guns and 4 × 20 mm MG 151/20 wing-mounted cannon as well as underwing bombs on 4 × ETC 71 racks.
Fw 190F-8/R2 Attack aircraft, armed with 2 × 0.51 in (13 mm) MG 131 fuselage-mounted guns and 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 wing-mounted cannon, supplemented by 2 × 30 mm MK 108 cannon in underwing gondolas.
Fw 190F-8/R3 Attack aircraft, armed with 2 × 0.51 in (13 mm) MG 131 guns and 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon, supplemented by 2 × 30 mm MK 103 underwing cannon for tank-busting operations.
Fw 190F-8/R13 Nocturnal ground-attack fighter, fitted with additional navigation equipment and armed with 2 × 0.51 in (13 mm) MG 131 fuselage-mounted guns and up to 3,307 lb (1.500 kg) of disposable stores carried on 1 × ETC 501 underfuselage rack and 2 × ETC 503 underwing racks
Fw 190F-8/R14 Torpedo-fighter, powered by 1 × BMW 801TU radial, rated at 2,000 hp (1.491 kW) for take-off. It featured the PKS 12 radio navigation system, and was armed with 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in the wing roots and one LT F5b torpedo carried on an ETC 502 underfuselage rack.
Fw 190F-8/R15 Torpedo-fighter, equal to the Fw 190F-8/R14, but with the standard 1 × BMW 801D-2 engine and a 3,086 lb (1400 kg) LT 1400 torpedo-bomb.
Fw 190F-8/R16 Torpedo-fighter, equal to the Fw 190F-8/15, but with a 1,543 lb (700 kg) LT 700 torpedo-bomb.


Number built: 385
Focke-Wulf Fw 190F-9 Parallell to the F-8 series, the F-9 series had differences such as improved armor. It was powered by 1 × BMW 601TS/TH turbocharged engine, rated at 2,000 hp (1.491 kW) for take-off and 2,270 hp (1.692,5 kW) with the MW 50 methanol/water power-boost system. It had the same Umrüst-Bausätze and Rüstsätze as the Fw 190F-8 (See above).
Further development of the Fw 190F series was stopped because of the defeat of Germany.
Number built: unknown
Focke-Wulf Fw 190G-0 Pre-production model of the Fw 190G long-range fighter-bomber series. In essence it was the production version of the Fw 190A-4/U8 and Fw 190A-5/U3. The extra fuel meant a sacrifice of two fuselage-mounted guns to leave the 2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in the wing roots as the only fixed armament. Provision for attachments of 2 × 66 Imp gal (79.25 US gal; 300 liter) drop tanks under the wings were made. The Fw 190G-0 was additionally fitted with an ETC 501 rack under the fuselage to carry a 2,205 lb (1.000 kg) SC-1000 or 1,102 lb (500 kg) SC-500 bomb.
Number built: unknown
Focke-Wulf Fw 190G-1 First G-series production version. It was based on the Fw 190A-4’s airframe, and was similar to the Fw 190G-0 except for its strengthened main landing gear, max weight of 10,472 lb (4.750 kg) with a 3,968 lb (.1800 kg) SC-1800 bomb whose lower fin had to be cropped to provide adequate ground clearance at take-off. The powerplant remained was the 1 × BMW 801D-2 radial, rated at 1,700 hp (1.267,5 kW) for take-off and 1,440 hp (1.074 kW) at 18,700 ft (5.700 m) in the original type of short-nose installation that resulted in an overall length of 28 ft 10.5 in (8.80 m). The max level speed was 351 mph (565 km/h) at optimum altitude, the cruising speed was 289 mph (465 km/h) at optimum altitude, and it had a range of 652 miles (1.050 km) with two 66 Imp gal (79.25 US gal; 300 liter) drop tanks. One conversion existed.

Umrüst-Bausätze (factory conversion sets):

Fw 190G-1/Trop Fitted with dust/sand filters for use in North Africa, Italy and the USSR


Number built: 49
Focke-Wulf Fw 190G-2 The Fw 190G-2 was a simple development of the Fw 190G-1 based on the airframe of the Fw 190A-5 with its longer nose section for an overall length of 29 ft 4.25 in (8,95 m). It also had Messerschmitt-designed racks for the underwing drop tanks, which provided for a maximum range of 963 miles (1.550 km). One conversion existed.

Umrüst-Bausätze (factory conversion sets):

Fw 190G-1/Trop Fitted with dust/sand filters for use in North Africa, Italy and the USSR


Number built: 468
Focke-Wulf Fw 190G-3 Equal to the Fw 190G-2, but with the incorporation of the PKS 11 autopilot, use of underwing racks designed by Focke-Wulf and incorporation of balloon cable-cutters in the wing leading edges

Umrüst-Bausätze (factory conversion sets):

Fw 190G-3/Trop Fitted with dust/sand filters for use in North Africa, Italy and the USSR



Rüstsätze (field conversion sets):

Fw 190G-3/R5 An additional 4 × ETC 50 racks under the wings to carry 4 × 100 lb (50 kg) SC-50 bombs


Number built: unknown
Focke-Wulf Fw 190G-4 Equal to the Fw 190G-3, but with 3 × ETC 503 underwing racks

Umrüst-Bausätze (factory conversion sets):

Fw 190G-4/Trop Fitted with dust/sand filters for use in North Africa, Italy and the USSR


Number built: unknown
Focke-Wulf Fw 190G-8 Based on the airframe of the Fw 190A-8 with its 25.3 Imp gal (30.4 US gal; 115 liter) auxiliary tank.

Rüstsätze (field conversion sets):

Fw 190G-8/R4 Powered by 1 × BMW 801D-2 engine with the GM 1 nitrous oxide power-boost system.
Fw 190G-8/R5 Powered by 1 × BMW 801TU engine, rated at 2,000 hp (1.491 kW) for take-off and carrying four ETC 50 underwing racks in addition to the ETC 501 underfuselage rack.


Number built: unknown
Focke-Wulf NC.900 Post-war production of the Fw 190A-8 for the French Air Force. Produced by the Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Centre.
Number built: 64

Remarks:

The Fw 190 (Würger or Shrike for the A, B, F and G models, or Langnasen Dora for the D-series) ruled the skies when it first became operational. After the advent of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX it lost that place for good, but nevertheless remained the best Axis fighter of World War 2.

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

 

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© by Frans Bonné, 2000
Last revision: 9/20/00