Fw 190A-0 Bremen factory
A significant order was placed for 28 Fw 190 A-0 series aircraft (Werknummer 0008-0035), marking the beginning of production in November 1940. The first prototype for this production batch, the V6, was equipped with a BMW 801C-0 engine and featured an armament of two MG 17 machine guns firing through the propeller arc, two MG 17s in the wing roots, and provisions for two MG FF cannons outboard of the propeller arc. It also had a FuG 7a radio and was designated Fw 190A-0/U1, indicating a modification or specific equipment configuration.
The first seven aircraft (Werknummer 0008-0014) retained the smaller wings due to the advanced stage of production, while the remaining aircraft (0015-0035) were fitted with larger wings. These aircraft were primarily used for various trials, including flight, engine, and weapons tests. Specific variants included:
- Fw 190A-0/U2 (Werknummer 0008, 0010, 0013): These featured two MG 131 machine guns in the wing roots, replacing the MG FF cannons.
- Fw 190A-0/U3 (Werknummer 0021): This large-wing variant was lost in a crash on October 1, 1941.
- Fw 190A-0/U12 and U13 (Werknummer 0031, 0025-0028): These were powered by the BMW 801D engine and served as testbeds for this more powerful engine variant.
- Fw 190A-0/U4 (Werknummer 0022, 0023): These aircraft were used to test bomb loads up to 500 kg, drop tanks, and the FuG 16Z radio homing device. They also featured experimental ejector seats.
- Fw 190A-0/U5 (Werknummer 0018): This variant tested the MG 151 machine cannon.
- Fw 190A-0/U11 (Werknummer 0015): Equipped with four MG 17s and two MG FF guns.
- Fw 190A-0/U10 (Werknummer 0030): Focused on testing the MG FF’s ammunition feed system.
- Fw 190A-0/U12 (Werknummer 0031): This aircraft trialed the GM 1 system, aimed at enhancing the engine’s high-altitude performance.
Six of these aircraft were flown to Rechlin in March 1941 for further testing, where they encountered various issues such as inadequate cooling, cylinder damage, broken oil lines, and problems with the propeller’s variable pitch system. The cockpit canopy also could not be jettisoned at high speeds, and parts of the engine cowling sometimes detached during high-speed flights. These issues were addressed with the help of a technical team from JG 26 “Schlageter,” including Oberleutnant Otto Behrens and Fliegerstabsingenieur Battmer, who contributed solutions to the engine manufacturer and Focke-Wulf.
The Fw 190 underwent extensive testing, including mock dogfights against the Bf 109 and captured Spitfires, demonstrating superior performance in both flying characteristics and overall capabilities compared to these aircraft.