Fw 190D-11 W.Nr. 170924 powered by a Jumo 213F engine
The Fw 190D-11 was conceived as a dual-purpose aircraft, intended for both fighter and ground attack roles. It incorporated several significant modifications to enhance its combat capabilities:
Key Features and Development of the Fw 190D-11:
Base and Structure:
- Origin: The D-11 was derived from the A-8 series but featured significant changes to the fuselage, wings, and undercarriage, reflecting its specialized role and the need for additional robustness.
Engine:
- Powerplant: It was powered by the Jumo 213F engine, which, unlike the Jumo 213E, did not include a boost air cooler. The Jumo 213F was designed to offer better performance with a two-stage boost system and a three-gear switchbox.
Armament:
- The aircraft was equipped with:
- Two MG 131 machine guns mounted over the engine.
- Two MG 151 cannons located in the wing roots.
- Two MK 108 cannons positioned outboard on the wings.
- The aircraft was equipped with:
Special Systems:
- MW 50 System: The aircraft was fitted with this methanol-water injection system, providing a temporary increase in engine power.
- R20 Conversion Set: Planned to include a new high-pressure water-methanol system to further boost performance.
- R21 Variant: This variant was intended to include an autopilot system.
Prototypes:
- A total of seven prototype aircraft were built, designated as V55 to V61:
- V55 (170923) and V56 (170924) remained at Focke-Wulf for trials as of September 1944.
- V57 (170926) was sent to the Rechlin test center in November 1944.
- V58 (170933) was scheduled for weapons testing at Tarnewitz.
- V59 (350156) was lost in a crash on October 9, 1944.
- V60 (350157) began flight testing in November 1944.
- V61 (350158) was reportedly delivered to the Junkers Motorenwerke in October 1944.
- A total of seven prototype aircraft were built, designated as V55 to V61:
Production and Outcome:
Despite the advanced features and thorough testing of the prototypes, the Fw 190D-11 did not progress beyond the prototype stage. The development program did not lead to full-scale production, likely due to the changing war situation and resource constraints experienced by Germany late in the war. The D-11’s design and potential capabilities remain a testament to the advanced engineering efforts of the era, even as the Luftwaffe struggled with production and operational challenges.