How the FW 190 became a fighter-bomber

During WW2, the FW190 was one of the best aircraft fighter aircraft Germany used. But it was also a great fighter-bomber. Let's check it out!
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⚜ Sources ⚜
Haynes, Focke-Wulf 190 - 1939 onwards (all marks)
Hermann, Dietmar - Focke-Wulf Fw190 F und G - Vom schnellen Jaeger zum Jagdbomber und Schlachtflugzeug
Hermann, Dietmarr; Leverenz, Ulrich and Weber, Eberhard - Focke-Wulf Fw 190A,
Priller, Josef - J.G. 26 Geschchte eines Jagdgeschwaders,
Smith, Richard and Creek, Eddie - FW 190 Volume One to Three,

[@RailgunCyclops]

The soviet womble reference is so true

[@DannyBoy777777]

@Cyclops1i The Soviets had a low opinion of the 190 in comparison to the 109 which they had high regard for.

[@TheBucketSkill]

@@DannyBoy777777 Is it because of its debut in the start which in that time BF109 obviously a extremely modern advanced plane for its time in 1941 especially compared to the aging biplanes and early mono's they had at the start?

[@adeck79]

Nice video. P.S.: What’s your nickname in the game? 😅

[@robbabcock_]

The FW 190 was such a beautiful plane! To me it's even more iconic than the BF 109. Great video! AVH is rapidly becoming one of my favorite channels.

[@DevSolar]

Fw-190 Dora, the long-nosed one-ninety... it's such a shame that none of these birds remains airworthy...

[@briankelly9129]

This reminds me of how the F-15C air superiority fighter was later morphed into the F-15E strike aircraft. I spent a bit of time with a FW-190A-8 during her restoration back in 2007-2009 timeframe.

[@fmorelatt0]

Why is sovietwomble's mascot the simbol for unreliable and inacurate?

[@UselessWeeb]

exactly

[@tramachi7027]

ok tbh he has a constant 1-4 month upload schedule ^^

[@hvymtal8566]

That is, one video every 1-4 months, not a schedule for that period XD

[@matstick1100]

felipe morelatto MHV made the same (or similar) joke a while back

[@muhammadfirstian4847]

I also tought the same as you....

[@abx.motors]

Nice video biz, always love your educational videos - I always come away with new and interesting info :)

[@needsmoreboosters4264]

2:11 Captions: "fucker wolves"

[@klobiforpresident2254]

As a pilot allegedly once said: "The Fokker was a plane, but this focker was in a Messerschmitt."

[@yalelingoz6346]

@@klobiforpresident2254, is was Sir Douglas Bader. (Sir Douglas was a legend of epic proportions.)

[@f4fphantomii468]

Pretty good description of a furry

[@fulcrum2951]

Space wolves

[@stumcfadzen5645]

More annoying than regular wolves. Auto translate strikes again.

[@momotheelder7124]

2:03 Pretty sure you would have hit that rigging irl. Are you flying a bit too low? ;)

[@rafanaufal9702]

Not to slow just late on the pull up

[@Frozander]

That low flight was the historical bombing tactic of F series Focke Wulfs, low and fast over the seas to avoid detection over British shore.

[@blackdeath4eternity]

@@Frozander think that flying into the rigging on a ship would have had some.... undesirable effects on the airframe.

[@ThatSlowTypingGuy]

When I saw he was going to hit I briefly screamed. Then was very surprised.

[@longbowdt]

Thank you for the work you put into your video content. It's very much appreciated. Keep it coming!

[@cannonfodder4376]

Another wonderfully informative video as always. I always liked the FW-190 for its versatility.

[@DavidKing-ph8or]

Nice work as always Bismarck Love your channel - keep up the good work

[@MilitaryAviationHistory]

Thanks David

[@halo4megablock]

Nice soviet womble reference.

[@Firefox1189]

Bardia Honary Do you know what wombles are?

[@dreadnought-ai]

Simon The Vlogging Gamer - I think he's referring to the KZbinr of the same name referenced in the video, not the children's characters.

[@MorningGI0ry]

Can you do a video on the RAF's implement of the typhoon/tempest

[@proud_emmerian6510]

TheEtonianGamer I second this.

[@flare2000x]

Perhaps on how the "cabrank" system was alright but how the American system worked much better.

[@blodiblodmann4267]

Sadly both don't exist in the most recent flightsim releases. Well, there is always Good Old Il2 1946 or Warthunder. Great fan of the Tempest myself.

[@Gooseam]

Yes please do

[@randonlando418]

Blödi Blödmann the tempest will be coming in the new IL-2 DLC battle of Bodenplatte.

[@brendaproffitt1011]

AWESOME you done an excellent job on this...Thank you so so much..

[@Skribber]

love these vids Bis! great info and gameplay =)

[@armin4823]

I enjoy these plane specific videos a lot. Nice Bis ^^

[@mikeqigong4050]

Thank you so much for sharing history. Awesome.

[@NovardNoodle]

Really good and informative video thanks. Also great job with the game footage!

[@Ironhead665]

Sehr gutes und informatives Video ^^ Danke für deine Arbeit :)

[@michaelbevan3285]

Very good. A couple of points: the Stuka was withdrawn after the ground-attack conference of all fighter and attack leaders (1943) were told that the loss rate of JU 87s of all types had reached 100% of supplied aircraft on the Eastern Front and the resultant loss rate of pilots and gunners was increasingly hard to replace. The development of the jabo versions of the 190 were considered by the design team as far back as the preproduction models as Tank and Blaser understood the need for the aircraft to be able to carry a centreline bomb or a drop tank. they knew that to offer the aircraft to the RLM as a pure day fighter wasn't going to work. They also wanted to be able to use the existing bomb carriers, for commonality and I have read that the keel of the aircraft, between the wheel wells, was specifically designed to carry a 500 kilo load, from the outset. The electrical system was said to have been designed to accept modifications for different war loads, also from the start. Also, the bulged canopy was brought into service as the narrow canopy was disliked from jabo operations and Jager pilots soon began to ask to have them fitted to their aircraft. You didnt mention the small calibre rockets that came into use in 1944, for use against bombers and against tanks.

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

great channel bismark

[@blankblank6545]

Great cinematography, to accomapany a great video.

[@carlgreisheimer5278]

There was a torpedo bomber version of the FW190. Have you thought about making a vlog about that? Did anyone ever think about making the FW190 as a naval fighter, dive bomber and torpedo bomber for the GRAF ZEPPELIN?

[@IrishCarney]

I've wondered about this for years. With the logistical benefits of having only one combat plane type, the FW-190's versatility seems to cry out for its use on board. Especially since the Me-109's wheels were close together, making landing difficult, while the FW-190's wide-apart stance seemed better-suited to carrier operations. But its undercarriage was very tall; combined with the big radial engine, that made looking down to land harder.

[@ricardobeltranmonribot3182]

@@IrishCarney If the F4U Corsair could, why the FW 190 not? the FW190 was the best option for a naval variant, just look at the Japanesse and American naval aircraft, all were radial engine, only the british were stubborn enough to use a liquid cool engine for a naval aircraft, thats why the Hawker SeaFury was even developted, the royal navy didn't liked the Feafire nor the sea Hurriecane, by logistic point of view

[@walidkafda74]

Clear message, clear structure, easy to understand, thank you

[@HiVoltish]

Excellent presentation, bravo!

[@breaking1946]

Thanks. This widen my FW-190 info.

[@johnr7279]

Love these videos!

[@reggiebuffat]

Great video, once again.

[@steveshailer9062]

Good video, nice and informative.

[@jimdonovan243]

Thanks for a great analysis.

[@piatpotatopeon8305]

I really liked this video! ... ... I can't think of anything worthwhile to say... I was going to ask for more videos on plane development, but I haven't looked through your channel yet to see if you already have several videos with this concept already, and it would be presumptuous to ask for more of a specific type of video without at least checking to see if you commonly upload videos in this vein.

[@Draycoe]

Very good short video, the FW 190 has always been an underrated aircraft I feel.

[@patrickbrennan1317]

Peter Love it should have superceded the Messerschmitt 109 it was a better plane to start with

[@Chiknnnnnn]

That maneuvers at 3:28 is so badass.

[@Frozander]

Focke Wulf 190 series aircraft are so sexy. Arguably the most beautiful WWII planes.

[@Falltangle]

I live a little inland from the Isle of Whight, interesting to hear a little bit of local history on your channel!

[@Sha.ll0w]

Why are people going batshit because of Womble on "Unreliable and inaccurate"? Its true and its not like he hasn't done this before lol

[@martimnunesmartinho6788]

They ain’t saying bismarck did a bad thing

[@lupus67remus7]

It's just funny...

[@Tiagomottadmello]

Great vídeo !!! 👍👍👍

[@jmy7622]

I'd like to hear about the D models of FW190's or the last versions ,extended . Thanks ,good video.

[@jacktattis143]

The Fw190 when it was used as a fighter Bomber saved the Typhoons career. The Typhoon was 20 mph faster at sea level than the Fw190 and was the only plane then that could catch it.

[@andyc3088]

The FW190 were used in hit and run raids against the towns on the South Coast of England, such as the daylight raids on Bournemouth and Canterbury. However, due to the Hawker Typhoons and the Griffon-engine Spitfire Mk XIIs, which were both fast enough to catch the Fw 190, especially at low altitudes, raids were switched to night time. Three FW190 of SKG 10, got lost over Kent and landed at RAF West Malling. Night time raids by FW190S proved unsuccessful, taking heavy casualties from the de Havilland Mosquito night fighters.

[@enzoacorda]

Very entertaining channel! It's also a big help for me since I also make models!

[@onewhosaysgoose4831]

Bismarck can you do a video about the fw190's potential as a carrier's Fighter/Bomber/TorpedoBomber in ww2? The logistical unification sounds very promising, but with lots of drawbacks and challenges from landing and operating from carriers.

[@carlosteran8114]

Very nice and-und interesting vid.. I've looking for the bomber way of the 190 ones. Cheers.

[@bigearl3867]

My question would be about the Ju-87 tail gunners. Since they were gunners and not pilots, what duties were they reassigned to since they were no longer needed?

[@bradfordmiller7987]

Good research dude ...

[@EnclaveGeneral]

At 6:07, I love how 'Unreliable and inaccurate" is a picture of (Or at least VERY similar to) the KZbinr and streamer, Soviet Womble. That right there made my day!

[@carlosteran8114]

Great target stuff vid. Ohh man I do love my fw 190 a8-r2..( tamiya 1:48); you got afunny strong german accent..I like it, un saludo desde Madrid.

[@dallesamllhals9161]

2:04 Gotta' LOVE Fly Through cables ♥

[@keijo8238]

Bismarck, please do a video on Detachment Kuhlmey, the pilots who saved Finland in the summer of 1944.

[@williamflowers9435]

How the Corsair became a ground attack aircraft would be a great video!!! The “Super Stuka” tactics of Korean War , Lindbergh, VMF units ect.🤞

[@carter1940]

Bismarck your motto ought to be; TIL. Thanks for the knowledge o>

[@youmaus]

Please do a video on the Foke Wulf squadron that flew top cover for the take off and landings of the Me-262. These were the best of the best.

[@180791sanguinius]

I think a video on the Zerstorergeschwaders and their successes and failures would be very interesting, as well as an overview of their aces. ZGs get a bad rep due to the Battle of Britain (not fully the fault of the 110s nor their pilots), but prior to that, they were the cream of the crop of the Luftwaffe and got the best-performing cadets.

[@DaddyPims]

Seems like if you're fighting without air superiority and need air support a single mixed role aircraft is the better option, from what you've said. How quickly were the RAF able to counter the new threat, and how much did this affect the 190s success against shipping and ground targets compared to when they were strictly fighting mk v spits? Thanks Bis, really nice video and made me interested in an area I otherwise would have glossed over

[@marcos14223]

the RAF? lol ww2 was fought in the east thats where most ppl died and where the war was going to be lost or win west europe was a secundary theater for axis forces,

[@michaelbevan3285]

within 6 months, they had the Mk 9 with the Merlin 66 and the balance was redressed. The initial fright was overcome with training and experience. A lot of 190s were still lost in action on the Channel Front so it wasn't the whitewash that some people would have you believe. Once the 190's secrets had been revealed, it was shown to be a very competent aircraft that deserved respect but a well flown Spitfire could handle it.

[@PassportToPimlico]

@@michaelbevan3285 It was obvious that a German pilot was in the superior FW190 rather than a Bf109 but not that an RAF pilot was in a Mk9 and not a Mk5. The Mk9 was a stopgap to counter the FW190 yet went on to be the most produced variant.

[@MyLateralThawts]

I remember going over a list of top Luftwaffe aces and finding one pilot with over 100 kills being a member of a fighter bomber unit. I couldn’t help wondering if he got most of his kills with a Jagdgeschwader unit and then transferred to a Schlachtgeschwader, or if he had in fact been a member of a Schlachtgeschwader all along and using his ground attack aircraft to take out other aircraft? Does anyone have the information?

[@DaviLu]

Wow the new IL-2 looks soo good!

[@potatopilottv]

Nice SovietWomble reference!

[@MarquisDeSang]

I am new to channel and I would like to know if you fly in VR. Il-2 in VR is so amazing.

[@old_guard2431]

After re-watching Der Sheriff's video on the A-5 I became intrigued with the adult (or at least adolescent) Lego set that it became in IL-2 Battle of Whatchacallit. I tried to figure out which of the various variants that were there based on Wikipedia-level research. (I.E. short and not necessarily very accurate.) So, your assignment (should you choose to accept it) is to figure out which actual Fw 190 A5/Ux versions can be constructed in the IL-2 Battle of Kuban version. And what non-authentic versions can also be created. According to Wikipedia MGs and/or integral wing cannons were removed when certain other options were added. For example, I don't think there was an actual six-cannon A-5. If you got the dual MG 151/20 gun pods you probably lost the original 2 MG 151/20s in the wing roots.

[@thoughtfulpug1333]

6:08 love the reference.

[@nickmitsialis]

The Fockewulfs of III/ZG2/III SKG 10 in Tunisia operated in fairly low strength due to supply issues, but inspite of this they wreaked all kinds of havoc with allied forces. In fact, for those of you who are fans of the movie "Patton": those German fighter bombers that shot up Patton's meeting with his subordinates (I should give those sonsabitches a medal!) were FW SKG pilots

[@graep5863]

What do you use to move your head in the cockpit? Motion tracking or something else?

[@frik422]

awesome

[@derpyrage3852]

THIS IS WONDERFUL... i didnt realize how versitile this fighter was

[@1207rorupar]

@Bismark could you make a video about the use of the P-47 Thunderbolt as a ground attack AND dive bomber? My uncle was a veteran of the Mexican 201 squadron that fought on the Phillipines, and his friends and him told me that one of the most painful losses was when they were told to make a dive-bomber mission, but since the plane was really bad on that role they list their youngest member, so I've always wondered if that loss was preventable or if it was just the pain of losing their friend

[@TTTT-oc4eb]

To be fair, the Bf 109 did what no other fighter-bomber managed; sink an enemy cruiser. The 10,000 ton light cruiser HMS Fiji was sunk by two Bf 109s May 22 1941 during the battle of Crete. "The aerial attacks continued despite the heavy cloud cover; at 19:00 a Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter bomber struck the cruiser amidships with a bomb. The forward boiler and engine rooms flooded and gave her a severe list. Despite this damage Fiji was able to maintain a speed of 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph) until another Bf 109 hit her with another bomb that increased her list to 30 degrees. Abandon ship was ordered in the face of the uncontrollable flooding and she capsized around 19:30." Wikipedia

[@JDBARNES123]

Any possibility on a video on gun cameras and surveillance cameras and how they were implemented during WW2?

[@larshaas2658]

The f-8 could also carry panzerblitz heat rockets and panzerschrecks under it's wings. Very interesting indeed

[@Perktube1]

6:07 - Ha! Sovietwomble

[@shermansquires3979]

I have to get this game, it looks amazing!

[@madkills10]

Could you talk about the FW190 D model and TA152 one time please?

[@minimums5831]

Can u do video on what books you recommend? I am intrested and would love a knowlagble source of information. Would you also recomend websites? I have been looking around on the internet for information like this, usally threw forums, but no luck. :D

[@MilitaryAviationHistory]

Yup, it's planned :)

[@bkpatten]

By all means, read Clash of Wings by Walter J. Boyne

[@johnmoore9588]

Just wondering, how did you get the English channel and RAF markings in BoK? I'm looking at buying it for that cos I'm too cheap for DCS modules lol

[@stefanb5189]

John Moore several raf and usaf paintjobs are included in the stock game, and many more available for free download on the official forum. The doverish looking coastline is part of the recently released kuban map. There are currently no chanel maps, take a look at the "developement diary" on the forum to see all available content. Horrido!

[@amm0gamm0]

Can you do a video on the Focke Wulf "Dora" models?

[@GutGrinder00]

hi I have a Wenderzeiger Askania Lg14r (aeronaltical instrument), probably from a bf110 or one of the early versions of bf109 and I would like to know if there is any way to track where it came from or which plane it belonged to?

[@carsonhaught9934]

Another great production testament to a great design. Odd how someone called "Tank" designed planes... Was the 190 the F16 of its day (fighter into attack) or F/A-18, mixed spec from the outset. Focke-Wulf really coined it with the Wurger!

[@IrishCarney]

It was the F-16 of its day. Not intended for the ground attack role at first.

[@ricardobeltranmonribot3182]

​@@IrishCarney Also the F-15 could fit here, an air superiority aircraft that was later used as a ground attack aircraft

[@Jetpusher]

imo because of how fast the fw190s were it was very efficient to load bombs up, hit targets, and then go on to a fighter mission.

[@wogule]

I want to ask - can I play IL 2 game with mouse and keyboard? Or do I need some sort of joystick & VR set?

[@karenmcgimpsey6797]

What is the game you use for the graphics of the videos

[@Ensign_Cthulhu]

Great vid. I'm surprised you didn't mention the Fw190's ability to carry a 4000lb (to be exact 3,968lb or 1800kg) bomb. I can't remember who it was that said that the best ground-attack aircraft is an obsolescent fighter. (Typhoon, Hurricane IV, etc.)

[@jkerman5113]

2:43 "The germans mounted ever more daring attacks" *does a roll at low altitude in an unstable aircraft*

[@Sacto1654]

Indeed, the success of the Fw 190F and G models was what inspired Supermarine to develop the Spitfire Mk. XVI, essentially a dedicated ground attack variant powered by the 1,600 bhp Packard-Merlin engine. The Spitfire Mk. XVI was extensively used to support ground forces after the invasion of Normandy.

[@tommy-er6hh]

Thank you, did not know the FW190 was a major ground attack as well as a fighter. I guess it is similar to the A36 Apache f/b variant of the mustang fighter.

[@Steve-nf4jx]

I think the a 36 only had bombs while the fw f series carried rockets. But the a 36 beautiful plane. I loved grinding it 8n wt

[@Steve-nf4jx]

Yeah. They both have sluggish turn times. (With the gun pods). I love them both

[@lukaslibar7615]

Can we expact a video about the dora series and the fw ta 152

[@frodeandreashagvar918]

Yes, please!

[@Sahkopekka200]

I love the soviet womble reference :D

[@GWRProductions-kg9pt]

0:15 you should thank Oberleutnant Armin Faber of Jagdgeschwader 2 for landing in RAF Pembrey with his A-3

[@klobiforpresident2254]

It was one time, John. Don't be a bitch about it.

[@lordazn]

WHOA WHOA WHOA Sovietwomble was the last thing I expect to see here....

[@PercyTheRogue]

One question. Whats with the Dora variands ( 190D's )

[@jameslooker4791]

Truly, the F-15E of its day. It's fascinating how ground attack doctrine was developed only during the war. The more I see how important air power became as a defensive tool, the more I think the Ju-87 was overly specialized and should have been air cooled.

[@NotRealNamesAgain]

Wait a second. They built 1,100 F8s in 4 MONTHS?!?! 4 MONTHS? WHOA!!!!

[@hoodoo2001]

The US was building over 600 P-47's a month as well as many other fighters. Not so WOW.

[@luisgimenez8660]

@@hoodoo2001 Yes, wow. With the lack of materials, the US air force bombers in daylight and the RAF at night, I say it's quite impressive. USA's factories don't have such problems. Sorry for my english.

[@jozzyalthefool9273]

FW 190 is absolutely marvelous. It looks beautifull, can be used as a bomber and isn't basicaly a sitting duck when id drops the bombs because it was a damn efective fighter.

[@derptank3308]

Can you explain why you lowkey mention SovietWomble in some of your videos?

[@eklhaft4531]

I have to buy Il2 BOS. It looks awesome.

[@cpl.yuminagumo6754]

@Bismarck. What about the FW-190 that could carry a Torpedo?

[@TheAtomicEwok]

Do you think you could do a video comparing radial a streamlined engines? I've always been curious why nations often used both in their fighters and not just one.

[@MilitaryAviationHistory]

Eventually, yes

[@stefanb5189]

Production efficiency: all the Daimler engines were used by 109 production while BMWs capabilities weren't exausted. Also the different advantages of both engine designs made them more competitive in different theaters. East: low-alt & cas , long supply lines, lacking infrastructure west: high - alt interception etc. (German perspective) but also true for the americans in the pacific and europe

[@arko3709]

Rip SovietWomble

[@zerko2787]

Hi Bismarck, great video! But is a "squadron" really a "Geschwader"? Look at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squadron_(aviation) and it says 12 to 20 aircraft so more a "Staffel" or "Gruppe". Isn´t a "wing" a "Geschwader"?

[@Idahoguy10157]

Attributes of the FW-190’s are also in the F4-U Corsair. Makes me wonder who the Corsair would have been in RAF Service?

[@alexhunt7810]

@2:06: Lucky for you the ship's rigging isn't rendered or else your wings would've come off

[@Belsen85]

More practical question: did they have any proper bombing sight? How did they aim while bombing? Just experience and diving at high speed?

[@kjaesp]

What about the FW 190D versions? with the longer main fuselage and nose.