Fw 190 D-13

Fw 190 D-13

Fw 190 D-13

Germany

IV Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
5.7	5.0	5.3

Class:

PREMIUM

Fighter

Purchase:Bundle or Gift

STORE

This page is about the German fighter Fw 190 D-13. For other uses, see Fw 190 (Family).

Description

The Fw 190 D-13 is a gift rank IV German fighter with a battle rating of 5.7 (AB), 5.0 (RB), and 5.3 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. The Fw 190 D-13 is very similar to the Fw 190 D-12 in the German tech tree, with the only difference being the 20 mm MG 151 "Motorkanone" firing through the centre of the propeller, rather than the 30 mm Mk 108 cannon on the D-12.

As the final in-game variant of the Fw 190 series (excluding the later Ta 152 H-1) the Fw 190 D-13's main attributes include a very high top speed, heavy armament with a large ammunition pool, a fantastic engine built for high-altitude performance and it features hydraulic ailerons for an amazing high-speed roll rate. It is one of the only prop driven aircraft able to reach speeds exceeding 450 MPH/725 KPH while still retaining some ability to manoeuvre. This being said, the Fw 190 D-13 bears a heavy reliance on speed and engine power to be successful. Although constructed by the Germans during World War Two to be a bomber interceptor, the D-13 is more than capable of downing any aircraft it faces, even some first-generation jets such as the Meteor F. Mk.3 and the F-80A-5.

The Fw 190 D-13 is, however, plagued by some downfalls; namely, its ability to recover from a dive and its ability (or lack thereof) to turn fight. Because of these deficits, the Fw 190 D-13 is best utilized as an "energy fighter" capable of swift and deadly dive attacks in which no harm is put on the pilot. This is precisely how to effectively fly the D-13, as when caught in a sticky situation it can be difficult to evade potential assailants, especially Spitfires.

One of the most known abilities of the Fw 190 series is their ability to out roll enemies such as the Spitfire that "lock up" at higher speeds. If attacked from above and if the enemy is at a higher speed than the D-13, it is possible to perform a series of rolls called a "scissors". The goal of this manoeuvre is to both avoid the enemy's guns by rolling out of the way as well as allowing that enemy to overshoot, resulting in the D-13 pilot tailing the pursuer. Although difficult, manoeuvres such as these can turn the tables in a one-on-one dogfight and ensure survival.

The D-13 variant can be flown in a versatile fashion, as was already mentioned. With the destructive power of the Minengeschoß, no bomber or fighter in the game can survive more than 50 cannon hits. Against fighters, the MG 151 cannons wielded by the D-13 and its predecessors get the job done, albeit it can be worse to aim them than the Hispanos.

Due to the extreme reliability of the MG 151 cannon attempt every shot possible. These cannons can often cut off an enemy's wing with a single shell. No matter which aircraft wielding the MG 151 cannon, a few successful hits with the Minengeschoß round will cause critical damage. Attempt every deflection shot possible, and if the rounds are not hitting the target pull harder. It is better to have rounds fly in front of an enemy plane than miles behind them. In order to pull ahead, make good use of combat/landing flaps. However, remember not to activate them at high speeds as they will rip off causing a momentary loss of control.

The role of the Bomb Dora can be done by any Fw 190 D. A wide array of payload options are available, but take a long time to research. None of them is powerful enough to destroy strategic bomb zones. In addition, the 50 kg bombs can only be dropped in pairs in RB & SB. In combination with the lack of an aiming reticule, it is recommended to only carry a main payload consisting of larger bombs. Bridges, heavy tanks, and heavy pillboxes should be the primary target for the 500 kg bomb. The other targets can be destroyed with ease by allied attackers.

General info

Flight performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed (km/h at 9,700 m)		Max altitude (meters)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (meters/second)		Take-off run (meters)
AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
???	???	12000	??.?	??.?	??.?	??.?	317
Upgraded
Max Speed (km/h at 9,700 m)		Max altitude (meters)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (meters/second)		Take-off run (meters)
AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
761	725	12000	20.4	21.6	22.4	17.1	317

Details

Features
Combat flaps	Take-off flaps	Landing flaps	Air brakes	Arrestor gear
X	✓	✓	X	X

Limits
Wing-break speed (km/h)	Gear limit (km/h)	Combat flaps (km/h)	Max Static G
			+	-
		900	~12	~6

Optimal velocities
Ailerons (km/h)	Rudder (km/h)	Elevators (km/h)	Radiator (km/h)
< 420	< 300	< 550	> 390

Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude	100% Engine power	WEP Engine power
2,600 m	1,750 hp	2,074 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude	100% Engine power	WEP Engine power
6,800 m	1,540 hp	1,825 hp
Setting 3
Optimal altitude	100% Engine power	WEP Engine power
9,700 m	1,230 hp	1,458 hp

Survivability and armour

• 5 mm Steel - Fuel tank plate
• 8 mm Steel - Under fuel tank plate
• 6 mm Steel - Pilot seat
• 8 mm Steel - Pilot seat
• 12 mm Steel - Headrest
• 3 mm Steel - Engine cowling
• 57 mm Bulletproof glass

Armaments

Offensive armament

The Fw 190 D-13 is armed with:

• 1 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon, nose-mounted (250 rpg)
• 2 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons, wing-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)

The three cannons are arranged with one in each wing and the third in the propeller shaft, firing through the propeller hub. Each are armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire together until empty.

Suspended armament

The Fw 190 D-13 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

• Without load
• 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (200 kg total)
• 8 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (400 kg total)
• 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb + 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (450 kg total)
• 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
• 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (500 kg total)
• 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb + 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (700 kg total)

Usage in battles

The Fw 190 D-13's instrument panel.

Tactics

Generally, upon entering a match the D-13 is best utilized as a "side climber". Instead of climbing towards the enemy, take a different route. Once you reach a reasonable altitude, turn back towards the fray. By doing this, you end up arriving at the fight above both your teammates and your enemies, which is very helpful. Although this method takes more time, you can not only dive on unsuspecting enemies but you can also help other pilots on your team. If a teammate looks like he is having trouble shaking an enemy or pulling the lead, you can swoop in and help out.

In Realistic Battles, it is very important to have situational awareness while using D-13. Once at a good altitude (7-8 thousand meters) you can consider engaging the enemy. Ideally, this aircraft should never get into low altitude and low-speed engagements. That being said, make use of the D-13's good climbing abilities. Instead of trying to drag enemies lower to the ground, keep them high and with low energy. This becomes more and more possible the higher the altitudes go, especially when facing off against planes built for low-altitude combat. Many of the enemy aircraft the Fw 190 D-13 faces are not designed for fighting at high altitudes. If found at a low altitude and in a vulnerable state, use cloud cover to your advantage. Even if an enemy is within meters behind you it is possible to lose them in thick clouds.

Another facet of the D-13's success lies in head-on attacks. Utilize the "fake out" - this entails lining the plane up with the enemy's and firing the cannons at a distance starting at around 1.0 mile or 1.60 kilometres away. Unless the enemy plane is using stealth belts, you can judge when to pull off by watching for their tracers. By doing this, it becomes possible to completely avoid enemy fire while dishing out a deadly barrage of shells at a long range.

In order to successfully down a plane using this method, it is recommended to have the "20 mm belts" module unlocked for your aircraft. The Minengeschoß belt for MG 151 cannons is considered by many to be the best aircraft belt in the game. Unlike other cannon shells, the Minengeschoß is a thin-walled shell comprised of a high amount of HE filler. Instead of filling a metal round with high explosive, the Germans built an ammunition round out of HE and applied a thin layer of metal around it.

The main points:

• Use Boom & Zoom tactics
• Attempt every shot possible
• Never turn fight with any plane, unless you are 100% sure, that enemy is in much lower energy state, and you can turn inside him, or when you are baiting for your teammates.
• Always have an altitude advantage
• Attempt every SAFE head on attack
• Utilize "zoom climbing"

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer	Pitch	Radiator			Supercharger	Turbocharger
		Oil	Water	Type
Not controllable	Controllable Not auto controlled	Not controllable Not auto controlled	Controllable Not auto controlled	Combined	Not controllable 3 gears	Not controllable

Modules

Tier	Flight performance		Survivability	Weaponry
I	Fuselage repair	Radiator			ETC 71 I
II		Compressor	Airframe	Offensive 20 mm	ETC 71 II
III	Wings repair	Engine			ETC 504 I	ETC 504 + ER 4 I
IV		Engine injection	Cover	New 20 mm cannons	ETC 504 II	ETC 504 ER 4 II

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Excellent energy retention
• Excellent dive acceleration
• Great speed on both low and high altitudes
• Very high top speed in a dive
• Great high-speed manoeuvrability
• Impressive high altitude performance
• Great aileron control and roll rate especially at higher speeds
• Heavy-hitting armament
• High ammunition supply (750)
• Heavily armoured, especially around the fuel tanks
• Good climb rate
• Water injection (MW50) - WEP lasts at least 30 minutes
• Flaps have a very high rip speed

Cons:

• Awful turn rate at low speeds
• Enormous turn circle
• Any engine damage whatsoever reduces the ability to dogfight and gain speed by a high degree
• Poor elevator authority at high speeds (can be difficult to pull out of a dive)

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

In-game description

Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D-13 "Dora" single-engine high-altitude fighter

The Fw 190 D-13 was the last production variant in the family of Fw 190D aircraft with Junkers Jumo 213 engines. The first two prototypes were converted from production Fw 190 A-8s in October and November 1944. Both machines differed from the Fw 190 D-12 only in their armament. In the V of the Jumo 213E engine, a 20 mm Mauser MG 151/20 cannon with 220 rounds was mounted instead of the 30 mm Rheinmetall-Borsig MK 108 cannon. There were also two 20 mm synchronized Mauser MG.151/20 cannons in the wing roots.

Later, the Jumo 213 F-1 engine was installed on these planes, equipped with a 9-8213 H supercharger and an MW 50 injection system. Since the plan was to use aircraft from the D-13 series as high-altitude fighters, both prototypes were equipped with airtight cockpits.

The Fw 190 D-13 was not launched into full-scale production until March 1945. Planes were produced in the Fw 190 D-13/R11 variant, an all-weather interceptor fighter, and equipped with a PKS 12 automatic pilot, a FuG 125 Hermine radio system, and a heated cockpit canopy windscreen.

About 30 of these aircraft were built by the end of the war, and 20 were delivered to the JG 26 Fighter Wing.

The Fw 190 D-13/R5 variant was supposed to be equipped with a ТSА-2D sight and a ventral ETC 504 rack and underwing ETC 71 racks for 50 kg SC 50 bombs. German forces planned for Fw 190 D-13/R5s to be subsequently armed with two Ruhrstahl X-4 air-to-air missiles.

Distinctive features of the Fw 190D included a rational layout of the engine components and the engine-propeller power plant and a well-designed automatic cooler temperature regulator. A well-tested fire control system was developed for the aircraft. When all gun positions fired simultaneously, aim was stable, and the pilot felt virtually no recoil. Extensive electrification of the equipment simplified the pilot's work.

These final German fighters, the Fw 190D and the Ta 152, were the swan song of the era of piston-engined machines.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

• reference to the series of the aircraft;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

• topic on the official game forum;
• encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
• other literature.