Fw 190F-8 I./SG 2, Hungary, 1945 (1:48)

The Fw-190F was developed for short-range battlefield ground attack using modified Fw-190A series aircraft fuselages. Of the 12 sub types the most numerous were the F-8s developed from the A-8. These first appeared in March 1944 with a modification allowing for increased performance at low levels for several minutes. Because of poor landing field conditions quite often the lower undercarriage doors had to be removed to prevent snow and mud buildup. Many F-8s were used as a test bed for anti-tank armament trials. Some sources estimate as many as 6,400 F-8s were manufactured.

By late 1944 the SG 2 units were forced to withdraw from Romania and set up bases in Hungary where they conducted air assaults on advancing Soviet armor and ground troops. From late 1944 to March 1945 SG 2 units flew over 1,000 sorties against Soviet troops and armor. By April 1945 the Soviets advance forced the SG units to leave Hungary with I./SG 2 fleeing to Austria. On May 8 facing certain capture SG 2 Kommodore Oberst Rudel decided to fly some aircraft to the west and surrender to the USAAF.
Specifications Focke-Wulf Fw 190F-8 Variant

Role - Single Seat Specialized Ground Attack Variant

First Battlefield Availability - March 1944

Users ' German Luftwaffe and RHAF (Royal Hungarian Air Force)

Performance
Engine
(1) 1,700 hp (1268 kw) BMW 801D-2 14 cylinder air-cooled radial engine
Or
(1) 2,100 hp (1566 kw) with MW-50 methanol/water injection in emergency situations.

Maximum Speed - 408 mph (653 km/h) with boost on
Initial Climb Rate ' 2,350 ft (720 m) per minute
Service Ceiling ' 37,400 ft (11410 m)
Range Using Internal Tanks Only - 560 miles (900 km)

Weight
Empty - 7,055 lbs (3200 kg)
Maximum Take-Off - 10,800 lbs (4900 kg)

Dimensions
Wing Span - 34 ft 5.5 in (10.50 m)
Length - 33 ft 5.5 in (10.2 m)
Height - 11 ft 0 in (3.35 m)
Wing Area - 196.99 sq ft (18.30 sq m)

Armament
(2) 13 mm (0.51 in) MG 131 machine guns above the engine
(2) 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in the wing roots
(2) MG 151/20 or MK 108 cannon in outer wings
Plus (1) 3,968 lbs (1800 kg) centerline bomb
Or
1,102 lbs (500 kg) SC500 centerline bomb
And
(2) 551 lbs (250 kg) bombs on wing racks