RTF Skymasters

During 1942, the Fw 190A-3 gave way to the Fw 190A-4, the main change being the addition of a Methanol-Water power boost system to give extra power below the rated altitude of the BMW 801D-2 engine (last post noted that speed fell off rapidly below 16400 feet).

The Fw 190A-4 was the first version outfitted with a pair of Wfr. Gr. 21 mortars beneath the wing. Designated as Fw 190A-4/R6, these were designed to fire outside the range of bomber formation defensive fire and break up the tight formations allowing subsequent waves of fighters to go after individual targets. The first large scale use of Fw 190A4-R6 was October 14, 1943. This was the famous Schweinfurt raid conducted by 228 USAAF bombers. 62 bombers were lost during the action, 17 more crashed in England and another ~36 were written off after returning to England. The USAAF effectively lost 115 of 228 attacking bombers, just over 50%!

In 1943, the Fw 190A-5 arrived, with an increased length of 5.9 inches due to a modified engine mounting. In June 1943, the Fw 190A-6 arrived too. The A-6 was intended primarily for use on the Eastern Front, with standardized armament of two fuselage mounted 7.9mm machine guns and four wing mounted 20mm cannon.

In late 1943, the A-7 appeared (only about 80 produced). These differed from the A-6 with simplified electronics, better radio and gun sight and 13mm machine guns in place of the 7.2mm machine guns.

Next post will get into the Fw 190A-8 (my personal favorite version). The A-8 was built in larger numbers than any other sub-type