Focke-Wulf Ta 153
The Focke-Wulf Ta 153 (GH+KV) was a prototype German fighter aircraft built during World War II. It was a development of the Fw 190C, a Fw 190A with a DB 603A engine.
A project called Ra-4 was initiated in 1943. The idea was to create a new fighter derived from the Fw 190 for higher altitudes. In that sense it was a competitor for the Messerschmitt Me 155B project. The Ta 153A-1 would get the Jumo 213A or C engine and the new wings of the Fw 190B prototype. There was also the Ta 153D-1, a high-altitude version with long-span, high-aspect ratio wings and the DB 603G engine.
Although derived from the Fw 190, the Ta 153 was essentially a new aircraft. This would have required a complete conversion of the production lines with new jigs and tooling. For that reason Kurt Tank decided to modify the existing Fw 190A by adding a rear fuselage 'plug', thereby creating the Fw 190D. Later this fuselage was mated with the long wings of the Ta 153D-1 for the successful Ta 152H.
Specifications (Ta 153)
General characteristics
- Crew: one, pilot
- Length: 10.40 m (34 ft 1 in)
- Wingspan: 11.00 m (36 ft 1 in)
- Height: 3.40 m (11 ft 2 in)
- Wing area: 18.2 m² (196 ft²)
- Empty weight: 3,600 kg (7,937 lb)
- Loaded weight: 4,400 kg (9,700 lb)
- Max. takeoff weight: 5,100 kg (11,244 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Junkers Jumo 213, 1,305 kW (1,750 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 680 km/h (424 mph)
- Range: 1,400 km (873 mi)
- Service ceiling: 11,000 m (36,080 ft)
- Wing loading: 242 kg/m² (50 lb/ft²)
- Power/mass: 0.30 kW/kg (0.18 hp/lb)
- 1 × 30 mm (1.18 in) MK 108 cannon with 90 rounds
- 2 × 20 mm MG 151 cannons with 175 rpg
See also
- Related development
- Related lists
- List of World War II military aircraft of Germany
- List of military aircraft of Germany
- List of Luftwaffe aircraft prototype projects during World War II
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