FOCKE-WULF Fw 190: The Latter Years - Prototypes to the Fall of Germany

The Luftwaffe used the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 and Bf 109G to defend the Reich against Allied fighters and bombers. The US Eighth Air Force changed tactics in 1944 to free the fighters, leading to the development of the Gefechtsverband. The Fw 190 was also used on the Eastern Front for fighter and Jabo missions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

As the war progressed, the Luftwaffe faced a daunting challenge as the tide began to turn against Germany. The sheer number of Allied fighters and bombers posed a significant threat to the Reich's defense. In response, the Luftwaffe relied heavily on the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 and the Bf 109G to defend the skies. These aircraft were the backbone of the Luftwaffe's Reichsverteidigung (Defense of the Reich) fighter force, both during the day and at night.

However, as the war continued, the US Eighth Air Force suffered heavy losses over Germany, leading to a change in tactics. Initially, the US fighters were expected to fly alongside the bombers to provide close protection. However, this approach limited their ability to chase after enemy fighters when in combat, as they had to return to the bombers. To address this issue, the decision was made in early 1944 to free the fighters, allowing them to fly ahead of the bomber stream and clear the skies of German fighters.

To counter this, the Luftwaffe developed the Gefechtsverband, a formation consisting of two units of Bf 109s and one Sturmgruppe of Fw 190s. In Gefechtsverband operations, the Bf 109s engaged the Allied fighters, particularly the long-range P-51 Mustangs, while the more heavily armed Fw 190s targeted the bombers. While the large Gefechtsverband formations were cumbersome and not always effective, when they worked well, the powerful and well-armored Fw 190s wreaked havoc amongst the US bombers.

Meanwhile, on the Eastern Front, the Fw 190 continued to be relied upon for fighter and Jabo missions against a determined Soviet Air Force. As the Luftwaffe's fortunes declined, newer versions of the Fw 190, such as the F and G variants, were introduced. These aircraft featured improved engines, armament, and defensive systems, making them more capable of engaging the enemy.

In this second volume detailing the service of the Fw 190, author Chris Goss provides a comprehensive account of the aircraft's development, deployment, and operational history. The book includes detailed descriptions of the various variants of the Fw 190, as well as the aircraft's combat performance and the contributions it made to the war effort.

Overall, "Focke-Wulf Fw 190: Aces of the Eastern Front" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of World War II aviation. The book offers a detailed account of the Fw 190's development, deployment, and operational history, providing a comprehensive understanding of this iconic aircraft and its role in the war.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 190 x 246 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473899407