World War Photos

Fw 190A-7/R1 with WB 151 containers with two 20 mm Mauser MG 151/20 cannons

The Fw 190A-7 series introduced several upgrades, focusing on enhancing firepower and avionics:

1. Production and Prototype:

   • Production of the Fw 190A-7 began in November 1943, with AGO and Fieseler manufacturing around 80 units between December 1943 and January 1944. The prototype was based on the A-5/U9, utilizing the BMW 801D-2 engine.

2. Armament and Equipment:

   • The A-7 replaced the two cowling-mounted MG 17 machine guns with more powerful 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, providing greater firepower. These guns fired through the propeller arc.
   • The aircraft also featured the FuG 16ZY homing system and the FuG 25 radio, providing improved communication and navigation capabilities. An improved reflective gunsight (Revi) was installed to enhance targeting accuracy.

3. Field Conversion Kits:

   • The A-7 series could be equipped with several field conversion kits:
     • R1: Standard configuration.
     • R2: Featured the MK 108 30 mm machine cannon, significantly boosting firepower. The V51 (520765) served as the prototype for this variant, which began production in March 1944.
     • R6: Included air-to-air mortars for additional offensive capability.

4. Operational Role:

   • The Fw 190A-7, with its enhanced armament and improved systems, continued to serve as a versatile fighter aircraft, capable of adapting to various combat scenarios through its multiple conversion kits. The introduction of the MG 131s and MK 108 cannon variants reflected a focus on increasing the lethality of the aircraft, particularly in the anti-bomber role.