Ta 152H into production before the Ta 152C

[Broncazonk]

Why did the Ta 152H go into production before the Ta 152C?

1) Was it the availability of the Jumo 213A engine? (If I`m not mistaken, the Jumo 213A was a replacement for the DB 603A in the `H` only because the DB was in short supply due to Me 410 production.) So, is that the reason? Cannot be. The Jumo would have gone into the `C` just as easily, no?

2) Was it the `high altitude` requirement? Why? By the time the Ta-152H went into production the B-29 was obviously not going to Europe.

3) Was the Fw 190D so good that there was no need for a `C`?

Does anyone know the thinking that went into this decision?

Thanks!

Bronc

[Mark VIII]

Hello.
DO you have a copy of Focke Wulf TA 152 printed by Schiffer? or Focke Wulf TA152 by Hitchcock published by Eagle editions? They are the best books on the subject I am aware of. Anyway, production of the TA 152C was pursued as a replacement for the FW190F-8 as the BMW 801 engine could not be developed to create any more than 2000hp. More than 2200hp was not needed in early 1944 but in the future. The DB603LA could make this power, in addition the airframe was developed to carry better armament. This was either four to six MG 151 20mm. cannons, or two to four MG 151s and two MK103 30mm cannons. As far as production timing was concerned the reason the TA 152C was to go into production after the TA152H was the need for the TA 152C was an afterthought. The high altitude interceptor was needed and production of this was pursued as early as late 1942. In 1943 the FW190F was proving more than adequate. The long term plan was to replace the FW190 in all configurations with the ME 262. Delays in bringing the ME 262 into full scale production changed plans that brought the TA152 heavy fighter bomber into reality one year after the TA152H. That is the abbreviated story that explains why the TA 152C was to be produced after the TA 152H went into production.

[Broncazonk]

Thank you, Mark.

As embarrassing as this to admit, I actually own both of the recommended books on the Ta-152, and my reading comprehension is apparently bad--really, really bad.

Bronc