[Coming soon] Fw 190 D-13: The best “Dora”!

Historical Note

The Fw 190 D-13 was the final serial variant of the Fw 190D series, equipped with Junkers Jumo 213 engines. Development began in October-November 1944, when two prototypes were converted from serial Fw 190 A-8s. The key difference from its predecessor, the Fw 190 D-12, was the replacement of the 30 mm MK 108 cannon in the engine with a 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon with an ammo amount of 250 rounds. This decision was due to the need to increase accuracy and fire rate when engaging maneuverable targets. The aircraft also retained two synchronized MG 151/20 cannons in the wings.

Later, Jumo 213F-1 engines with superchargers and boosters were installed on the prototypes, which improved their altitude performance. The cockpits were equipped with pressurization for operation at high altitudes. Serial production began only in March 1945. By the end of the war, about 30 units had been produced, which were mainly used for air defense of Germany.

Fw 190 D-13 (Rank VIII)

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: high climb rate, good speed, armament of three 20 mm cannons, bombs.
• Weaknesses: not the best maneuverability.
• Opportunities: dive attacks, intercepting bombers at high altitude.
• Threats: maneuverable combat at low altitude.

In battle

The Fw 190 D-13 is the latest version of the Focke-Wulf D (“Dora”) family. The aircraft combines the opportunities of a high-altitude interceptor and an attack aircraft, and will be one of the best piston aircraft in the game. Let's take a look at the legendary “Dora”!

The main task set by Focke-Wulf designers when developing the D-13 modification was air defense against long-range Allied bomber aircraft. For this reason, much attention was paid to the fighter's altitude capabilities. The Fw 190 D-13 was equipped with a pressurized cockpit and heated windshield. But most importantly, it had a powerful engine with a supercharger, which allowed the Dora to quickly gain altitude and reach impressive speeds at medium and high altitudes.

The forward-firing weapons of the D-13 are slightly lighter than those of other modifications in the series, but remain quite competitive. Pilots have three 20 mm cannons located in the engine cylinder block and one on each wing. The location of the cannons at the center of the fuselage makes it easier to aim even at long distances. In addition, the Dora will also be equipped with 50, 250, and 500 kg bombs, which can be used against armored vehicles and fortifications.

The pilot's main task is to gain altitude and then hunt for high-altitude bombers, as well as destroy fighters at lower levels. The “Dora” performs well in vertical maneuvers at high altitude. However, it fares worse in maneuverable combat at low altitudes: the Focke-Wulf is unable to quickly recover energy and loses out in speed and turning to most fighters of its rank. Don't keep chasing a damaged target — return to altitude and dive again, otherwise the “Dora” will quickly lose speed and turn from hunter to prey.

Premium ♠Fw 190 D-13♠︎ (Rank VIII)

The Premium variant is an extra plane for your roster! The premium warplane maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With this premium warplane you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still work in progress and may differ on release.

The Fw 190 D-13 (Rank VIII) will appear in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) in the seasonal update in the Medium and Big Trophies of the Aviation Campaign.