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To: Mighty Eighth

Actually the Focke-Wulf Ta 152 C-1/R31 did get built, but it's not a jet.

The History:
Focke-Wulf Ta 152 C-1/R31

The Focke-Wulf Ta 152 series was considered Kurt Tank's crowning achievement with respect to the development of a high altitude reconnaissance fighter and interceptor. The Ta 152 was similar in general layout to the Fw 190D, as it used a liquid-cooled inverted V-12 for motive power. But the airframe was considerably different. The wings were slightly larger and the fuselage and tailplane were significantly improved and modified. In addition, the nose was further streamlined and the aircraft was fitted with a bubble-type canopy for better pilot visibility. The Ta 152 C was the first production version of the series. It had an increased fuel capacity of 280 U.S. gallons total in the wings and fuselage, and was fitted with a Daimler-Benz DB 603L which used the MW50 methanol-water injection to increase takeoff power to 2,100 HP. This aircraft was considered a medium-altitude fighter and was undoubtedly one of the finest fighters to emerge from World War II. It retained the superb roll rate of the Fw 190 but with greatly increased power and range.

Only a few Ta 152 C-1/R31 aircraft entered service in April 1945. This outstanding fighter was highly maneuverable and well-armed, but probably never used in combat. It was the final model of the Focke-Wulf Fw-190 series. Equipped with Rustsatze R31, it would have served well as an all-weather low and medium level fighter and fighter-bomber.
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44 posted on 01/13/2006 8:48:18 AM PST by Patriot Hooligan ("God have mercy on my enemies because I won't." General George S. Patton)
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