Pilots!

With World of Warplanes update 1.1 on its way, we are taking a moment to spotlight one of the highly-anticipated and brand new German fighters, the Focke Wulf Fw-190. Also known as the “Shrike” or “Butcher Bird,” the Fw-190 was ahead of its time, pushing the envelope of maneuverability among fighters during World War II. Its introduction caused trouble for the Allied air forces who were unprepared for its advanced rolling ability, an advantage that ensured the longevity of its renown.

History

In the middle of the new German fighter tree sits a truly remarkable aircraft, the Focke Wulf Fw-190. The design of the Fw-190 was disruptive and unique rather than evolutionary. It was boldly different than its peers in both performance and purpose.

At the outset of World War II, the Luftwaffe had only a single, modern front-line fighter aircraft in mass production: the Messerschmitt Bf-109. Designed in the mid-1930s, it was a sleek and small low-wing all-metal monoplane that boasted an impressive climb rate, top speed, and good high-altitude performance. Dramatically advanced for its time, the Bf-109 was immediately earmarked as the primary single-engine fighter of the Luftwaffe.

However, as demand increased for the 109, so did the strain to produce the various components that were used to make it, and specifically the Daimler-Benz 601 V-12 engine that powered it. The Luftwaffe realized that they would need a second fighter design that did not rely on production efforts and materials that would rob those of the 109. The solution to this problem was to be presented by Kurt Tank and Focke Wulf in 1939.

Tank was Focke Wulf’s lead aeronautical engineer and had led the design team in the initial contract competition that lost to the 109 (with the earlier Fw-159). However Tank’s next design incorporated the BMW 801 14-cylinder, radial engine and a completely unique design ethos. Rather than a delicate sleek airframe, this new design was a tough workhorse; a heavily armed aircraft that could perform in the worst of conditions and still bring devastating results.

Performance

The Fw-190 first saw service over the English Channel in 1942 and was immediately recognized as a serious threat to allied air power. When the Fw-190 was first encountered in combat, so different was its design and intent that Allied pilots were challenged to understand how to effectively counter it.

Tight or fast turning performance was recognized as an element that made a fighter successful: it could out-turn its opponent and thereby get on his tail. However, while the Fw-190 sported an average turn radius and rate, it introduced a new standard in its rate of roll. This was unique for the day and gave the Fw-190 the ability to change the direction of its turn much faster than the allied fighters of the day. This superior roll rate gave its pilots the ability to deploy new tactics like the “boom and zoom” and “rolling scissors.” These high-speed maneuvers did not rely on tight turning abilities, but rather energy management techniques and rolling performance. The Focke Wulf 190’s unique design, and performance profile, had helped to usher in a new set of air combat tactics and doctrine.

In-Game

In World of Warplanes, the Fw-190 shines as an “energy” fighter. Don’t be lured into a flat turn fight with any other fighter; you’re doomed if you do. Rather, use the 190’s speed and brutal firepower (upgradable to four 20mm cannons and two 7.9 machine guns) to hit hard, hit fast, then recover. Employ its fantastic roll rate to change your turn vector (direction) faster than your opponent to escape a pursuit. Flying the 190 effectively takes patience and the willingness to disengage. These are the more mature tactics and traits that bring out the best of the “butcher bird.” Fly fast, hit hard, and exit!

To view the full performance statistics of the Fw-190, click here.