Focke-Wulf Fw Jumo 222C/D

History

During World War II, German aircraft manufacturer Junkers introduced the Jumo 222, a high-performance piston engine for medium to heavy strategic bombers. Focke-Wulf engineer Kurt Tank saw potential in this engine and aimed to use it in a heavy fighter design. After failed attempts to fit it into an existing fighter, a new airframe was developed around the engine, leading to the concept of the Fw "Jumo C/D" fighter/interceptor.

The Fw "Jumo C/D" had an innovative design with the engine placed behind the cockpit and propellers connected via shafts under the cockpit floor. This configuration, inspired by the American Bell P-39 "Airacobra," created challenges in rear visibility but offered promising performance as an interceptor platform. The proposed armament included various autocannons and automatic cannons mounted on the fuselage and wings, making it a formidable adversary in combat.

Despite its potential, the Fw "Jumo C/D" fighter/interceptor project faced numerous setbacks and was ultimately abandoned due to Germany's declining situation in the war. As a result, the concept never saw full realization, and the war ended in May 1945, marking the end of Germany's ambitious aircraft development efforts.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 1943

Origins: Nazi Germany

Status: Cancel

Crew: 1

Production: 0

Manufacturer: Focke-Wulf - Nazi Germany

Roles

Air-to-air combat, fighter

The general ability to actively attack other aircraft of similar form and function, usually using guns, missiles and/or airborne missiles.

Intercept

The ability to intercept incoming airborne threats with high performance, usually speed and rate of climb.

Ground attack (bombing, strafing)

The ability to conduct air strikes against ground targets using (but not limited to) artillery, bombs, rockets, rockets, etc.

Disable support (CAS)

Designed to operate near active ground elements with a wide range of air-to-surface weapon and ammunition options.

X-Plane (development, prototyping, tech demos)

Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 40.7 feet (12.40m)

Width/span: 37.7 feet (11.50m)

Height: 13.3 feet (4.05m)

Cured weight: 9,568 lbs (4,340 kg)

MTOW: 13,955 lbs (6,330 kg)

Wgt Difference: +4,387 lbs(+1,990kg)

Performance

Installed: 1 x Junkers Jumo 222C or D 3,000 hp four-row liquid-cooled radial engine, rear-mounted, driving the nose's four-bladed propeller unit via a propshaft.

Maximum speed: 466 km/h (750 km/h | 405 knots)

Area: 839 km (1,350 km | 2,500 nautical miles)

Rate of climb: 1,550 ft/min (472 m/min)

Weapon

Proposed:

1 x 30mm MK-103 Autocannon, fired through the propeller hub.

2 x 30mm MK 108 wing automatic cannons (one cannon per wing).

Alternative:

2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons mounted on the hull. 4 x 20mm MG 151 wing guns (two guns per wing) or 4 x 30mm MK 108 wing guns (two guns per wing).

2 x 30mm MK 103 guns in the hull.

4 x 20mm MG 151 wing guns (two guns per wing) or 4 x 30mm MK 108 wing guns (two guns per wing).

Optional (Fighter-Bomber role): 1 x 2,200 lb conventional drop bomb below fuselage centerline or 2 x 1,100 lb drop bomb below wing (one bomb per wing).