Fw190A-8

[vimhawk2]

Another aircraft opinion please. I have just got to 11/43 in my game where the Fw190A-8 (and the 109AS and He219) have become available.

Clearly the other two types are much improved over what I have available, so am rolling them out as soon as possible.

But I was also assuming that what with the A-8 being newer, that it would also offer significant advantages over the A-6. I haven't had it in combat in the game long enough to see how it works out, but I was looking at the stats and was not immediately impressed. So I am asking those who have used both versions in combat if there is any great advantages, or do you use it differently, or not at all? I already have a giant pool of A-6s so the production loss probably isn't significant, but it would be nice to know that it really is an upgrade (or not!)

Otherwise I might go for a British BoB vibe, and have the 109AS at higher level and v fighters, and make the 190s (of whatever type) the bomber attackers (like Spitfires / Hurricanes).

[vimhawk2]

.... and I almost forgot that I got a "free" group of the "Sturm" version turn up around the same time. I wasn't thinking of producing these, but again, do you find any use for them in this game? I did briefly read about how this aircraft was used in the war and it did seem a bit strange to say the least. But while I've kept a couple of 190G groups (mainly for the endurance I guess), I wonder if there is any niche for this 190 version?

[Orm]

The niche for A-8 is, in my humble opinion, as bomber killers. For a one engine plane it do it fairly well, and its high durability makes it survive better than most other one engine planes.

I would have liked Fw 190A-8 to have better armour as well. At least the Sturm version. Just increasing its durability doesn't seem to correct to me.

The Sturm version have more heavy guns than the other version, and higher durability. So it should be a better bomber killer. The heavier guns should destroy more bombers even though it might not hit the bombers as often. And higher durability means that they often survive being hit.

[cohimbra]

Don't expect too much by A-8 over A-6 in A2A fighting. The quality step you expected came in when Fw 190D-9 become available.

[vimhawk2]

Thanks, interesting stuff. Helps me also decide to go with the Sturm version too. In fact it would be a (kind of) progression for my three remaining 190G groups. I've got some 190A-6 production left as I got the 190A-8 a month earlier than I was expecting.

And I've already got my 10 points of research into the "D" version, so I don't think there's much more I can do in that respect (unless you can tell me otherwise).

[cohimbra]

Sturm version have very poor endurance so maybe you can utilize them as 'point defense' near your big factories.

[mark dolby]

Hi.
As each 190 step arrives, a5-a6-a8, they tend to lose speed and nimbleness but gain durability and firepower. I tend to stay with the a6 myself.
I like the sturm version but it has to be used carefully. I only equip a couple of full strength Gruppes but I do station a couple of the Italian Squadraligia near the front with these and send them up in schwarm size units to take out damaged bombers. Anything for my Italian Allies! And sometimes my Hungarian/Rumanian friends.
Mark.

[vimhawk2]

I like durability and firepower! Enables me to kill more Baltimore Vs (in case you didn't realise, I have an irrational hatred of Baltimores). So will probably carry on changing over to A-8s. Point about Sturm version noted.

Actually your comment about hitting damaged bombers reminded me of something you were saying (at least I think it was you!) about Stabs, and taking out PR aircraft. I've tried this a few times and not had a single interception! I've got the 109AS version in the Stabs at present (that and the 190A-8 are my newest aircraft at my stage of the game). Is there any tips you can suggest for catching the things?

[mark dolby]

Hi.
The best way I think to intercept PR is first by playing line and box graphics and not icons. Big raids show up as big boxes, pr as a small box so you get your first clue. Secondly they will have a high flight speed so another give away.
Watch the incoming direction to see where it will go. They tend not to deviate much until near the target.
Find a unit roughly along that flight path but some distance ahead and set up a patrol (NOT INTERCEPTION) in the way of the expected flight path. This needs to be at the max 41K altitude of the 109AS. It takes time to get up there so trial and error to get this kind of thing right. If possible send up two flights from different units either side of the flight path.
Now once up there move the flights towards the incoming PR. Again do not use intercept as this mode uses 4x fuel over normal flight.
If you are looking at the incoming pr box you will have noticed that the given altitude can vary quite considerably from one minute to the next. This is another BIG reason why you don't use intercept as the flight would go to that altitude only. If the altitude was reported 32K but when you got visual it was 38k you are going to lose time and fuel trying to get up and catch the pr. It will almost always escape.
Now when your flight is almost on top of the pr you will be given the correct altitude which quite often is not an exact thousand feet but more usually in the thousands/hundreds so that's another clue. Now click intercept and target the pr machine. Now that you have the correct altitude you can intercept with the other flight as well but only if within @15 miles, quite often less.
You need to keep an constant eye on what's happening and it's a lot of effort right? As far as I am concerned it's vital to deny the Allies free information so this effort is worth it. You get skilled pilots who will intercept more frequently and shoot better and sometimes the pr machine knows you are out there and turns red and returns home. Warning from friendly ground control, bad weather or equipment failure? Who knows but it's still a failed mission for the Allies.
The 109 has limited fuel so keep trying and on rough weather days when pr is the most common flights you can practise a bit more.

I hate recons.

Mark.

[vimhawk2]

Great advice, I'll give it a try on a low action day.