[Coming soon] Ta 152 C-3: Frontal attack

Historical Note

In 1944, the German command realized that the Fw 190 was outdated opposed to new high-speed Allied fighters that had exceeded the 700 km/h speed limit. It was decided to upgrade the Fw 190D by installing a new engine and improving the airframe. The Ta 152 version was designed primarily for the new high-altitude Jumo 213E engine.

However, Kurt Tank, the designer of this series, insisted on developing a version of the fighter with a short, strong wing from the Fw 190 and a powerful DB-603 engine. The third prototype of the Ta 152 C version got reinforced armament. The Ta 152 fighters went into production only in the spring of 1945, were produced in small series, and had no significant impact on the course of the war.

Ta 152 C-3 (Rank VIII)

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: 4x20-mm and 30-mm cannon, good speed at altitude, high roll rate, low energy loss in vertical turns.
• Weaknesses: mediocre maneuverability, not the best climb rate.
• Opportunities: very good at boom-zoom, can be used in frontal attacks.
• Threats: prolonged dogfights.

In battle

The Ta 152 C-3 is a medium-altitude fighter, the direct successor to the Focke-Wulf D series. The aircraft has a unique short wing, which gives it excellent roll speed and allows it to perform dynamic vertical maneuvers. Its powerful armament is ideal for boom-zoom tactics from high altitudes and gives it a high chance of victory in frontal attacks.

In addition to its short wings, the Ta 152 C-3 was equipped with a medium-altitude engine. The fighter does not climb as quickly, although it reveals good speed characteristics at medium and high altitudes. Like the Fw 190 series, the new Ta 152 C-3 is not well suited for prolonged dogfights and is significantly lacking compared to many more maneuverable opponents. However, its short wings and advanced mechanization make the aircraft ideal for strikes from high altitudes and sudden roll maneuvers.

The Ta 152 C-3's armament is its symbol. The pilot has five automatic cannons at once: two 20-mm MG 151/20 cannons in the wing bases, two more MG 151/20 cannons in the upper part of the cowling, and a 30-mm MK 103 motor cannon in the engine block. Combined with mine shells, these guns are excellent at dealing with any air target. The pilot may realize maximum effectiveness by firing short salvos. The powerful armament, concentrated close to the longitudinal axis of the fuselage, allows for accurate firing at the desired aiming point and is useful in frontal attacks, when the Ta 152 C-3 can fire accurately at distances significantly greater than the range of machine gun fire.

The most effective tactic for using the Ta 152 C-3 is to gain altitude and hunt for targets below. Strike and retreat to altitude, again and again. Don't be greedy and try to finish off a damaged enemy in a dogfight – the Ta 152 C-3 is excellent at saving energy in vertical flight, so it's better to launch a new attack from above patiently and carefully.

Premium ♠Ta 152 C-3♠︎ (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 Ta 152 C-3 (Rank VIII) will appear in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) in the seasonal update in the Medium and Big Trophies of the Aviation Campaign.