Holding back the Russians

The Fw 190 proved to be a formidable opponent for the Allied air forces, particularly on the Eastern Front where it was deployed extensively from 1941 to 1945. The Fw 190 quickly proved its worth, with pilots praising its handling characteristics and armament. The aircraft's superior performance compared to the Soviet fighters it faced allowed it to dominate the skies over the Eastern Front.

In certain ways, the Fw 190 would prove to be a more reliable aircraft than the Bf 109. It handled well on the ground, and its wide undercarriage suited it to the frequently primitive circumstances on the Eastern Front. Because of its radial engine, it could also withstand more damage than the Bf 109 and survive. A Fw 190 returned to base with two-cylinder heads shot off on one flight in mid-1943.

The Luftwaffe, deployed multiple Fw 190 units to the Eastern Front during the war, including Jagdgeschwader (JG) 1, JG 3, JG 26, and JG 51.

Map of the Eastern front during the Soviet Winter Offensive, 6 December 1941 — 7 May 1942.

Eastern Front Maps of World War II | by Inflab | Medium

Operation Barbarossa

The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 was a key fighter aircraft used by the German Luftwaffe during Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. The pilots who flew the Fw 190 during this period were some of the most skilled and experienced in the Luftwaffe. Many of these pilots had previously flown other fighter planes, such as the Messerschmitt Bf 109, and were able to quickly adapt to the Fw 190's unique characteristics. The pilots were trained to fly the Fw 190 aggressively, using its superior speed and agility to outmanoeuvre and outgun the Soviet fighters.

One of the most notable units that operated the Fw 190 during Operation Barbarossa was Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26). This elite fighter wing was equipped with the Fw 190 A-2 and A-3 models, which were considered the most advanced versions of the Fw 190 series at the time. JG 26 was tasked with providing air support to the advancing German ground forces and engaging the Soviet Air Force in the air battles.

During the early stages of Operation Barbarossa, JG 26 was deployed to the Eastern Front, where it faced the Soviet Air Force, which had a significant numerical advantage. In July 1941, JG 26 engaged in a series of intense aerial battles with the Soviet Air Force over the skies of Moscow. Despite the Soviet Air Force's numerical superiority, JG 26's Fw 190s proved to be highly effective, inflicting significant losses on the Soviet Air Force.

The Fw 190s of JG 26 and JG 3 were used to provide air support to the advancing ground forces and engage the Soviet Air Force in the air battles. The Fw 190s were also used in ground-attack roles, targeting Soviet ground targets such as tanks, trains, and airfields.

It is difficult to estimate the exact number of Fw 190 casualties during Operation Barbarossa as records are incomplete and often conflicting. However, it is known that the Fw 190 suffered significant losses during the campaign.

One of the primary reasons for the Fw 190's losses during Operation Barbarossa was the superior numbers of the Soviet Air Force. The German Air Force, including the Fw 190 units, was initially unprepared for the scale of the Soviet Air Force's response and was forced to adapt to new tactics and strategies on the fly. This resulted in the loss of many Fw 190 aircraft and pilots during the early stages of the campaign.

According to Luftwaffe records, JG 26 lost approximately 88 Fw 190s during the first six months of Operation Barbarossa. JG 3 also suffered significant losses during the Battle of Stalingrad, with estimates ranging from 50 to 70 Fw 190s lost during the campaign.

The first casualty occurred on December 10th, when Hauptmann (Captain) Horst Riemann was killed in action. Others were shot down by anti-aircraft fire while accompanying German bombers and transport planes dropping supplies.

Case Blue

Case Blue was a German offensive on the Eastern Front in 1942, aimed at capturing the oil fields of the Caucasus. The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 played a significant role in the air operations of the battle, particularly in providing air superiority against the Soviet air forces.

During the early stages of Case Blue, the Fw 190 proved to be a highly effective fighter aircraft. The aircraft's superior speed and armament made it a formidable opponent for Soviet fighters, and Fw 190 pilots achieved numerous victories against Soviet aircraft.

The Fw 190 was operated by several elite German fighter units during Case Blue, including Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51) and Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52) which were two of the elite fighter units that operated Focke-Wulf Fw 190s on the Eastern Front in 1942.

 Focke Wulf Fw 190A4s from JG54 (note the distinctive green heart designs) in Krasnogvardiesk Russia 1942. 

Asisbiz Focke Wulf Fw 190A4 1.JG54 (W1+) Krasnogvardiesk Russia 1942-43-01

JG 51 was formed in 1939 and was initially equipped with Messerschmitt Bf 109s before transitioning to the Fw 190 in 1942. The unit operated primarily in air superiority roles during Case Blue, providing escort for German bombers and engaging Soviet fighters. JG 51 achieved numerous victories during the battle, with top-scoring pilot Hans Philipp claiming 32 aerial victories during the campaign.

JG 52, on the other hand, was a unit that specialized in ground attack roles, particularly against Soviet armoured vehicles. The unit was formed in 1939 and operated a variety of aircraft before transitioning to the Fw 190 in 1942. During Case Blue, JG 52 operated in both ground attack and air superiority roles, achieving numerous victories against both Soviet aircraft and ground targets.

Despite their successes, both JG 51 and JG 52 suffered heavy losses during Case Blue. JG 51 lost over 100 aircraft during the campaign, while JG 52 lost over 200 aircraft. Many of the units' top pilots were also lost during the course of the battle, including JG 51 commander Werner Mölders, who was killed in a flying accident in November 1941.

 Focke Wulf Fw 190A4 1.JG54 White 3 Krasnogvardiesk Russia 1942/1943.

Asisbiz Focke Wulf Fw 190A 3./JG54 Yellow 20 airfield near Immola Finland 2nd July 1944-01

Operation Citadel

Operation Citadel, also known as the Battle of Kursk, was a major German offensive on the Eastern Front in July 1943. The Luftwaffe deployed a large number of Focke-Wulf Fw 190s during the operation, primarily in ground attack and air superiority roles.

By June 1943, the Fw 190 had reached peak performance. Before Zitadelle, the major operator, II./JG 54, had 196 fighters. However, portion of this number comprised Bf 109s that were still in service. I./JG 54, I., III., and IV. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—51st Fighter Wing) mustered 186 Fw 190s (the Fw 190 was used by the majority of the fighter force in this region), 88 of which were serviceable.

The Fw 190 force was tasked with supporting the German Ninth Army in the northern area around Orel and was operated by a variety of German units during the battle, including the elite Jagdgeschwader 54 and Jagdgeschwader 51 fighter wings. These units were tasked with providing close air support to German ground forces and engaging Soviet fighters and ground targets.

Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-5 fighters, of Fighter Squadron JG54, during flight, 1943. JG 54 aircraft - as indicated by the green heart design just below the cockpit - saw extensive action on the Eastern Front.

On this date, German numerical superiority delivered a crushing setback to Soviet aircraft. The Fw 190s held the upper hand and shot down a large number of Soviet fighter planes, allowing German strike planes to assault Red Army strongholds at will. An impressive fifty Soviet planes were shot down in a matter of hours. With only 29 fatalities, 18 of which were destroyed, and seven Fw 190s shot down in action, the 1st Fliegerdivision claimed 165 victories. The division had overclaimed, although Soviet losses were estimated to be in the hundreds. The Fw 190's ability as a low-level air superiority fighter was obvious, and it represented Germany's air superiority at the time.

During the early stages of the battle, the Fw 190s were highly successful in their ground attack roles, with pilots reporting numerous tanks and other vehicles destroyed. However, the effectiveness of the Fw 190s in ground attack roles was limited by a lack of coordination with ground forces and the heavy Soviet anti-aircraft fire.

In air superiority roles, the Fw 190s faced stiff opposition from Soviet fighters. Despite this, the Fw 190s were able to achieve several notable victories against Soviet aircraft, including a reported 14 victories by Jagdgeschwader 54 on 5^th July alone.

The next day on the 6^th July the Fw 190 proved its effectiveness again at low altitude. Close escort from Soviet aircraft allowed the Fw 190s of JG 51 and JG 54 to attack Soviet formations at will. On this date, Fw 190s claimed a 60:1 ratio, losing two fighters shot down and two damaged while claiming 121 enemy aircraft destroyed. The circumstance demanded a shift in Soviet aviation tactics. Should larger German formations arise, Soviet fighters on airfields were placed on notice, and fighters were now authorised to undertake fighter sweeps in small formations of four to six aircraft.

JG 51 claimed 800 victories against 50 Fw 190s destroyed between 1st - 31st July 1943.  JG 54 claimed 450 Soviet planes shot down for 24 Fw 190s destroyed during the same time period.  Even though it is likely that 25 to 33 percent of these assertions were exaggerated, the numbers show tactical air units' qualitative superiority in combat. 

According to more exact data, JG 51 lost 55 Fw 190s, with 31 damaged. The decision to bring the Fw 190 to the front had proven sensible as it s more powerful armament was desperately needed by the German fighter units. The heavily armoured Soviet IL-2 Shturmoviks were becoming increasingly common, and the Fw 190s were well-suited to take them on.

Fw-190F3 Red G at Kursk 1943

However, the Fw 190s suffered significant losses during the course of Operation Citadel. The Luftwaffe lost over 300 aircraft lost or were damaged during the duration of the operation, including many Fw 190s. The losses were attributed to a combination of factors, including the superior Soviet air defences, the heavy use of ground attack roles, and the limited range of the Fw 190s.

Despite the losses suffered during Operation Citadel, the Fw 190 remained a key component of the Luftwaffe's operations on the Eastern Front. The aircraft's heavy armament and superior performance made it a formidable opponent for Soviet fighters and ground targets alike.

Large-scale air engagements took place during the Lower Dnieper Offensive and the Second Battle of Kiev. During these battles, Walter Nowotny earned his 256th and final win on the battlefield, but he was nearly shot down himself on 11^th November, 1943.

The tide starts to turn

In December 1943, JG 54, flying the Focke-Wulf, claimed 71 wins for the loss of 14 Fw 190s. This indicated a declining win-to-loss ratio. The Russians, on the other hand, were increasing in number and quality. Both Army Group South and, soon, Army Group North were being pushed back by the Red Army. Only Army Group Centre remained in fortified positions.

By the spring of 1944, the German fighter unit's victory to loss ratio had dropped from 4:1 at Kursk to 1.5:1. The greatest Soviet fighter planes were now on par with the best German planes. The Schlachtgeschwader suffered 175, including a lot of Fw 190s.

An Fw 190 in snowy surroundings, 1943.

0_ea9fe_d6d20249_orig (1955×1335) (yandex.ru)

The Germans had lost the Crimean campaign by the summer of 1944, allowing the Soviets to undertake operations that would break into Eastern Europe. German fighter forces continued to devastate Soviet aviation. Nonetheless, the introduction of types such as the Lavochkin La-7 and Yak-3 posed a challenge for German fighters.

The La-7 was one of the war's lightest and smallest fighters, with wings only 9.8 metres long. The Yak-3 outperformed the Bf 109 and Fw 190 in terms of speed and manoeuvrability. The Yak-9U outperformed the Fw 190 in Soviet tests with captured German fighters.

Operation Bagration

During the major Soviet offensive Operation Bagration in 1944, the experiences JG 54 was one of several German units fielding Fw 190s to provide air support for German ground forces, engaging in dogfights with Soviet aircraft and protecting German supply lines. Despite facing large numbers of Soviet aircraft, JG 54's pilots were highly skilled and achieved significant success during the campaign. In the first two months of the offensive, JG 54 claimed more than 300 Soviet aircraft shot down, including numerous IL-2 ground attack planes.

However, JG 54 and its Fw 190s were not immune to losses. The Soviet Air Force was able to field large numbers of aircraft, and JG 54 suffered heavy losses during Operation Bagration. By the end of the campaign, more than 80% of JG 54's pilots were killed, captured, or wounded.

SG 10, which lost 59 Fw 190s in July 1944, was among those operating the Fw 190. Fighter units performed better. JG 54 claimed 80 aerial kills for 31 losses, 21 of which were due to enemy action. Nonetheless, based on loss statistics, it appears that even veteran German units lost more aircraft than they shot down during this period.

As German ground defences crumbled, Fw 190 units using the aircraft as jabo (fighter bombers) became the first line of defence. Each morning, the Fw 190 Gruppen launched a few aircraft over pre-assigned zones which could detect any movement made by the Soviet forces. The Fw 190s were dispatched to hunt down enemy armour spearheads in the German rear. For soft targets, 250 or 500 kg (550 and 1,100 lb) bombs were typically used, along with SD-2, 4 and 10 bombs and 13 and 20 mm weapons. If the Soviet tanks were operating without resistance, the soft-skin supporting vehicles were the targets.

The Fw 190s would then drop to 4 to 10 m, dropping their payload just as the target vanished beneath the fighter's nose. The German pilots had around one second to clear due to the delay penalty. At 485 km/h (300 mph), this was generally plenty. In the conflicts that followed, German Schlachtgeschwader pilots routinely flew seven or eight sorties per day. Fuel constraints held the German fighter units on the ground until the end of August. Animals such as oxen were employed to transport fighters from dispersal to the take-off area to save gasoline.

Despite the losses, Fw 190 pilots demonstrated effective tactics and strategies during Operation Bagration. They used the Fw 190's manoeuvrability to outmanoeuvre Soviet aircraft and employed hit-and-run tactics to attack Soviet planes and then quickly retreat to avoid retaliation. Fw 190 units claimed 200 Soviet vehicles destroyed on 11th July 1944.

On 28th July 1944, SG 3 and 4 claimed to have destroyed 400 Soviet vehicles in Estonia. German aviation forces aided in slowing the assault into the Baltic nations. The Lvov-Sandomierz Operation in Poland had gained bridgeheads across the Vistula River. The German air units attempted to destroy the foothold and on 28th August, Schlachtgeschwader Fw 190s and Ju 87s claimed to have sunk 28 bridging boats.

The Luftwaffe sent an 800-strong force to East Prussia under the command of the 4. Fliegerdivision. JG 54, which flew Fw 190 fighter aircraft alongside SG 4, aided the German Fourth Army in halting the Soviet assault to smash the Courland pocket.

On 27^th October 1944, the Fw 190 fighter unit JG 54 claimed 57 aircraft downed. 17 Fw 190F ground attack planes were lost by SG 4. Erich Rudorffer claimed 11 victories on 28^th October, bringing his total to 209. JG 54 Fw 190s claimed 600 victories between 14^th September and 24^th November, while Soviet units recorded a total loss of 779 aircraft.

The crisis on the Eastern Front now demanded that all available units return to the front. The Western theatre was still fighting the Battle of the Bulge, but with the Siege of Budapest and the Soviet winter offensive poised to hit across the Polish plain, Luftflotte 6 was moved from the Ardennes sector to Poland to meet the Soviet danger bringing 100 Fw 190s with it.

Final battles

From November 1944 until the end of the war, the Fw 190 was deployed by various Luftwaffe units to defend against the relentless Soviet air offensives. This period was marked by intense and ferocious air battles, which caused significant losses on both sides.

By this stage of the war, the Luftwaffe were employing the improved A-8 and A-9 models, which were considered the most advanced versions of the Fw 190 series.

In November 1944, JG 54 was operating from airfields in East Prussia, where it faced increasing pressure from the Soviet Air Force. The Soviets had gained air superiority over the region and were launching daily attacks on German ground targets and airfields. JG 54 was tasked with defending the region against these attacks and engaging the Soviet fighters and bombers.

One of the most notable engagements involving JG 54 during this period was the Battle of the Vistula-Oder Offensive. In January 1945, the Soviets launched a massive offensive along the Vistula River, aiming to capture Berlin and end the war. JG 54, along with other Luftwaffe units, was deployed to defend against this offensive.

The Fw 190s of JG 54 engaged Soviet fighters and bombers in intense dogfights, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Despite the valiant efforts of JG 54, the Soviet Air Force ultimately gained air superiority over the region and inflicted significant damage on German ground targets.

Another unit that operated the Fw 190 on the Eastern Front during this period was Jagdgeschwader 1 (JG 1). JG 1 was also an elite fighter wing, having participated in several major air battles in the Western Front. In 1945, JG 1 was transferred to the Eastern Front, where it faced the daunting task of defending the rapidly crumbling German defences against the Soviet onslaught.

One of the most notable engagements involving JG 1 during this period was the Battle of Berlin. In April 1945, the Soviets launched a massive offensive to capture the German capital. JG 1, along with other Luftwaffe units, was deployed to defend the city against this offensive. The Fw 190s of JG 1 engaged Soviet fighters and bombers in fierce dogfights over the city, inflicting significant losses on the Soviet Air Force.

However, the overwhelming numerical superiority of the Soviet Air Force eventually forced JG 1 to withdraw from the battle, and Berlin fell to the Soviets on May 2, 1945.

Strategies and tactics

The Fw 190's advanced design and formidable armament made it a formidable opponent for the Soviet Air Force. Fw 190 units relied on hit-and-run tactics, engaging Soviet fighters and bombers in fierce dogfights and quickly withdrawing to avoid counterattacks. Fw 190 units also used hit-and-run tactics to attack Soviet ground targets, using their powerful armament to inflict maximum damage before withdrawing to avoid anti-aircraft fire.

Fw 190 units also relied on a combination of ground-based radar and airborne reconnaissance to detect and intercept Soviet air offensives. Fw 190 units would scramble to intercept Soviet bombers and fighters, using their superior speed and agility to engage the enemy on their own terms.

Fw 190 units also employed tactics such as "thunderbolt" attacks, in which multiple fighters would attack a single enemy bomber or fighter simultaneously, overwhelming the enemy with superior firepower. Overall, the defensive strategy and tactics employed by Fw 190 units on the Eastern Front were effective but ultimately unable to stem the tide of the Soviet air offensives.

The strategy and tactics used by Fw 190 units on the Eastern Front from November 1944 until the end of World War II were largely defensive in nature, as the German Air Force was losing air superiority to the Soviet Air Force. Fw 190 units were tasked with defending German ground targets and airfields against relentless Soviet air offensives.

Units

One of the most successful units to fly the Fw 190 on the Eastern Front was Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54), also known as the "Green Hearts" due to the emblem painted on the aircraft. JG 54 was formed in May 1939 and was initially equipped with the Bf 109. It was re-equipped with the Fw 190 in early 1942 and flew the aircraft exclusively for the remainder of the war. The unit's most successful ace was Walter Nowotny, who claimed 258 victories before he was killed in November 1944.

Another notable unit to fly the Fw 190 on the Eastern Front was Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51), also known as the "Mölders" after the famous German fighter ace Werner Mölders. JG 51 was formed in May 1939 and initially flew the Bf 109. It was re-equipped with the Fw 190 in 1942 and flew the aircraft exclusively for the remainder of the war. JG 51 claimed a total of 9,938 aerial victories during the war, the most of any Luftwaffe unit.

The Fw 190 was also flown by a number of other units on the Eastern Front, including JG 2 "Richthofen", JG 3 "Udet", and JG 26 "Schlageter". These units claimed a significant number of aerial victories against Soviet fighters.

A Focke Wulf Fw 190A4 from JG54 caught taking off in Krasnogvardiesk Russia 1942. The age and quality of the original photo has resulted in the paint scheme on this aircraft appearing to have a slightly yellowish tinge. In actual fact, the paint scheme was more of a white/grey design. during the winter months.

Asisbiz Focke Wulf Fw 190A4 1.JG54 (W1+) Krasnogvardiesk Russia 1942-43-02

Aces

Performance

The Fw 190 was a highly effective fighter plane, which played a significant role in the air battles on the Eastern Front. The Fw 190's advanced design and formidable armament made it a formidable opponent for the Soviet Air Force. However, the Fw 190 suffered from a few critical drawbacks, such as its limited range and high fuel consumption, which severely restricted its operational capabilities.

One of the Fw 190's most notable strengths was its armament. The aircraft was typically equipped with two 20mm MG 151/20 cannon and four 7.92mm MG 17 machine guns. The cannon had a high muzzle velocity and were capable of firing explosive shells, making them highly effective against both aircraft and ground targets. The machine guns were also effective against aircraft but were primarily used for strafing ground targets.

Focke Wulf Fw 190A4 from JG54 with the distincitve winter paint scheme at Krasnogvardiesk Russia 1942/1943. 

Asisbiz Focke Wulf Fw 190A4 1.JG54 White 12 Krasnogvardiesk Russia 1942-43-0A

Despite its success, the Fw 190 was not invincible. The aircraft suffered from a number of design flaws, including poor visibility and a tendency to overheat. In addition, the aircraft's engine was prone to failure, particularly in the harsh winter conditions of the Eastern Front. The Fw 190's heavy armament also made it less manoeuvrable than some of the Soviet fighters it faced, particularly at lower altitudes.

Casualties

The exact number of Fw 190s lost on the Eastern Front is difficult to estimate, as records are incomplete and often conflicting. However, it is known that the Fw 190 suffered heavy losses during major engagements, including the Battle of Stalingrad and the Battle of Kursk.

For example, during the Battle of Stalingrad, JG 3 lost approximately 50-70 Fw 190s. Meanwhile, JG 26 lost approximately 88 Fw 190s during the first six months of Operation Barbarossa.

During the Battle of Kursk in July 1943, the Fw 190 units suffered significant losses due to the Soviet Union's extensive air defenses and the presence of more advanced Soviet aircraft. The Luftwaffe lost approximately 300 aircraft, including many Fw 190s, during the battle.

A crashed Fw 190A4 from .JG54 in Bremer Russia 13th July 13 1943.

Asisbiz Focke Wulf Fw 190A4 1.JG54 White 3 Bremer Russia July 13 1943-01

The Fw 190's losses continued throughout the war as the Luftwaffe struggled to replace lost aircraft and pilots. By 1944, the Luftwaffe was forced to rely on inexperienced pilots and lower-quality aircraft due to the losses sustained on the Eastern Front.

Overall, the Fw 190 suffered significant casualties on the Eastern Front from 1941 to 1945. The superior numbers and tactics of the Soviet Air Force, combined with the Luftwaffe's chronic shortages of replacement aircraft and pilots, made it difficult for the Fw 190 to maintain air superiority over the Eastern Front. Despite these setbacks, the Fw 190 remained a critical component of the Luftwaffe's arsenal throughout the war and continued to see action on the Eastern Front until the end of the Second World War.