Laminar Flow Design - New Fw190D-11/D-13 Conversion?

[alaninaustria]

Man, this is turning out to be an amazing aftermarket extension for the 1/32 club!!

Cheers

Alan

[Thunnus]

[Juggernut]

51 minutes ago, Thunnus said:

 

If that's an Fw190D-11, that wing is certainly very interesting as it doesn't have any provisions for the 30mm cannon; I'm not sure if there's an opening for the shell port underwing or not.  There's certainly no evidence of the leading edge 30mm opening.  If it's an Fw190D-9, it's got a Ta152H intake plastered on it and a very strange looking cowl gun cover (for an Fw190D-9).  Is there a possibility that it may be an Fw190D-13?

 

UPDATE:  I seem to have found an answer.  Apparently, this is an Fw190D-11 without the 30mm guns.  Damian asked this very question several years back before Jerry passed away and he said at that time, this is a D-11.  REFERENCE: D.B. Andrus' thread on the Fw190D-11/13.

Edited May 15 by Juggernut

[Juggernut]

I found this one onllne.  It appears to be an Fw190D-11 (Red 4?) as there's no evidence of the cowl gun apertures in the forward cowl.

 

 

Here's an Fw190D-9 which clearly show the gun apertures in the forward cowl (funny that this one has bomb racks outboard of the landing gear like the Fw190F):

 

 

Images taken from World War Photos, accessed 5/15/2025 @ 14:50 EDT.

 

 

Edited May 15 by Juggernut

[Alain Gadbois]

1 hour ago, Juggernut said:

I found this one onllne.  It appears to be an Fw190D-11 (Red 4?) as there's no evidence of the cowl gun apertures in the forward cowl.

 

 

Here's an Fw190D-9 which clearly show the gun apertures in the forward cowl (funny that this one has bomb racks outboard of the landing gear like the Fw190F):

 

 

Images taken from World War Photos, accessed 5/15/2025 @ 14:50 EDT.

 

 

This is certainly Red 4, as we can observe the same burn marks below the windscreen, as in other photos.

 

[Thunnus]

Not the best copy of this photo but the upper wing bulge for the outboard cannon is clearly visible on the port wing of Red 4...

[Alain Gadbois]

Here’s a picture of Red 4 showing the particular shape of the propeller blade.

I cropped the picture, but on the complete one the upper wing gun bulges are visible.

 

 

The better photos of this type of prop. are of the captured Ta-152 in the US.

 

 

[Wayne Bull]

And for once i have the base kit in my stash and an eagle parts cockpit . I am quite liking that jv 44 d-11

[Thunderbolt]

Red 4, formerly V58, was an Fw 190D-11 with Mk 108 gun bulges on the upper surfaces and the pertinent ejector ports on the lower surfaces. It is likely the Mk 108 was not present at the time of capture. 

 

One of the fairings covering the port Mk 108 aperture appears to be peeling off in the photo of the aircraft from 10 O'clock. 

[Thunderbolt]

On 5/14/2025 at 6:45 PM, Thunnus said:

Mathieu has not mentioned any pricing at this point.  But for reference, the 1/32 Spitfire XIVe conversions, which also utilize a forward fuselage replacement, are priced at 83.49+8.99 euros or approximately $102.31 US.

 

 

The proposed cut is on a panel line.  You can see that on the photo of the D-11 that I just posted. I have a copy of the Quickboost's D-11 spinner and prop so I can vouch for that one but I've not heard of a QB D-13 prop.  I've used Henri Daehne's magnificent props on many builds but as far as I know, he no longer produces them.  Mathieu is going to supply the appropriate spinner and VS9 prop blades with his conversions.

 

The latest update:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with Mathieu or LFD.  Just a Dora nut passing along info since many of you don't have access to Facebook.

This is amazing and very welcome work. Thank you for doing it! THe larger supercharger scoop seems close, but still not quite right. Perhaps a little anemic in thickness towards the front? 

[John1]

I'm interested in this conversion, but my only point of concern is the base kit.   By all accounts, it's "ok" but it's nothing close to current standards.    With his Griffon and Vc conversions, you used the outstanding Tamiya Spit as the base subject.  In this case, you are sticking on an exquisitely detailed $130 nose section onto a pretty basic 40-year-old kit.     Or is the Hase -109D better than I'm giving it credit for?

 

 

[Martinnfb]

Still a solid kit. 

[D Bellis]

8 hours ago, John1 said:

...a pretty basic 40-year-old kit.

Um, no. The Hasegawa Fw 190D-9 currently on the market (ST19 or 08069) was first released in 2003 as a newly tooled kit. 

 

While not containing the 400+ parts of the Tamiya 1/32 P-51D, it is a reasonably accurate, very nice kit that's typically found in the $40 - $50 range. Hobby2000 also released it with extras in that same price range. 

 

HTH,

D

Edited June 1 by D Bellis

[David E Brown]

Gents,

 

Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D-11 aircraft lacking the apertures for the outer wing MG 151/20 (as observed in photographs) are indicative of machines designated at the time of production to be fitted with the R4M launch rails (26 rockets, 13 per wing) and non-fitting of the outboard MK 108/30s.

 

Based on published and internet-derived photos, documents, and various publications and discussion board threads, eight (8) D-11 machines are known:

1. WNr.220006 – ‘White <53’, VFS-G.d.J., found at Bad Wörishofen
2. WNr.220009 – ‘White <<’, VFS-G.d.J., found at Bad Wörishofen
3. WNr.220010 – ‘White <58’, VFS-G.d.J., later ‘Red 4’ of JV 44, found at München-Riem
4. WNr.220011 – ‘White <57’, VFS-G.d.J., found at Schongau
5. WNr.220012 – ‘White <<–’, VFS-G.d.J., ex-2./JG 101, found at Salzburg-Maxglan
6. WNr.220013 – ‘White <??’, VFS-G.d.J., later ‘Red 2’ of JV 44, Bad Aibling
7. WNr.220014 – ‘White <61’, VFS-G.d.J., Bad Wörishofen
8. WNr.220017 – ‘White <??’ VFS-G.d.J., ex-2./JG 110, found at Weimar (document only)

The flight book of Uffz. Hartweig of 2./JG 110 indicated he transferred two Fw 190 D-11s to VFS-G.d.J. sometime in February 1945. As Tomas Poruba et al. note (JaPo, “Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D Camouflage and Markings – Part II”, p.436) it is uncertain if the two machines (WNrn.220010 and 220017) were “employed at this fighter school or simply being transferred to the VFS”. As well, Tomas also notes that Fw 190 Ds were being ferried to and from Altenburg so could have been associated with JG 110. Note that Werknummer 220010 is ‘White Chevron 58’ of VFS-G.d.J. and later ‘Red 4’ with JV 44.

 

Documents confirm that an entire Staffel (2.) of JGr. 10 at Parchim was equipped Fw 190 Ds fitted with the R4M for operational testing. Indeed, there is the unknown machine - possibly WNr.210069 - that was found and extensively photographed and also with a cine film at Schongau covered in snow. Other machines are similarly documented to have been with II./JG 26 and JGr. 300.

 

Several months after the release of our Experten No. 3 book in 1995, Dave Wadman and I received the following Luftwaffe document, dated March 22, 1945, which sheds more light on the use of the R4M weapon:

 

"SSO LSCW 694 22/3 (1510)

SSD LW Fuerungsstab IA

 

Geheim!

 

GLTD SSD LW Fuerungsstab IA

SSD NACHR. LW. ORG. STAB 2. ABT.

 

1.) Einsatz Erprobungsstaffeln Fw 190 D-9 mit --R4M-- und mit --21 cm Werfer-- wird wie folgt vorgeschlasen:

 

A) Abgabe der fluzeuge an diejenigen geschwader, denen die Staffel z.zt. Einsatzmaeszig unterstellt sind.

B) Flugzeugfuehrer and technische personal treten zur Jagdgruppe 10 zurueck. Einsatz der flugzeuge durch Flugzeugfuehrer der jeweiligen Geschwader.

 

2.) Staffel Fw 190 A-8 bezw. A-9 mit --Jaegerfaust-- voraussichtlich am Marz 27 einssatzbereit.  Einsatz bei JG 301 unter ausgabe der flugzeuge nach einweisung des technische personal wie unter ziffer 1.

 

3.) Es wird Gebeten, von aufloesung Jagdgruppe 10 z. zt."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"SSO LSCW 694 22/3 (1510)

SSD LW Fuerungsstab IA

 

SECRET!

 

GLTD SSD LW Fuerungsstab IA

SSD NACHR. LW. ORG. STAB 2. ABT.

 

1.)  Proposal for the utilization of the operational test units (Erprobungsstaffeln) equipped with Fw 190 D-9's with R4M and 21 cm launchers

 

A)  The aircraft are to be transferred to the Geschwader under which the Staffel(n?) are currently under operationally control.

B)  The pilots and technical personnel are to return to Jagdgruppe 10. The aircraft will be operated by the pilots of the Geschwader that currently holds the operational command of them.

 

2.)  The Staffel equipped with Fw 190 A-8 and A-9 with Jägerfaust are to be ready for action under the operational control of JG 301 from March 27.  The technical personnel are to return to Jagdgruppe 10 as noted under Number 1.

 

3.)  A request is made for the immediate disbandment of Jagdgruppe 10.

 

(Document Incomplete??)

 

This is an important document in that it reveals the various D-9 aircraft (and D-11s?) originally attached to JGr.10 were transferred to operational units for combat evaluation / operations were now to be retained by them permanently.  While no units are specifically mentioned, the information available reveals that many ended up with I./JG 301, II./JG 26 and JGr. 300 from at least late March 1945 onwards.  Furthermore, JG 301 was charged with using a Fw 190 A-8/-9-equipped Staffel mounting the R4HI Jägerfaust.  Which Staffel remains known.

 

Dave discovered more information related to this weapon system, sourced from the War Diary of the Chief: Technical Air Armaments, Flight Test Working Group for the period 26 February to 4 March 1945, this time discussing its use with the Ta 152:

 

Equipping the Ta 152 with Special Weapons

 

In the last weeks of February 1945 an entire Staffel of Fw 190 D-9s belonging to the test unit Jagdgruppe 10 at Parchim was equipped with R4M air-to-air rockets. Each Fw 190 D-9 was equipped with two underwing launch racks, each with twelve rails, carrying a total of twenty-four R4M. JGr. 10 had been specially assigned to test the R4M. The R4M was the only air-to-air rocket to see service with the Luftwaffe and its warhead contained a high-explosive charge weighing 540 grams (R=Rakete, 4.4 kg=weight, M=Minenkopf).

 

As a result of these trials the order was issued to immediately equip not just the Me 262 but also the Fw 190 and Ta 152 with the R4M. The R4M installation was to be installed on the Ta 152 C-1/R31 and the Ta 152 H-1/R31. Modification directives also anticipated retrofitting the Ta 152 H-1/R11, H-1/R21 and C-1/R11. By the end of the war JGr. 10 was to have three Ta 152s in addition to the rocket-armed Fw 190s. The effectiveness of the R4M was successfully demonstrated by the Me 262. The order that disbanded Jagdgruppe 10 on 2 April 1945 called for all of 2/JGr. 10’s Fw 190 D-9s equipped with the R4M to be handed over to I/JG 301; it is not known whether this order was carried out. 

 

So where is all this going?

 

A key observation in the photos of these machines is that several of them lack the outer wing apertures for the MG 151/20 or MK 108/30 (i.e. the Fw 190 F-8/-9, D-9 wing).  In particular, a photo of the D-11 ‘White <57’ / WNr.220011 taken soon after its capture reveals launching rails for R4M rockets under the port wing.  Later photos taken of its wings show the missing outer wing gun apertures. I believe this is unequivocal evidence that D-11s lacking these apertures indicate they were fitted at the factory with the R4M launching system.  It appears obvious that due to weight restrictions (that would affect performance) the mounting of one of these weapons would not permit fitting the MK 108/30s.

 

Both JV 44 D-11 aircraft – ‘Red 2’ / WNr.220013 and ‘Red 4’ / WNr.220010 – noticeably lack this feature. The wing leading edge shows no evidence that an aperture existed and later covered over with a metal panel. Thus, their wings were the ones originally manufactured at the factory and by inference were most probably fitted with the R4M launching system at the time of their manufacture. And hopefully this component with also be included in the D-11 conversion kit we are discussing!

 

Best,

 

David

 

 

[Thunderbolt]

3 hours ago, David E Brown said:

Gents,

 

Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D-11 aircraft lacking the apertures for the outer wing MG 151/20 (as observed in photographs) are indicative of machines designated at the time of production to be fitted with the R4M launch rails (26 rockets, 13 per wing) and non-fitting of the outboard MK 108/30s.

 

Based on published and internet-derived photos, documents, and various publications and discussion board threads, eight (8) D-11 machines are known:

1. WNr.220006 – ‘White <53’, VFS-G.d.J., found at Bad Wörishofen
2. WNr.220009 – ‘White <<’, VFS-G.d.J., found at Bad Wörishofen
3. WNr.220010 – ‘White <58’, VFS-G.d.J., later ‘Red 4’ of JV 44, found at München-Riem
4. WNr.220011 – ‘White <57’, VFS-G.d.J., found at Schongau
5. WNr.220012 – ‘White <<–’, VFS-G.d.J., ex-2./JG 101, found at Salzburg-Maxglan
6. WNr.220013 – ‘White <??’, VFS-G.d.J., later ‘Red 2’ of JV 44, Bad Aibling
7. WNr.220014 – ‘White <61’, VFS-G.d.J., Bad Wörishofen
8. WNr.220017 – ‘White <??’ VFS-G.d.J., ex-2./JG 110, found at Weimar (document only)

The flight book of Uffz. Hartweig of 2./JG 110 indicated he transferred two Fw 190 D-11s to VFS-G.d.J. sometime in February 1945. As Tomas Poruba et al. note (JaPo, “Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D Camouflage and Markings – Part II”, p.436) it is uncertain if the two machines (WNrn.220010 and 220017) were “employed at this fighter school or simply being transferred to the VFS”. As well, Tomas also notes that Fw 190 Ds were being ferried to and from Altenburg so could have been associated with JG 110. Note that Werknummer 220010 is ‘White Chevron 58’ of VFS-G.d.J. and later ‘Red 4’ with JV 44.

 

Documents confirm that an entire Staffel (2.) of JGr. 10 at Parchim was equipped Fw 190 Ds fitted with the R4M for operational testing. Indeed, there is the unknown machine - possibly WNr.210069 - that was found and extensively photographed and also with a cine film at Schongau covered in snow. Other machines are similarly documented to have been with II./JG 26 and JGr. 300.

 

Several months after the release of our Experten No. 3 book in 1995, Dave Wadman and I received the following Luftwaffe document, dated March 22, 1945, which sheds more light on the use of the R4M weapon:

 

"SSO LSCW 694 22/3 (1510)

SSD LW Fuerungsstab IA

 

Geheim!

 

GLTD SSD LW Fuerungsstab IA

SSD NACHR. LW. ORG. STAB 2. ABT.

 

1.) Einsatz Erprobungsstaffeln Fw 190 D-9 mit --R4M-- und mit --21 cm Werfer-- wird wie folgt vorgeschlasen:

 

A) Abgabe der fluzeuge an diejenigen geschwader, denen die Staffel z.zt. Einsatzmaeszig unterstellt sind.

Flugzeugfuehrer and technische personal treten zur Jagdgruppe 10 zurueck. Einsatz der flugzeuge durch Flugzeugfuehrer der jeweiligen Geschwader.

 

2.) Staffel Fw 190 A-8 bezw. A-9 mit --Jaegerfaust-- voraussichtlich am Marz 27 einssatzbereit.  Einsatz bei JG 301 unter ausgabe der flugzeuge nach einweisung des technische personal wie unter ziffer 1.

 

3.) Es wird Gebeten, von aufloesung Jagdgruppe 10 z. zt."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"SSO LSCW 694 22/3 (1510)

SSD LW Fuerungsstab IA

 

SECRET!

 

GLTD SSD LW Fuerungsstab IA

SSD NACHR. LW. ORG. STAB 2. ABT.

 

1.)  Proposal for the utilization of the operational test units (Erprobungsstaffeln) equipped with Fw 190 D-9's with R4M and 21 cm launchers

 

A)  The aircraft are to be transferred to the Geschwader under which the Staffel(n?) are currently under operationally control.

  The pilots and technical personnel are to return to Jagdgruppe 10. The aircraft will be operated by the pilots of the Geschwader that currently holds the operational command of them.

 

2.)  The Staffel equipped with Fw 190 A-8 and A-9 with Jägerfaust are to be ready for action under the operational control of JG 301 from March 27.  The technical personnel are to return to Jagdgruppe 10 as noted under Number 1.

 

3.)  A request is made for the immediate disbandment of Jagdgruppe 10.

 

(Document Incomplete??)

 

This is an important document in that it reveals the various D-9 aircraft (and D-11s?) originally attached to JGr.10 were transferred to operational units for combat evaluation / operations were now to be retained by them permanently.  While no units are specifically mentioned, the information available reveals that many ended up with I./JG 301, II./JG 26 and JGr. 300 from at least late March 1945 onwards.  Furthermore, JG 301 was charged with using a Fw 190 A-8/-9-equipped Staffel mounting the R4HI Jägerfaust.  Which Staffel remains known.

 

Dave discovered more information related to this weapon system, sourced from the War Diary of the Chief: Technical Air Armaments, Flight Test Working Group for the period 26 February to 4 March 1945, this time discussing its use with the Ta 152:

 

Equipping the Ta 152 with Special Weapons

 

In the last weeks of February 1945 an entire Staffel of Fw 190 D-9s belonging to the test unit Jagdgruppe 10 at Parchim was equipped with R4M air-to-air rockets. Each Fw 190 D-9 was equipped with two underwing launch racks, each with twelve rails, carrying a total of twenty-four R4M. JGr. 10 had been specially assigned to test the R4M. The R4M was the only air-to-air rocket to see service with the Luftwaffe and its warhead contained a high-explosive charge weighing 540 grams (R=Rakete, 4.4 kg=weight, M=Minenkopf).

 

As a result of these trials the order was issued to immediately equip not just the Me 262 but also the Fw 190 and Ta 152 with the R4M. The R4M installation was to be installed on the Ta 152 C-1/R31 and the Ta 152 H-1/R31. Modification directives also anticipated retrofitting the Ta 152 H-1/R11, H-1/R21 and C-1/R11. By the end of the war JGr. 10 was to have three Ta 152s in addition to the rocket-armed Fw 190s. The effectiveness of the R4M was successfully demonstrated by the Me 262. The order that disbanded Jagdgruppe 10 on 2 April 1945 called for all of 2/JGr. 10’s Fw 190 D-9s equipped with the R4M to be handed over to I/JG 301; it is not known whether this order was carried out. 

 

So where is all this going?

 

A key observation in the photos of these machines is that several of them lack the outer wing apertures for the MG 151/20 or MK 108/30 (i.e. the Fw 190 F-8/-9, D-9 wing).  In particular, a photo of the D-11 ‘White <57’ / WNr.220011 taken soon after its capture reveals launching rails for R4M rockets under the port wing.  Later photos taken of its wings show the missing outer wing gun apertures. I believe this is unequivocal evidence that D-11s lacking these apertures indicate they were fitted at the factory with the R4M launching system.  It appears obvious that due to weight restrictions (that would affect performance) the mounting of one of these weapons would not permit fitting the MK 108/30s.

 

Both JV 44 D-11 aircraft – ‘Red 2’ / WNr.220013 and ‘Red 4’ / WNr.220010 – noticeably lack this feature. The wing leading edge shows no evidence that an aperture existed and later covered over with a metal panel. Thus, their wings were the ones originally manufactured at the factory and by inference were most probably fitted with the R4M launching system at the time of their manufacture. And hopefully this component with also be included in the D-11 conversion kit we are discussing!

 

Best,

 

David

 

 

Nicely researched. The photos of white 57 probably corroborate your theory best.