Real purpose of grille/deflector on Fw 58 bottom fuselage?

[Sergio Luis dos Santos]

Hello all,

Trying to better identify some details of the Fw 58 Weihe, I have seen on several photos this protective grille or deflector on B models. There are no information about this in the books/magazines I have. I remember a certain time to read an explanation on this device, it´s purpose being to transport and drop a life raft on rescue flights. I really can´t agree with this!

The B models where at first used for bombing practice and they could carry a few bombs. My best guess this device was a protective grille/deflector to protect the generator from falling bombs.

This image - croped from a nice photo sent by Horst Kube - shows well the bomb bay doors (A), generator (C) and the grille (B). This device was not moveable and is shown on this same position on all photos. It was used on some Weihes in Brazilian Navy too

I´d like to hear from other researchers a confirmation from my "theory" or any correction.

Thanks in advance!


http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...58TheThing.jpg.

[Horst Kube]

Hi Luis,

I think it was a ladder for emergency exit, because on the fuselage direct over it was an emergency flap.

All the best,
Horst

[Andreas Brekken]

Hi.

In my opinion the original explanation, that this was a device to protect the generator from a life raft being released, is plausible.

I would guess that the life raft system was so designed, that the external stores racks were used as fastening points, and the bomb dropping system to release them. The weight and drag of the life raft would necessitate this protection for the generator, something probably not necessary for the bombs, as these would fall faster, and thus clear the generator without it having a chance of being hit.

What do You other guys think?

Regards,
Andreas

[Horst Kube]

Maybe Andreas is right. Also possible is, that the grill/deflector/ladder had a multiple purpose: The gunner, observer (who was positioned in the front canopy) could not pass the main canopy to come into his reclining position in the A-Stand. So he had to climb though the emergency hatch on the bottom of the fuselage and used the "steps" of the deflector as a ladder.

Cheers,
Horst

[Kjetil Aakra]

I have always been of the opinion that this structure was used on Seenot Fw 58s as a quick extraction mechanism, i.e. the downed airman stretched his arms up as the Fw 58 flew very low over him and grabbed hold of this thing, thereby being saved!

I guess I am still alone in supporting that theory! ;-)

Seriously, I think the deflector thing is correct.

Kjetil

[Hohentwiel]

Originally Posted by Andreas Brekken

Hi.

In my opinion the original explanation, that this was a device to protect the generator from a life raft being released, is plausible.

I would guess that the life raft system was so designed, that the external stores racks were used as fastening points, and the bomb dropping system to release them. The weight and drag of the life raft would necessitate this protection for the generator, something probably not necessary for the bombs, as these would fall faster, and thus clear the generator without it having a chance of being hit.

Hello Andreas,

I think that's right! The crew of the Seenot Fw 58s droped
rubber dinghys through emergency exit. There are some Fw 58s known
which were used by fighter units in France and Holland because many
pilots were lost in sea.

Greetings to all,
Sven.