World War Photos

Fw 190G-2

The Fw 190G-series, known as “Jabo-Rei” (Jagdbomber mit vergrößerter Reichweite), was developed in parallel with the F-series to serve as long-range fighter-bombers. These aircraft aimed to address the performance drops typically associated with the external fittings required for their missions, such as bombs and fuel tanks.

Key Features and Variants of the Fw 190G-Series:

1. General Characteristics:

   • Drop Tanks: The G-series aircraft were equipped with drop tanks mounted on specialized struts designed to minimize drag and allow easy jettisoning.
   • Radio and Navigation: They were fitted with FuG 16Z and FuG 25 radio systems for communication and navigation.
   • Armament: Unlike the typical fighter setup, these variants usually lacked cowling machine guns, retaining primarily wing-mounted MG 151 cannons.

2. Fw 190G-1:

   • Base Model: Based on the A-4/U8 configuration.
   • Production: Approximately 50 units produced.
   • Features: Two 300-liter drop tanks.

3. Fw 190G-2:

   • Development: A follow-on from the Fw 190A-5/U8, featuring a slightly longer fuselage.
   • Production: Around 470 aircraft were built.
   • Night Operations: Some units were equipped with flame dampers for reduced visibility during night operations.

4. Fw 190G-3:

   • Features: Carried over wings from the A-6 variant and included a PKS 11 autopilot.
   • Ordnance Capacity: Could carry significant ordnance, including up to 1000 kg bombs or two 250 kg bombs, and was capable of carrying bombs up to 1800 kg for special missions like bridge strikes.
   • Range and Endurance: Capable of flying up to 1550 km with an endurance of three hours.
   • Kuto-Nase: Some G-3s were equipped with a device to cut balloon cables encountered during low-altitude operations.
   • Production: Began in late summer 1943.

5. Fw 190G-4:

   • Features: Simplified intercom and the FuG 16ZY radio. Production began in December 1943.

6. Fw 190G-5:

   • Engine Plan: Initially intended for the BMW 801F engine, later models received the BMW 801 TH engine instead.

7. Fw 190G-7:

   • Fuel Capacity: Equipped with attachment points for three 300-liter drop tanks, significantly increasing the aircraft’s range.

8. Fw 190G-8:

   • Final Variant: Essentially an adaptation of the Fw 190A-8 with additional hardpoints for a wide range of air-to-ground ordnance.
   • Special Equipment: Fitted with an R4 conversion set, which included additional 115-liter long-range tanks, potentially used for the GM 1 system or extending the aircraft’s operational range. The FuG 16ZY radio and ETC 501 pylon were repositioned further forward to accommodate these changes.
   • Production: This variant was produced in significant numbers, contributing to a total of approximately 790 G-series aircraft.

These adaptations and modifications made the Fw 190G-series a versatile and robust platform for long-range strike missions, with the flexibility to carry a variety of bombs and external fuel tanks to suit different operational requirements. The series was produced by major manufacturers, including Focke-Wulf, Arado, AGO, and Fieseler, highlighting its importance to the Luftwaffe’s tactical and strategic operations.