[Leo Etgen]

Hello Paul

These outer wing bulges were to provide clearance for the MK 108 30-mm cannon. They began appearing on the Fw 190 A-7/R2 in early 1944 which was a special version fitted with these heavier caliber weapons in place of the MG 151/20 20-mm cannons. During the course of production of the Fw 190 A-8 these bulges began being a standard factory fitting so as to allow greater flexibility in the weapons installed regardless of whether or not the MK 108 cannons were fitted. This universal wing began appearing by at least July 1944 and was also fitted to the Fw 190 F-8 as you have noted even though this ground-attack type did not mount any outboard weapons. I should also note that sometime in the course of production of the Fw 190 A-8 a universal lower wing bulge began appearing as well as can be seen in this photograph of Fw 190 A-8 "Black <<" (W.Nr. 171 189). The purpose likewise was to allow either the MG 151/20 or MK 108 to be installed.

Horrido!

Leo