From baugher's site:
Fw 190A-5/U3 - fighter-bomber with the ETC 501 bomb rack and without MG FF cannons. After a change of designation this was serially produced as Fw 190F-2. There was also a desert variant with dust filters designated as A-5/U3/tp (F-2tp).
Positive opinions coming from Luftwaffe units and increasing demand for fighter-bomber planes caused the Focke-Wulf factory to start production of the attack version of the plane, designated Fw190 F, as a completely new series rather than as a fighter modification, as it was previously. The first production series Fw 190F-1 was intended to be based on the A5/U3 modification. The design office decided to include previously produced Fw 190A-4/U3 planes as the F version with the designation F-1. Planes originally built as Fw 190A-5/U3 modifications were designated as F-2. Generally, through May 1943 271 planes were built as both Fw 190F-2 standard and F-2 tp (desert) versions. And
Fw 190A-5/U8 - long range fighter-bomber with two underwing mounted external fuel tanks (capacity 2x300 liters) and an under-fuselage mounted ETC 501 bomb rack; armament consisted of only two MG 151/20 E cannons. It was developed into Fw 190G-2 plane and later serially produced.
The new Fw 190G-2 model was developed from the A-5 series fuselage and its fighter-bomber U8 modification kit (A-5/U8). It had the same modifications as used in the A-4/U8 plane. Additional fuel (468 kg) was placed in underwing fuel tanks but (except for a few early specimens) carried under the wings on simpler V.Mtt-Schlos locks, with two side struts - stabilizers. Duralumin profiled firings were not used in this plane, because despite its good aerodynamics during the flight to the target, when tanks were mounted, after tank ejection the fairing's influence was highly disruptive - aerodynamical drag was increased, fuel consumption increased and maximum speed was reduced by 40 km/hr. Locks without fairings were beneficial in both flight phases and after tank ejection small locks reduced the speed by only 15 km/hr. As in the Fw 190G-1, some planes got an additional oil tank.What this means in practice? Well, I will tell you if you sit nice and quiet...
We (AH Luftaffe (conspiracy) that is) can have long range fighter bomber and ground attack plane in same plane!
Instead of modeling F and G series separately (which would, of course, be nice), same capability can be brought to game in form of A-5.
A-5 had several Umrustbausatz kits that were later taken to wider use in form of F and G series. These kits can be modeled to be included on A-5 ordnance options and in that form plane equipped with these kits would be in practice F-2 and G-2.
This idea and it's usefullnes seems so obviously that HTC must have noticed it. I think this might be one reason why mid production A-5 was selected instead of true early production A-3 or A-4. OF course the lenghtened nose is issue too.
Pretty please HTC, could you model those two U kits for A-5? They might be only armament options and different bombloads and drop tank configurations to you guys but they mean much more to me and other serious Wulf pilots.
------------------
jochenGeschwaderkommodore (on leave)
Jagdgeschwader 2 'Richthofen' (Warbirds)
JG 2 'Richthofen' (Aces High)
I want to believe! Fw 190F-8 / G-8 / A-5 to Aces High!Ladysmith wants you forthwith to come to her relief
Burn your briefs you leave for France tonight
Carefully cut the straps of the booby-traps and set the captives free
But don't shoot 'til you see her big blue eyes
