The 190 A-5 variant

[LukeFF]

I've read competing reasons for as to why the 190 A-5 had its engine moved forward: both so it could carry more ordnance and so to reduce engine vibration. Are both reasons correct, or is it only one?

Edited February 3, 2017 by LukeFF

[Trooper117]

Also to change the centre of gravity...

[HighStick]

Also to fix problems with engine overheating.

[JG5_Zesphr]

Yea CoM as the one I've come across the most 

Edited February 3, 2017 by JG5_Zesphr

[Retnek]

1) optimized centre of gravity for bigger bomb loads and a broader variety of load-outs (confirmed by trustworthy publications)

2) reduce vibration with a new engine suspension (read it a few times, but not in trustworthy publications)

3) counter the additional weight of additional radio equipment in the tail (imho this was an advantage, but not a reason for it)

 

The problem with engine overheating was - according to my sources - solved with the A3-model by a redesign of the engine-compartment.

[CUJO_1970]

I've read competing reasons for as to why the 190 A-5 had its engine moved forward: both so it could carry more ordnance and so to reduce engine vibration. Are both reasons correct, or is it only one?

 

By this time I believe any issues with overheat or engine vibration was solved already long ago. You can read Donald Caldwell writing on JG/26 technical officers working on early FW-190 program and issues with engine fittings and exhaust routing they reworked.

 

The official reason was to compensate for CG shift with addition of ETC 501 rack and ordnance and I believe that is the only reason.

[CUJO_1970]

The problem with engine overheating was - according to my sources - solved with the A3-model by a redesign of the engine-compartment.

 

Problem area with cockpit/engine overheat was due in part to lower two cylinders in rear row - getting so hot that exhaust pipes were burning through. They redesigned the exhaust system and re-routed it. (per Donald Caldwell)

 

I've never read of vibration being any real problem on the early FW by German, British or US testing - unless Bosch spark plugs were fouled, that could lead to rough running engine - but Eric Brown said BMW ran smooth.