Fw 190D “blue 12” of the JG 6 at Furth
The Fw 190D-9 production version incorporated several enhancements over the V53 and V54 prototypes, optimizing the aircraft for better combat performance. Key modifications included:
Structural and Armament Improvements:
- The tailfin was enlarged for better stability, and the fuselage, particularly around the engine compartment and gun cover plate, was reinforced. The forward fuselage tank could hold 167 kg (232 liters) of fuel, while the aft tank could store 210 kg (292 liters).
- Armament consisted of two MG 131 machine guns in the fuselage and two MG 151 cannons in the wing roots, with a single multi-purpose ETC 504 rack for ordnance.
MW 50 System:
- The aircraft was retrofitted with the MW 50 water-methanol injection system, which boosted the Jumo 213A engine’s power to 2100 hp at altitudes up to 5000 meters. However, due to production challenges, a simplified system known as “Oldenburg” was initially fitted, limiting availability. The MW 50 system significantly enhanced the aircraft’s performance, allowing for continuous operation up to ten minutes, effectively closing the gap with more powerful enemy aircraft at low altitudes.
Operational Deployment and Pilot Perception:
- Initial skepticism among pilots, due to the Jumo 213’s origins as a bomber engine, quickly dissipated. The Fw 190D-9 proved to be highly maneuverable, faster, and had a better climb rate compared to the earlier BMW 801-equipped variants. It was particularly effective in covering the vulnerable Me 262 jets during landing and takeoff, highlighting its versatility and capability as a protective escort.
High-Altitude Considerations and Production Plans:
- The lack of a pressurized cockpit and reliance on methanol indicated the D-9 was not intended as a high-altitude fighter. The Hohenjager II program, exploring high-altitude capabilities with other engines like the BMW 801TJ and Jumo 213E, faced delays. The Jumo 213E, anticipated to enter production by mid-1944, was prioritized as a more reliable option, although conversion issues delayed large-scale production.
- The D-9 was viewed as a temporary solution, with an initial production contract for 2825 aircraft issued in September 1944, reduced from the planned 400 units. Despite being a stopgap, the D-series became the best-performing Fw 190 variant during the war.
Unrealized Developments:
- The Fw 190D-10 was planned to feature the Jumo 213C engine with a central cannon firing through the propeller hub. However, this variant never progressed beyond the planning stage.
The Fw 190D series, particularly the D-9, played a crucial role in the Luftwaffe’s efforts to maintain air superiority and adapt to the changing dynamics of aerial warfare during the late stages of World War II.