Difference between revisions of "Fw 190 F-8"

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{{Specs-Card|code=fw-190f-8}}
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{{About
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{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For other uses, see [[Fw_190_(Disambiguation)|Fw 190 (Disambiguation)]]''}}
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| about = German strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = Fw 190 (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=fw-190f-8
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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}}
 +
 
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 +
The '''Focke-Wulf {{PAGENAME}}''', nicknamed "Würger" (Shrike), was the main serial production of the F-series [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190]] fighter. The F-series were designed as multirole ground attack fighter-bomber aircraft meant to replace the obsolete [[Ju 87 (Family)|Ju 87]] dive bomber. The F-8 variant was based on the [[Fw 190 A-8]], featuring a reinforced airframe to allow it to carry its payload of up to a 1,000 kg bomb. To compensate for the worsened flight performance, the F-8 featured a slightly modified compressor injector which improved the engine's performance at low altitudes. Despite 6,143 F-8 models being produced, it could never fully replace the Stukas this late into the war (1944), and as such often ended up being used as a low altitude fighter-interceptor instead of its ground attacking role.
 +
 
 +
Being in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. The {{PAGENAME}} is a Fw 190 who thought it was a Stuka. The F-8 version is a peculiar one, being classed as a strike aircraft due to its relatively heavy suspended armaments. As an attacker, this Focke-Wulf gains mid-air start on most maps which can either be used to get to ground targets quickly or get the jump on climbing fighters. While generally more sluggish than the A-8 variant, the F-8 features a 30 mm gun pods that allows it to dismantle the enemy planes in a few hits. The F-8 is perhaps one of the most versatile Fw 190s in the game, though it tends to be outperformed in most categories by more specialised planes.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
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=== Flight performance ===
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''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
Being essentially a modified [[Fw 190 A-8]] for ground attacking role, the {{PAGENAME}}'s general flight performance is generally similar to the A-8, though being noticeably more sluggish to handle, especially while stock. The F-8 retains the typical handling of the Fw 190 series; good roll rate and high-speed handling, but mediocre climb rate and atrocious turn rate. Which means it can perform reasonably well as a boom-and-zoom fighter, though not as well as dedicated fighter variant. The F-8's heavier airframe resulting into the plane often struggle in a prolonged dogfights, as it will haemorrhage its energy much faster than other dedicated fighters.
 +
 
 +
A caveat worth noting is that, while the F-8 can perform as a boom-and-zoom fighter, it suffers from rudder lock-ups at higher speed (~650 km/h), which may results in a fatal failed-pull ups if the pilot are not careful. On the plus side, while the F-8 does not have dedicated combat flaps, the take-off flaps can be used in place of it to improve its manoeuvrability due to its unusually high rip speed (~700 km/h).
 +
 
 +
As it was classified as a strike aircraft, the F-8 greatly benefits from its access to an air spawn, as it gains a head start speed to help it climb up to medium altitudes (~3,000 - 4,000 m) at the start of the match. This allows the F-8 to gain an altitude advantage against most fighters, and even capable of intercepting bombers.
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,400 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 605 || 585 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.5 || 25.5 || 11.7 || 11.7 || rowspan="2" | 453
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 670 || 635 || 21.9 || 23.2 || 21.7 || 15.8
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| X || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 700 || 310 || ~13 || ~6
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 420 || < 300 || < 550 || > 320
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
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''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
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<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 6 mm Steel - Fore cowl ring
 +
* 10 mm Steel - Cowl ring
 +
* 6 mm Steel - Under engine armour
 +
* 8 mm Steel - Under cockpit/fuel tank armour plate
 +
* 5 mm Steel - Rear fuel tank armour
 +
* 8 mm Steel - Pilot's chair armour
 +
* 6 mm Steel - Pilot's chair armour
 +
* 12 mm Steel - Headrest armour
 +
* 57 mm Bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
The attacker "Würger" has such awful responsiveness from the elevator that anything which improves turn rate should have the highest priority. Otherwise, it will kiss the ground more than cows do! Don't forget, it needs to dive-bomb to hit anything. And grinding the bombs cannot be forgotten!! This is an attacker, so it needs the payload unlocks, but without performance upgrades, it is just a pain to fly. A detour to the new belts could be considered, but two 20 mm cannons are enough to handle any ground units even with stock ammunition, especially as the other performance upgrades are necessary as well due the F-8's great weight.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
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''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
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{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
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<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 131 (13 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
 +
* 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
 +
 
 +
As with any 20 mm-armed German planes, the Würger starts out with an underwhelming default belt that were less than ideal to use against enemy aircraft. Though due to its role as a strike aircraft, you can still uses the 20 mm autocannons against soft ground targets (MG nest, artillery, light pillbox, etc.) with reasonable efficiency. Then after you have unlocked the belt options with Minengeschoß rounds, the Würger can then finally be used as a fighter-interceptor like how it was in real life.
 +
 
 +
The 13 mm IAI belts are extremely potent against bomber and fighter aircraft alike; featuring a mere 1 g of explosive mass. The belts have a strong chance to simply rupture the airframe or disable many flammable modules at the same time.
  
 +
In addition, the Würger also has an option to equip two 30 mm gun pods with 70 rounds in total. The 30 mm rounds are extremely powerful against any air targets, though it often requires trigger discipline due to the low ammo count of 70 rounds.
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
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''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
=== Defensive armament ===
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
+
|-
 +
! !! width="15%" | 1 !! width="15%" | 2 !! width="15%" | 3
 +
| rowspan="12" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Fw_190_D-9.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[MK 103 (30 mm)|30 mm MK 103]] cannons (35 rpg)
 +
| 1* || || 1*
 +
|-
 +
! [[SC50JA (50 kg)|50 kg SC50JA]] bombs
 +
| 2 || 4 || 2
 +
|-
 +
! [[SC250JA (250 kg)|250 kg SC250JA]] bombs
 +
| || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[SC500K (500 kg)|500 kg SC500K]] bombs
 +
| || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[PC500 (500 kg)|500 kg PC500]] bombs
 +
| || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)|1,000 kg SC1000L2]] bombs
 +
| || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[PC1000 (1,000 kg)|1,000 kg PC1000]] bombs
 +
| || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Flam C 250 incendiary]] bombs
 +
| || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Flam C 500 incendiary]] bombs
 +
| || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Pb2]] rockets
 +
| 7 || || 7
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,220 kg
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="5" | * Cannon pods must be equipped together
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
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== Usage in the battles ==
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{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
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''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 
 +
* Without load
 +
* 14 x Pb2 rockets
 +
* 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (200 kg total)
 +
* 8 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (400 kg total)
 +
* 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
 +
* 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (500 kg total)
 +
* 1 x 500 kg PC500 bomb (500 kg total)
 +
* 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb (1,000 kg total)
 +
* 1 x 1,000 kg PC1000 bomb (1,000 kg total)
 +
* 1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb
 +
* 1 x Flam C 500 incendiary bomb
 +
* 2 x 30 mm MK 103 cannons (35 rpg = 70 total)
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
The Fw 190 F-8 possesses below average speed, acceleration and climb ability for its rank. If you spot a bandit at the same altitude, a recommended tactic is to head-on attack, followed by an evasive manoeuvre and then extending away to repeat the processes. If a bandit has superior energy/altitude and is trying to attack you, try to drag them to friendlies, but don't sacrifice too much altitude to do so. If you are skilled enough, another tactic would be to initiate scissors; either rolling or flat, and then break away when he goes to yo-yo to control his overshoot. The scissors manoeuvre is a highly effective manoeuvre in the 190s. Many good pilots have dismembered many superior aircraft simply because of the roll rate and firepower this plane possesses. If you are clever enough to press for a gun solution when scissoring an enemy, you could be greatly rewarded.
 +
 
 +
In summary for the unintended fighter-role, climb to the side or continue climbing when starting mid-air, Boom & Zoom like a champion, never get in a sustained turn fight, and use the rate of roll to free yourself when cornered. The F-8 is most likely to be successful in realistic battles when used as a ground-attacker or bomber hunter. [[B-17 (Family)|B-17s]] and [[Halifax B Mk IIIa|Halifaxes]] are unlikely to fly at higher altitudes than the F-8 can perform at, which allows for the F-8s armament (especially with the 30 mm gunpods) and decent durability to be useful while not being held back by its relatively poor dogfighting capability. It is best to make quick, diving attack passes targeting the wings and engines before extending out to avoid return fire from the bomber's defensive guns. Do not turn back until you are at least 1 km away from the bomber to avoid being an easy target. Until the frontal gunpods are unlocked, 2-3 passes may be required to fully destroy a bomber. Frontal attacks can also be effective especially with the engines and cockpit both viable targets, but with the trade-off being less time to shoot at the target (this goes both ways, you won't be in the range of defensive guns for very long either).
 +
 
 +
In combined forces battles, the Fw 190 F-8 can carry a wider range of ordnance than most other German fighters, allowing for ground-attack using rockets, gun pods, bombs or equipping them together because of the ability to make custom load-outs. The 1,000 kg bomb is unique to F-8 among German fighters; while the [[Do 335 (Family)|Do 335 (A-1 & B-2 variants)]] and [[Me 410 (Family)|Me-410 (A1 & B1 variants)]] can carry 1,000 kg worth of bombs, they can only carry 250 kg and 500 kg bombs. The F-8 combines the ability to carry heavy ordnance while still retaining decent fighting capability after dropping said ordnance.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Combined || Not controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Retains most of the positive flight qualities of the Fw 190 series: Good roll rate and high speed handling
 +
* While the plane does not have dedicated combat flaps, the take-off flaps can be used in place of it due to its very high rip speed (~700 km/h)
 +
* Has an airspawn, allows the plane to easily get a head start above most fighters and intercept bombers
 +
* Heavy suspended weapon options, including up to 1,200 kg of bombs or 30 mm gun pods with an access to anti-tank rounds
 +
* Powerful main armaments with high ammo capacity, the 30 mm gun pods can further augmented the plane's firepower with minimal performance loss
 +
* Very durable airframe, capable of taking a lot of punishments
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Awful stock grind; the plane is essentially a worse [[Fw 190 A-8]] when its offensive armaments and flight performances were not upgraded
 +
* Heavier and more sluggish than other Fw 190 variants, resulting into worsened handling, often got beaten by dedicated fighters in a dogfight
 +
* As with other Fw 190 variants, the plane's climb rate is rather mediocre and the turn rate is terrible
 +
* Carrying heavy payload will significantly reduces the plane's flight performance
 +
* Rudder is unresponsive at higher speeds (~650 km/h), which may causes the plane to crash into the ground, especially while stock
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Wuerger (Shrike) was a single-seat single-engine monoplane fighter used by the Luftwaffe in WWII. One of the best fighters of the time, it was widely used during the Second World War. A total of over 20,000 were produced, including some 6,000 fighter-bomber variants. The 190 remained in production from 1941 until the end of the war, going through multiple redesigns. The Fw 190 made a name for itself as a true Luftwaffe workhorse and was used in a wide variety of roles, including a high-altitude interceptor (especially the Fw 190D), escort fighter, fighter-bomber and night fighter.
 +
 
 +
The Fw 190 F-8 was the most mass-produced variant of the Fw 190 F series, based on the Fw 190 A-8. By March 1944, Fw 190 F-8s were also produced by the Arado company in Warnemuende, and by April the NDW company in Wismar. The aircraft was powered by the BMW 801 D-2 engine with improved injector on the compressor, which provided emergency power for up to 10-15 minutes at 1,000 m of altitude. Otherwise, the plane's equipment was largely similar to the A-8, although the FuG 16 ZY radio was replaced with the FuG 16 ZS in April 1944. This allowed direct communication with ground troops on the battlefield. A distinctive characteristic of the F-8 was a widened rear canopy. The new canopy was introduced in the latter half of 1944. It improved forward and downward visibility, which was very important for ground attack. On-board armament consisted of twin MG 131 machine guns in the fuselage and two MG 151/20E cannon in the wings.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
−
== Read also ==
+
;Skins
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fw-190f-8 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|1cmaBp6AAzc|'''The Shooting Range #253''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|F08iy59P2_U|'''The Brilliance of Kurt Tank! Fw 190 F-8 - Germany - Review!''' - ''Jengar''|pNNDfnXOMSo|'''Fw 190 Defensive Techniques Tutorial I''' - ''Green Fury''}}
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''ETC.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
;Related development
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
 
 +
* [[Fw 190 A-8]]{{-}}[[Fw 190 A-8 (USA)]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [[wikipedia:Focke-Wulf_Fw_190_Würger|[Wikipedia] Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Würger]]
 +
* [http://www.airvectors.net/avfw190.html#m4 <nowiki>[Air Vectors]</nowiki> The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 - Fw 190F / Fw 190G]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Focke-Wulf}}
 +
{{Germany strike aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 15:11, 6 June 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the German strike aircraft Fw 190 F-8. For other versions, see Fw 190 (Family).
Fw 190 F-8
fw-190f-8.png
GarageImage Fw 190 F-8.jpg
ArtImage Fw 190 F-8.png
Fw 190 F-8
Germany flag.png Germany
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.3 5.0 4.3
Class:
Research:46 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:155 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 F-8, nicknamed "Würger" (Shrike), was the main serial production of the F-series Fw 190 fighter. The F-series were designed as multirole ground attack fighter-bomber aircraft meant to replace the obsolete Ju 87 dive bomber. The F-8 variant was based on the Fw 190 A-8, featuring a reinforced airframe to allow it to carry its payload of up to a 1,000 kg bomb. To compensate for the worsened flight performance, the F-8 featured a slightly modified compressor injector which improved the engine's performance at low altitudes. Despite 6,143 F-8 models being produced, it could never fully replace the Stukas this late into the war (1944), and as such often ended up being used as a low altitude fighter-interceptor instead of its ground attacking role.

Being in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. The Fw 190 F-8 is a Fw 190 who thought it was a Stuka. The F-8 version is a peculiar one, being classed as a strike aircraft due to its relatively heavy suspended armaments. As an attacker, this Focke-Wulf gains mid-air start on most maps which can either be used to get to ground targets quickly or get the jump on climbing fighters. While generally more sluggish than the A-8 variant, the F-8 features a 30 mm gun pods that allows it to dismantle the enemy planes in a few hits. The F-8 is perhaps one of the most versatile Fw 190s in the game, though it tends to be outperformed in most categories by more specialised planes.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 5 400 m635 km/h
Turn time23 s
Max altitude11 100 m
EngineBMW 801 TU
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight6 t

Being essentially a modified Fw 190 A-8 for ground attacking role, the Fw 190 F-8's general flight performance is generally similar to the A-8, though being noticeably more sluggish to handle, especially while stock. The F-8 retains the typical handling of the Fw 190 series; good roll rate and high-speed handling, but mediocre climb rate and atrocious turn rate. Which means it can perform reasonably well as a boom-and-zoom fighter, though not as well as dedicated fighter variant. The F-8's heavier airframe resulting into the plane often struggle in a prolonged dogfights, as it will haemorrhage its energy much faster than other dedicated fighters.

A caveat worth noting is that, while the F-8 can perform as a boom-and-zoom fighter, it suffers from rudder lock-ups at higher speed (~650 km/h), which may results in a fatal failed-pull ups if the pilot are not careful. On the plus side, while the F-8 does not have dedicated combat flaps, the take-off flaps can be used in place of it to improve its manoeuvrability due to its unusually high rip speed (~700 km/h).

As it was classified as a strike aircraft, the F-8 greatly benefits from its access to an air spawn, as it gains a head start speed to help it climb up to medium altitudes (~3,000 - 4,000 m) at the start of the match. This allows the F-8 to gain an altitude advantage against most fighters, and even capable of intercepting bombers.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,400 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 605 585 11100 24.5 25.5 11.7 11.7 453
Upgraded 670 635 21.9 23.2 21.7 15.8

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
912 310 N/A 700 310 ~13 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 420 < 300 < 550 > 320

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural912 km/h
Gear310 km/h
  • 6 mm Steel - Fore cowl ring
  • 10 mm Steel - Cowl ring
  • 6 mm Steel - Under engine armour
  • 8 mm Steel - Under cockpit/fuel tank armour plate
  • 5 mm Steel - Rear fuel tank armour
  • 8 mm Steel - Pilot's chair armour
  • 6 mm Steel - Pilot's chair armour
  • 12 mm Steel - Headrest armour
  • 57 mm Bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 863 → 2 371 Sl icon.png
RB3 135 → 3 990 Sl icon.png
SB5 974 → 7 604 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications40 000 Rp icon.png
77 200 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training45 000 Sl icon.png
Experts155 000 Sl icon.png
Aces820 Ge icon.png
Research Aces440 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 150 / 420 % Sl icon.png
160 / 160 / 160 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mg131_belt_pack
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 500
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
Flamm C 250
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
mg131_new_gun
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
R4/M HL modification
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
Flamm C 500
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mg15120_belt_pack
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC1000
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
mg15120_new_gun
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods gunpods.png
R3 modification
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods ammo.png
mk103_belt_pack
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png

The attacker "Würger" has such awful responsiveness from the elevator that anything which improves turn rate should have the highest priority. Otherwise, it will kiss the ground more than cows do! Don't forget, it needs to dive-bomb to hit anything. And grinding the bombs cannot be forgotten!! This is an attacker, so it needs the payload unlocks, but without performance upgrades, it is just a pain to fly. A detour to the new belts could be considered, but two 20 mm cannons are enough to handle any ground units even with stock ammunition, especially as the other performance upgrades are necessary as well due the F-8's great weight.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main articles: MG 151 (20 mm), MG 131 (13 mm)

The Fw 190 F-8 is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
  • 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)

As with any 20 mm-armed German planes, the Würger starts out with an underwhelming default belt that were less than ideal to use against enemy aircraft. Though due to its role as a strike aircraft, you can still uses the 20 mm autocannons against soft ground targets (MG nest, artillery, light pillbox, etc.) with reasonable efficiency. Then after you have unlocked the belt options with Minengeschoß rounds, the Würger can then finally be used as a fighter-interceptor like how it was in real life.

The 13 mm IAI belts are extremely potent against bomber and fighter aircraft alike; featuring a mere 1 g of explosive mass. The belts have a strong chance to simply rupture the airframe or disable many flammable modules at the same time.

In addition, the Würger also has an option to equip two 30 mm gun pods with 70 rounds in total. The 30 mm rounds are extremely powerful against any air targets, though it often requires trigger discipline due to the low ammo count of 70 rounds.

Suspended armament

The Fw 190 F-8 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3
Hardpoints Fw 190 D-9.png
30 mm MK 103 cannons (35 rpg) 1* 1*
50 kg SC50JA bombs 2 4 2
250 kg SC250JA bombs 1
500 kg SC500K bombs 1
500 kg PC500 bombs 1
1,000 kg SC1000L2 bombs 1
1,000 kg PC1000 bombs 1
Flam C 250 incendiary bombs 1
Flam C 500 incendiary bombs 1
Pb2 rockets 7 7
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,220 kg
* Cannon pods must be equipped together
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 14 x Pb2 rockets
  • 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (200 kg total)
  • 8 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (400 kg total)
  • 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
  • 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (500 kg total)
  • 1 x 500 kg PC500 bomb (500 kg total)
  • 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb (1,000 kg total)
  • 1 x 1,000 kg PC1000 bomb (1,000 kg total)
  • 1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb
  • 1 x Flam C 500 incendiary bomb
  • 2 x 30 mm MK 103 cannons (35 rpg = 70 total)

Usage in battles

The Fw 190 F-8 possesses below average speed, acceleration and climb ability for its rank. If you spot a bandit at the same altitude, a recommended tactic is to head-on attack, followed by an evasive manoeuvre and then extending away to repeat the processes. If a bandit has superior energy/altitude and is trying to attack you, try to drag them to friendlies, but don't sacrifice too much altitude to do so. If you are skilled enough, another tactic would be to initiate scissors; either rolling or flat, and then break away when he goes to yo-yo to control his overshoot. The scissors manoeuvre is a highly effective manoeuvre in the 190s. Many good pilots have dismembered many superior aircraft simply because of the roll rate and firepower this plane possesses. If you are clever enough to press for a gun solution when scissoring an enemy, you could be greatly rewarded.

In summary for the unintended fighter-role, climb to the side or continue climbing when starting mid-air, Boom & Zoom like a champion, never get in a sustained turn fight, and use the rate of roll to free yourself when cornered. The F-8 is most likely to be successful in realistic battles when used as a ground-attacker or bomber hunter. B-17s and Halifaxes are unlikely to fly at higher altitudes than the F-8 can perform at, which allows for the F-8s armament (especially with the 30 mm gunpods) and decent durability to be useful while not being held back by its relatively poor dogfighting capability. It is best to make quick, diving attack passes targeting the wings and engines before extending out to avoid return fire from the bomber's defensive guns. Do not turn back until you are at least 1 km away from the bomber to avoid being an easy target. Until the frontal gunpods are unlocked, 2-3 passes may be required to fully destroy a bomber. Frontal attacks can also be effective especially with the engines and cockpit both viable targets, but with the trade-off being less time to shoot at the target (this goes both ways, you won't be in the range of defensive guns for very long either).

In combined forces battles, the Fw 190 F-8 can carry a wider range of ordnance than most other German fighters, allowing for ground-attack using rockets, gun pods, bombs or equipping them together because of the ability to make custom load-outs. The 1,000 kg bomb is unique to F-8 among German fighters; while the Do 335 (A-1 & B-2 variants) and Me-410 (A1 & B1 variants) can carry 1,000 kg worth of bombs, they can only carry 250 kg and 500 kg bombs. The F-8 combines the ability to carry heavy ordnance while still retaining decent fighting capability after dropping said ordnance.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Auto control available 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Combined Not controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Retains most of the positive flight qualities of the Fw 190 series: Good roll rate and high speed handling
  • While the plane does not have dedicated combat flaps, the take-off flaps can be used in place of it due to its very high rip speed (~700 km/h)
  • Has an airspawn, allows the plane to easily get a head start above most fighters and intercept bombers
  • Heavy suspended weapon options, including up to 1,200 kg of bombs or 30 mm gun pods with an access to anti-tank rounds
  • Powerful main armaments with high ammo capacity, the 30 mm gun pods can further augmented the plane's firepower with minimal performance loss
  • Very durable airframe, capable of taking a lot of punishments

Cons:

  • Awful stock grind; the plane is essentially a worse Fw 190 A-8 when its offensive armaments and flight performances were not upgraded
  • Heavier and more sluggish than other Fw 190 variants, resulting into worsened handling, often got beaten by dedicated fighters in a dogfight
  • As with other Fw 190 variants, the plane's climb rate is rather mediocre and the turn rate is terrible
  • Carrying heavy payload will significantly reduces the plane's flight performance
  • Rudder is unresponsive at higher speeds (~650 km/h), which may causes the plane to crash into the ground, especially while stock

History


Archive of the in-game description

The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Wuerger (Shrike) was a single-seat single-engine monoplane fighter used by the Luftwaffe in WWII. One of the best fighters of the time, it was widely used during the Second World War. A total of over 20,000 were produced, including some 6,000 fighter-bomber variants. The 190 remained in production from 1941 until the end of the war, going through multiple redesigns. The Fw 190 made a name for itself as a true Luftwaffe workhorse and was used in a wide variety of roles, including a high-altitude interceptor (especially the Fw 190D), escort fighter, fighter-bomber and night fighter.

The Fw 190 F-8 was the most mass-produced variant of the Fw 190 F series, based on the Fw 190 A-8. By March 1944, Fw 190 F-8s were also produced by the Arado company in Warnemuende, and by April the NDW company in Wismar. The aircraft was powered by the BMW 801 D-2 engine with improved injector on the compressor, which provided emergency power for up to 10-15 minutes at 1,000 m of altitude. Otherwise, the plane's equipment was largely similar to the A-8, although the FuG 16 ZY radio was replaced with the FuG 16 ZS in April 1944. This allowed direct communication with ground troops on the battlefield. A distinctive characteristic of the F-8 was a widened rear canopy. The new canopy was introduced in the latter half of 1944. It improved forward and downward visibility, which was very important for ground attack. On-board armament consisted of twin MG 131 machine guns in the fuselage and two MG 151/20E cannon in the wings.


Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #253 - Metal Beasts section at 00:27 discusses the Fw 190 F-8.
The Brilliance of Kurt Tank! Fw 190 F-8 - Germany - Review! - Jengar
Fw 190 Defensive Techniques Tutorial I - Green Fury

See also

Related development

External links


Focke-Wulf Aircraft Corporation (Focke-Wulf Flugzeugbau Aktiengesellschaft)
Fighters  Fw 190 A-1 · Fw 190 A-4 · Fw 190 A-5 · Fw 190 A-5/U2 · Fw 190 A-5/U12 · Fw 190 A-5/U14 · Fw 190 A-8
  Fw 190 C
  Fw 190 D-9 · Fw 190 D-12 · Fw 190 D-13
  Fw 190 F-8
  Ta 152 C-3* · Ta 152 H-1* · Ta 154 A-1*
Bombers  Fw 189 A-1 · Fw 200 C-1
Export  ▅Fw 190 A-5
Captured  ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▂Fw 190 D-9
  * In 1944, the Germany Air Ministry changed new fighter aircraft designation to that of the chief designer. Kurt Tank was the chief designer at Focke-Wulf and later aircraft he designed were given the prefix of Ta.

Germany strike aircraft
Messerschmitt 
Bf 110  Bf 110 C-6 · Bf 110 C-7 · Bf 110 F-2 · Bf 110 G-2 · Bf 110 G-4
Me 410  Me 410 A-1 · Me 410 A-1/U4 · Me 410 B-1 · Me 410 B-2/U4 · Me 410 B-6/R3
Dornier 
Do 335  Do 335 A-0 · Do 335 A-1 · Do 335 B-2
Focke-Wulf 
Fw 190  Fw 190 F-8
Heinkel 
He 219  He 219 A-7
Henschel 
Hs 129  Hs 129 B-2 · Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) · Hs 129 B-3
Junkers 
Ju 87  Ju 87 G-1 · Ju 87 G-2
  Foreign:
USSR  ▀IL-2 (1942)

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