HASEGAWA PLASTIC HOBBY MODEL KIT 1/72 Focke-Wulf Fw190A-8 with Bv246 Hagelkorn

HASEGAWA PLASTIC HOBBY MODEL KIT
1/72 Focke-Wulf Fw190A-8 with Bv246 Hagelkorn

The V1 proto type of the aircraft that eventually became the legendary Fw190 fighter made its first successful flight in June 1939. However, the ducted spinner with which it was fitted proved to be problematic. These issues were resolved for the first production model with some design refinement of the cooling area, and powering the airframe wIth a BMW801C radial engine fitted with a forced-air-cooling fan in Its front. After testIng at the Luftwaffes Rechlin proving ground in 1940, the first Fw190A-1 aircraft were send to Jagdgeschwader 26 in France, which traded in its Bf109Fs for the new fighters. In September 1941, the Fw190 provided a nasty surprise to the RAF pilots of the Spitfire Mk.V, which had until then been the undisputed king of the European skies.

The Fw190A-8 carried four MG151/20(20mm) cannon in its wings and, similar to the A-7 model, carried two MG131(l3mm) cannon in its cowling. Upgraded versions carried a FuG16ZY radio set and FuG25a IFF (Identify Friend or Foe) gear. A cylindrical multipurpose tank which could be used to support the GM-1 nitrous oxide injection power boost system was located directly behind the cockpit. An ETC501 ordnance rack capable of carrying a 500kg bomb or a 300-liter drop tank was fitted under fuselage. As an option, the Fw190A-8/R1 model could be fitted with two more MG151/20(20mm) cannon in gunpacks mounted under the wing. The R2 featured two MK108(30mm) cannon mounted in the wings, while the R3 carried two Mk103 (30mm) cannon, but mounted under the wings. It was also possible to fit 21cmBR air-to-air rocket racks under each wing.

While primary testing for the Bv246 Hagelkorn (Hailstone) guided glide bomb was done on He111, Ju88, and Ju188 bomber, it has also been known for some time that an Fw190 long believed to be an A-5 model was also tested for deployment of the weapon. However, research in recent years has discovered that the test Fw190 was actually an A-8 model, with photographic evidence showing this aircraft fitted with a Bv246 painted in camouflage scheme.

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