Which Wulf?

[Finkeren]

Basically: I you want to dogfight and really mix it up with opposing fighters at lower altitude leave the MG-FFs at home. If you plan to fight from a high energy position with lots of BnZ or you simply want to hunt bombers, bring the extra cannons.

 

RAY-EU does fine flying aggressive at tree-top altitude with 4 cannon, but us mere mortals need the extra margin of performance.

[Yakdriver]

Which Wulf?

 

 

ALL the Wulves. from A-1 to A-9 and beyond.

It is that Simple really.

[=X51=VC_]

Basically: I you want to dogfight and really mix it up with opposing fighters at lower altitude leave the MG-FFs at home. If you plan to fight from a high energy position with lots of BnZ or you simply want to hunt bombers, bring the extra cannons.

 

RAY-EU does fine flying aggressive at tree-top altitude with 4 cannon, but us mere mortals need the extra margin of performance.

Well, the 109 does mixing it up well enough and I'm more likely to play the 190 as a foil given the 109 control stiffening makes pure BnZ a bit of a chore. Looking forward to trying the Fw now!

[Ehret]

So yeah, I suggest the OP just holds out for the FN.  I'm sure it will be just wonderful.

 

Depends on the FN's red-line and endurance - the former may increase (but how much?), the latter will decrease (reduced fuel capacity and higher fuel use by a stronger engine). It's already too easy to hit +700km/h in a plain La-5, and this usually means severe problems. I wonder if over-speed rips will not be much worse in FN...

 

If you are 190 driver and have some speed and altitude, then just dive away - you have over 100km/h advantage here. If you don't? - then you may get punished, as you should.

[Mac_Messer]

I don’t get this “well if I get bounced by an opponent in a higher energy state at low altitude, there’s nothing I can do”-argument. It pops up ever so often, but it is patently absurd. By this logic planes that turn well at low speeds will always seem to be the better aircraft - all other aspects be damned.

 

It is simple. The Yak operates fairly well in both situations, while the FW190 is great at high speed and a sitting duck at low speed. Makes a whole world of difference for an average pilot.

Back on topic, what's the consensus on the outer wing guns on the A-3? I'm licking my lips at the idea of a 4-cannon barrage and the speed loss looks small, but I bet you guys are going to tell me it isn't worth it.

Any seasoned 109 pilot will tell you it`s not worth it. The MGFF almost never converges with the MG151/20 so using them both on a fighter is ineffective. With the A3, you still get double the 20mm and have a pretty well maneuvering plane with lots of power when needed.

[RAY-EU]

Thanks I will think about 4 cannons I will try .

But I allways fly preffered , to have more maneuvrability and beeing more agile , with 2 cannons .

So I agree with Wulf .

Edited February 17, 2018 by RAY-EU

[CUJO_1970]

I always fly with 4 cannons.

[CrazyDuck]

Performance degradation with wing guns is certainly lower compared to 109 with gunpods. However, it means a lot of additional firepower and increases your chances of obliterating the target in a single pass, consequently lowering the risk.

If however you know in advance you will have to dogfight for life and death with nimble and powerful red starred fighters without much E advantage, every single kph can mean a big difference. 

So, no clear answer - that's precisely why it's an option.

[Wulf]

The 2 x MG FFs probably add close to another 100 kgs to the weight of the aircraft, when loaded with the 60 round drum mags.  That's  probably going to give you about 4 modest bursts before they run dry and become dead weight.  As someone else pointed out, they also have a different trajectory to the Mauser 151/20s located in the wing roots, so although they can be (are) harmonized to shoot to the same point of impact as your other weapons, they will diverge at other points along the trajectory path. 

 

I've seldom if ever thought the FFs have made a meaningful contribution to the destruction of an enemy, over and above what can be achieved with the 151s.   And in those critical situations when the excrement is really about to hit the fan, they simply reduce the effectiveness of the aircraft, in all the important things that really matter ; speed, climb, maneuverability.   I'd suggest leaving them in the hangar and going light.

Edited February 17, 2018 by Wulf

[=X51=VC_]

OK, I'll try both and see how I feel about it

 

First impressions of the plane are very good. Messed around on Berloga to get a feel for the handling, took it out on WoL once. Unfortunately everyone else had the same idea because after one sortie I landed and there wasn't another A-3 available on the whole map. I did engage a pair of La-5s co-alt, stayed with one long enough to get a couple of hits and managed to get out despite a wing looking like swiss cheese. So yeah, impressed so far, will need to spend some more time with it provided it's available. Cockpit is really cosy, I mean really. Instrument panel is right in your face (VR) even with head all the way back to the headrest.

 

Something odd, does this thing not have a boost regulator? I noticed climbing that my ata was slipping and I had to slowly go to 100% throttle to maintain 1.3 ata climb setting. After the supercharger kicked to 2nd gear the plane jumped to 1.42 ata emergency mode and I had to bring the throttle back again. That's a little annoying, I assumed that was automated.

[Wulf]

Yup, blower runs out of chuff in first gear around 2.6k (depending on seasonal map) before automatically switching to second gear.

[DD_Arthur]

I've seldom if ever thought the FFs have made a meaningful contribution to the destruction of an enemy, over and above what can be achieved with the 151s.   And in those critical situations when the excrement is really about to hit the fan, they simply reduce the effectiveness of the aircraft, in all the important things that really matter ; speed, climb, maneuverability.   I'd suggest leaving them in the hangar and going light.

 

Very much agree with this.

[StickMan]

OK, I'll try both and see how I feel about it

 

First impressions of the plane are very good. Messed around on Berloga to get a feel for the handling, took it out on WoL once. Unfortunately everyone else had the same idea because after one sortie I landed and there wasn't another A-3 available on the whole map. I did engage a pair of La-5s co-alt, stayed with one long enough to get a couple of hits and managed to get out despite a wing looking like swiss cheese. So yeah, impressed so far, will need to spend some more time with it provided it's available. Cockpit is really cosy, I mean really. Instrument panel is right in your face (VR) even with head all the way back to the headrest.

 

Something odd, does this thing not have a boost regulator? I noticed climbing that my ata was slipping and I had to slowly go to 100% throttle to maintain 1.3 ata climb setting. After the supercharger kicked to 2nd gear the plane jumped to 1.42 ata emergency mode and I had to bring the throttle back again. That's a little annoying, I assumed that was automated.

Also the electrically controlled horizontal stabilizer is great for those quick adjustments during a high speed bounce.

[CUJO_1970]

FW drivers need to learn to fly with them outer cannons. Let the Butcher be a Butcher.

 

You can fly with that sissy 2 cannon arrangement when the Dora gets here it's even got an inline engine for you Nancys!

 

I kid I kid...can't wait for that D-9.

[=X51=VC_]

Also the electrically controlled horizontal stabilizer is great for those quick adjustments during a high speed bounce.

 

Do you need to do that? I use the stabilizer all the time in the 109 to overcome the control stiffening but the 190 has so much elevator authority I can't see myself needing to do this.

[ShamrockOneFive]

Do you need to do that? I use the stabilizer all the time in the 109 to overcome the control stiffening but the 190 has so much elevator authority I can't see myself needing to do this.

 

Probably more to keep the nose from rising too much... I use the elevator trim all the time in the 190 but not as often as I do with the 109.

[Willy__]

 

 

Do you need to do that? I use the stabilizer all the time in the 109 to overcome the control stiffening but the 190 has so much elevator authority I can't see myself needing to do this.

 

Definitely needed on the A5, not so much on the A3.

[II/JG17_HerrMurf]

I set stabilizer to very slight nose up in offensive dives/bounces and hold the nose down with the stick. I set nose up to remain level in cruise when laden with an SC500. I set the nose slightly down for defensive dives and extensions. Mostly flying the A5 nowadays. 

[mash3d]

Sorry I'm catching up here. I just read that Bodenplatte will not have heavy bombers so that probably means no Fw190 A8 R2.

It would still be an interesting plane to have at least the options for.

But maybe they can do A8 R11 Night fighter? That would at least provide some interesting night fighter missions.

Just a random thought.

[Mac_Messer]

FW190A8 is not a heavy bomber, at least not by the same definition we refer to bombers like Lancaster, Liberator or Superfortress.

 

Don`t quote me on that but I think devs plan to make the same case as in FW190A5 / F3 mod we have in BoK. FW190A8 would have a field mod effectively making it a FW190F8.

[CrazyDuck]

FW190A8 is not a heavy bomber, at least not by the same definition we refer to bombers like Lancaster, Liberator or Superfortress.

 

I believe mash3d is talking about the Fw 190 A-8/R2 "sturmbock" subversion, which was a heavy bomber destroyer. No real need for this one with no heavies around. But then again, the same goes for Me 262 A-1, which will be included...

Edited February 20, 2018 by CrazyDuck

[Ehret]

I believe mash3d is talking about the Fw 190 A-8/R2 "sturmbock" subversion, which was a heavy bomber destroyer. No real need for this one with no heavies around. But then again, the same goes for Me 262 A-1, which will be included...

 

No no! - How can you say such a thing?! I'm already thinking about anti-jet tactic flying a prop. I have an idea sprouting in my head how to use the P-38 effectively in that role... ("WTF!!!" moments will be priceless)

[mash3d]

I believe mash3d is talking about the Fw 190 A-8/R2 "sturmbock" subversion, which was a heavy bomber destroyer. No real need for this one with no heavies around. But then again, the same goes for Me 262 A-1, which will be included...

 

Thank you I should have clarified that. Yes with no heavy bombers no need for the "Stumbock" version.

But since they are doing the A8 they it would be nice to have the option of an F8 ground attack version. 

There is not much difference between the A8 and F8 except for armaments.

The easiest solution would be to just provide the A8 model with all the F8 weapon options.

Including the torpedo version. I'm just trying to think of ways to make more interesting missions.

[Wulf]

Why in god's name would you want a Sturmbock 190?  At best you might describe it as a ponderous bullet magnet.  At worse, it's going to be a wet dream moment for escort fighters. 

 

Christ; as if life wasn't tough enough; now you want a Sturmbock 190..... Nooooooooooowh. 

[ShamrockOneFive]

Thank you I should have clarified that. Yes with no heavy bombers no need for the "Stumbock" version.

But since they are doing the A8 they it would be nice to have the option of an F8 ground attack version. 

There is not much difference between the A8 and F8 except for armaments.

The easiest solution would be to just provide the A8 model with all the F8 weapon options.

Including the torpedo version. I'm just trying to think of ways to make more interesting missions.

 

Though we have absolutely zero confirmation of this... I'm guessing that they will do this. Effectively making the F-8 version out of the A-8 in a modification just as they have done with the A-5/U17. Lots of bang for the buck there.

 

Why in god's name would you want a Sturmbock 190?  At best you might describe it as a ponderous bullet magnet.  At worse, it's going to be a wet dream moment for escort fighters. 

 

Christ; as if life wasn't tough enough; now you want a Sturmbock 190..... Nooooooooooowh. 

 

For fun? Gotta have fun man!

[mash3d]

Why in god's name would you want a Sturmbock 190?  At best you might describe it as a ponderous bullet magnet.  At worse, it's going to be a wet dream moment for escort fighters. 

 

Christ; as if life wasn't tough enough; now you want a Sturmbock 190..... Nooooooooooowh. 

 

Assaulting a group of heavy bombers with fighter escorts sounds like an interesting mission.

Of course in reality it ranks right up there with getting three Root Canals done at once.

Which I have done, thanks to the U.S. Army, so I may not be the best judge of whats interesting  

[Panthera]

Assaulting a group of heavy bombers with fighter escorts sounds like an interesting mission.

Of course in reality it ranks right up there with getting three Root Canals done at once.

Which I have done, thanks to the U.S. Army, so I may not be the best judge of whats interesting

 

Ever tried one without anesthesia? Can't recommend it. Only time I've ever been close to passing out due to pain 

Edited February 21, 2018 by Panthera

[Wulf]

Ever tried one without anesthesia? Can't recommend it. Only time I've ever been close to passing out due to pain 

 

 

And yet, if any sane individual was given the option of a 'no dope' root canal, or a sturmbock assault on an escorted bomber formation, you'd take the root canal every time.

[Royal_Flight]

And yet, if any sane individual was given the option of a 'no dope' root canal, or a sturmbock assault on an escorted bomber formation, you'd take the root canal every time.

Nah, I'd take a Sturmbock assault followed by a week's holiday as an Il-2 gunner over a root canal, or indeed any dentistry more intensive than a few questions and a brief look with that mirror on the stick.