Ju 188 fitted with anti-shipping radar FuG 200 “Hohentwiel”
The FuG 200 Hohentwiel maritime radar, used on the Ju 188A-3 and Ju 188E-2 aircraft, was equipped with three distinctive antenna arrays for detecting and targeting ships. Here’s a breakdown of the antenna array setup:
Antenna Array Description:
- Positioning: The aircraft had three antenna arrays, typically mounted below and on either side of the glazed nose. Some versions of the Ju 188E-2 had the third array mounted high on the nose instead of below it.
- Structure:
- Main Array: Each fixed array was constructed with a vertical pole that supported four horizontal elements, spaced equidistantly from one another.
- Aerial Configuration: Each horizontal element had a pair of forward-facing rods. From each of these rods, two additional horizontal aerials extended side-to-side, forming a complex array designed to improve radar accuracy and coverage.
- Additional Features:
- Torpedo Steering Gear: On the Ju 188A-3 and Ju 188E-2, there was also a bulge running along the starboard side of the lower forward fuselage. This bulge housed the torpedo steering adjustment gear, crucial for the aircraft’s anti-ship operations.
- Alternate Configurations: Some Ju 188E-2 models replaced the gun turret above the cockpit with a T-shaped antenna, further highlighting the variations in radar and sensor configurations across different models.
The FuG 200 Hohentwiel radar, enhanced by these antenna arrays, was designed to detect ships at sea, providing the Luftwaffe’s maritime aircraft with the capability to locate and engage enemy vessels, even under low visibility conditions. The different configurations of the antenna arrays, whether mounted below, on the sides, or above the nose, allowed for flexibility depending on the specific mission profile and model of the Ju 188.