The R8 was a derivative of the Fw 190A8. The R8 was a modifcation that provided the A8 with more armor, the armor included a ring around the radial engine intake, 2 'blinders' on each side of the cockpit, armor on the leading edges of the wings and more as you can see in this pic:
Heres some profiles of Sturmbock 190s.
The R8 is basically a combination of R7(above) and R8.
The R8 was basically designed to be used by the Luftwaffe's sturm (Assault) units, derived from name of the Wermachts own infantry sturm units. The infantry sturm units would rush the enemy and engage them at close range with the aid of suprise. Similar to the infantry units the Luftwaffe Sturm units would also use a similar technique, although their targets would be the
Viermot.
Sturmstaffel 1 was formed in January 1944 from the requests of Major Hans-Gunther von Kornatzki(sp?) for a unit that would approach enemy bombers from the stern in arrowhead formation. When close enough they would then move into line abreast formation and open fire with their devestating armament of 2x 30mm, 20mm and 13mm MG 131. Sturmstaffel 1 proved so successfull that the first Jagdgeschwader was appointed to be responsible for carrying out these attacks. The first Sturmgruppen was to be IV.(Sturm)/JG 3, the next would be II(Sturm)/JG 300. IV.(Sturm)/JG 3 carried out their first attack on the
Viermot on July 7th 1944 with outstanding results.
In closing are a few reasons why I think we should get the R8:
#1 The allies got the 1C because the model for the 1D was already done and it would be easy to add another variant of the F4U series.
#2 Its an awesome bomber-killer.
#3 Its Luftwaffe.
#4 Useful for scenarios.
#5 Easy to produce from the A8.
[This message has been edited by Nath-BDP (edited 10-18-2000).]
