History
The chief difference between the A-8, and early versions of the Focke Wulf, is
armament. The A-8 has two additional wing mounted cannon, and higher caliber
machine guns in the cowl. This reflects the Focke Wulf's fundamental mission
later in the war - to bring down the Allies' heavy bombers.
The Focke Wulf 190A-8 in Air Warrior
Under relaxed realism, as you might expect, turning ability dictates the winner
of many dogfights, unlike the case in the actual war. The turn fight, however,
is not the Focke Wulf's forte. Although it has the highest roll rate of any
plane in the game, the 190 has a poor sustained turn performance, particularly
when it's slow. The plane also lacks the sort of war emergency power other
fighters enjoy. Its GM1 nitrous injection is strictly to enhance the Focke
Wulf's high altitude performance, and it is not as effective at low altitude as
war emergency power (WEP) is on other fighters.
The Focke Wulf's assets are strictly speed and firepower; 190's guns are the
most lethal in Air Warrior. Despite this, the Focke Wulf pilot must choose his
engagements wisely and avoid Spitfires at equal and higher altitude. In short,
the 190 is not a good choice for the new player. Focke Wulf fliers must be very
savvy in their engagements, and that requires a goodly amount of Air Warrior
experience.
Virtues
All of the Focke Wulf's previously noted qualities - speed, firepower,
durability, and ammo load - also work to its advantage in full realism. Its
high speed handling is particularly handy as well.
Vices
Relative to the Me109, Spitfire, Mustang, and P-38, the Focke Wulf bleeds energy
terribly. Its radial engine configuration presents much parasitic drag.
Not only does the Focke Wulf turn poorly, and struggle in the vertical, it also
has mean spirited departure behavior. It will produce vicious spins if pushed
beyond its tender flight envelope.
The 190A-8 in Scenarios
When presented with its historical role - that of a bomber interceptor - the
Focke Wulf is a terrifying beast. It can blow through close escort and deliver
kills so quickly that often the first hint the enemy has of its presence is the
destruction of one of its bombers. Also, the 190 has enormous range, and can
stay airborne throughout the longest scenario missions. As a dogfighter,
however, particularly at high altitudes, the Focke Wulf is completely out of its
element.
Tips
As with most pure energy fighters, the Focke Wulf is most effective as a member
of a team, or as an opportunist. Whereas the 109 or Spitfire must saddle up on
the tail of an opponent to achieve multiple kill missions, a 190 driver has the
guns and the ammunition to kill several planes without having to maneuver with
his targets; he only need acquire his victim in his sights for a short period.
Where the Focke Wulf truly excels is as a member of a mixed pair - flying with
an angles fighter such as a Spit or 109. The more agile plane usually draws the
most attention, thereby setting up the 190 for shots. If the 190 is attacked,
the angles fighter can defend it. Although not well suited to dogfighting, the
Focke Wulf can stay defensive for a long period of time by employing its
superior roll rate, thereby giving his partner ample time to clear his tail.
However, if you are like most Air Warriors, and want to furball without regard
to coordinating with a wingie, this calls for a change in strategy. If you boom
and zoom the furball at ludicrous speed, chances are you won't find much to
shoot at. Rather, enter the scrum at max level speed, pass on through, and
measure your extension based on how much attention you've attracted. When your
6 is clear, zoom but don't come over the top - you don't want to risk triggering
the FW's nastier traits. Instead, roll inverted and Split-S back toward the
furball. You can maintain this see-saw for a prolonged period of time,
while maintaining enough energy to extend completely away from the battle if
need be.
Munitions
Armament Ammo Load Payload
2-13mm Machine Guns 950 rounds 1-550 lb. bombs
4-20mm Cannons 780 shells -
Performance
| Armament | Ammo Load | Payload |
| 2-13mm Machine Guns | 950 rounds | 1-550 lb. bombs |
| 4-20mm Cannons | 780 shells | - |