Focke-Wulf FW-190

[CSoul 182]

Here are some shots of my latest aircraft. I went to the Waterkloof AFB airshow this past weekend and found this gem (at a gem-like price as well, but this particular shop is always expensive).

This is the Classics Hangar FW-190, published by Flight1. Bit of an ugly duckling, but she grows on you.

A nice feature of this particular package (Classics Hangar has a 'Late versions' package as well. This is the 'A versions' package) is that although these are all A-series aircraft, some of the minor variations within the series have been modeled. This is the A-4; an earlier variant. No artificial horizon and no VSI.

Left side of the cockpit. The panel next to that yellow knob houses the flap controls. Red for up. Orange for take-off. Green for full.

Right side of the cockpit. All variants appear similar on this side. One thing I really liked is...

...this. The flip-up panels cover circuit breakers (to the right) and the electrical system (to the left). All are clickable, although I'm not sure if all are modeled (I am using the JustFly option. If you want realism, the aircraft has a more realistic option where you need to manage the engine/fuel/electrical systems). In addition, you can also choose between high-detail cockpit textures (shown) and lower-detail (for slower PCs, but still well above average).

The A-4 variant from the outside.

Now a later variant, the A-8. Note the larger gun blisters on the nose and the ventral aerials.

This is the A-8 cockpit, now fitted with an artificial horizon and a VSI.

Left side of the A-8 cockpit. More extensive radio controls present.

As for the flight dynamics, I'm no pilot, but comparing the 'feel' of this to other payware add-ons, and comparing this to the Vertigo Studios Bearcat (to date the best I've flown), this is by far the best that I've encountered. It is very light on the controls and agile as a cat. If the flight dynamics reflect the real aircraft, then I can well understand how this thing managed to out-maneuver the Spitfire Mk5.

The only downside...

...is forward visibility on approach. It makes the aircraft difficult to land, not because it's tricky to fly (it doesn't wallow about like the Bearcat), but because you can't see where you're going! :biggrin: Thus, you need to adopt some - inventive - approaches to landing this aircraft, like my ridiculous high approach here.

All in all, this is one fantastic aircraft. Hope you liked the shots.

[PanzerFodder 0]

Very nice shot's, and the cockpit details look fantastic

From what I gather the early 'A" model Fw-190's were nick named "Butcher Birds" by the RAF pilot's because when these things first appeared they could run rings around the early Mk Spitfires.

Cheer's...Graham...

[mutley 4,498]

Great shots CSoul and some interesting background too

I expect to see this one in a future competition!

[hurricanemk1c 195]

Great shots Csoul!