What are your thoughts? - FW 190 C

[tx141 815]

Hi All,

 

This week I thought I would review the FW 190 C (Tier IV; Battle Rating 5.7 German Premium Fighter). Below you will find both my video review (including the history behind the proposed "C" variant of the FW 190 from its inception through to its cancellation) and a summary of my review in bullet-point form:

 

FW 190 C - A Problematic Proposal

Summary:

 

• Highly sustainable climb-rate – Whilst its base climb-rate is poor, the way the FW 190 C can sustain its climb at 25 degrees through WEP cycling gives the plane phenomenal climbing potential in the long-term. This makes the plane an ideal side-climber which can gradually creep above 5000m altitude and catch its opponents by surprise.
• High roll-rate – Near the top of its Battle Rating range, the FW 190 C’s roll-rate allows it to quickly change direction. This can prove critical when trying to get a shot on, or evade a shot from, a foe. Moreover, its poor lock-up in a high-speed dive is mitigated by the plane’s poor dive speed acceleration; giving the plane decent Boom and Zoom potential.
• Positive altitude stall – Whereas many planes in its Battle Rating range will need to put their noses down to recover from a stall, the FW 190 C does not and can prop-hang with its nose at an angle of ~15-25 degrees. Although this does mean stall recovery takes a considerable period of time, it also means you will continue to gain altitude as you recover.
• Sub-par in general – The overall performance of the FW 190 C will feel below average for its Battle Rating. Whilst the plane can execute certain roles (i.e. Boom and Zoom/Interceptor) well, it should be noted that there are a number of other planes available (e.g. J2M5; FW 190 D-12/D-13) which can execute these roles just as well if not better.
• Limited ideal altitude range – With the plane’s engine performance weakening below 3000m and above 6000m, the FW 190 C’s ideal altitude range of 3500-5500m lacks the flexibility of some of the plane’s contemporaries (e.g. Tempest Mk.V), limiting the number of engagements where the plane will be performing at its maximum.

 

Final Thought:

 

When considered in isolation, the FW 190 C proves to be a competent high-altitude fighter that enjoys being used for Boom and Zoom and interception style attacks; bridging the gap between the late “A” and “D” sub-variants of the FW 190 to an extent. However, when compared to its Battle Rating contemporaries, the FW 190 C will normally feel someway behind its competition, if not completely out-classed. As a result, this plane will require a pilot who is patient; knowing when to capitalise on the opportunities presented to them. Otherwise, for the uninitiated, flying this plane may prove to be a problematic proposal.

 

And now over to you: what are your thoughts on this Fighter?

 

Next time:

 

M.B.152C1 or F2A-1 Buffalo?

 

Be sure to let me know which one you want me to review using the above poll. Poll closes 1200 GMT 03/02/2019.

 

As always, take care and good luck in the skies.

 

Paul "tx141" Walsh 

[FailBoatCaptain 439]

Deciding whether or not I should have sold the thing due to the BR being 0.7 higher than the D9