Focke-Wulf Ta-183T Huckebein Träger, 3rd generation carrier based fighter
1/JG(T) 77, KM Manfred Richtofen, North Atlantic Fleet, 1947
Introduction
“What if…” In this case Germany is not vanquished in 1945 but is still going and has not only created the KMS Graf Zeppelin but has at least another aircraft carrier, my imagination says this is actually their 3rd design, able to support their 3rd generation of carrier based fighters. The fighter just happens to be based on a second generation jet aircraft design.
The whiff build is probably the most artistic and creative form of aircraft modeling. It allows us to use our imagination to create any aircraft we want; in any paint scheme. Accuracy is only limited by our imagination. In my case I simply used my knowledge of Naval Aviation in general, Luftwaffe practice and the possibility that Hitler made different choices in either 1939, 1940, or 1941.
The Aircraft1/JG 77 transitioned from their trusted Bf-109F to Me-262A jets in 1945. In late 1945 the new aircraft carrier KMS Manfred von Richtofen was being readied for sea trials, so a new air wing was needed: 1/JG 77 was chosen to provide the fighter element. Initially a variant of the Me-262 was to equip the squadron, however Kurt Tank’s 3G jet, the Ta-183, was showing great promise so in 1946 1/JG 77 transitioned from the Me-262 to the Ta-183 while awaiting the carrier version.
The TA-183T or träger (carrier) version used an uprated BMW-004 engine providing 8,000 lbs static thrust and included a primitive first generation afterburner or reheat capability that could boost thrust to 10,500 lbs for short periods. Armament was the standard 30mm Mk108 cannon in 4 locations; 4 underwing hard points could carrier either fuel tanks, bombs, or the latest air-air unguided rockets. Range was only 200 NM but with all four external stations carrying drop tanks combat radius could be extended to 500 NM, 650 for CAP missions and ferry range was as far as 1,900 NM. Speed was over 550 mph and in a dive could easily exceed Mach 1.0 in a clean configuration.
For carrier operations the Ta-183T had beefed up landing gear, strengthened longerons for catapulting and arrested landings and most obviously a tail hook. The pilot’s position well forward and up provided excellent view for approach/landing and the flaps and automatic leading edge flaps kept the approach speeds to well below 100 mph.
By 1947, 1/JG 77(T) was integrated with III/TG 1 Richtofen onboard KMS Manfred von Richtofen and the carrier & air wing deployed with KMS Tirpitz, KMS Hipper and 3 Z-29 class destroyers to patrol the North Atlantic.
Reference: Mostly my imagination, the web for markings ideas.
The Model
This is a limited run kit of a Luft ’46 concept aircraft, the Ta-183. A very basic kit, the fit was pretty good and there was little cockpit, just a hole for the tail pipe and the intake is just a short depression. Detail is minimal but it is recessed. I used the kit seat but trimmed it back, added an armor plate behind the seat and included a pilot in order to hide the lack of cockpit detail.
The canopy was thick, but fit well, it was not clear but good enough as I didn’t think I could clean the inside of the canopy. The kit went together in a weekend and after cleanup of the seams I was ready to paint.
I chose a maritime scheme of RLM73, RLM75 with RLM84 undersides. My thought was to provide a scheme that was both similar to the FAA scheme but using RLM paints, and which reflected the early war thinking of air superiority. So lighter colors up the sides and on the top, and grayer. Paints used were Model Master and Polyscale.
Decals came from my spares box. The unit marking is actually 1/JG 77 when they flew the Me-109 and include the national markings.The tail hook came from my spares and I believe was originally on a F9F Cougar. The afterburner is from an old F-5A model. Both models are long lost to the trash bin.
I enjoyed the build, albeit a bit out of place on my shelf of historically significant subjects. The engineer in me looked at how the Ta-183 would have needed so much more in terms of improvements to be a viable aircraft, much more so to be a Naval fighter. If, as PM supposes, the MiG-15 was based on the Ta-183 it’s a good example of the changes necessary.
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