Fw-190-A-7 W.Nr380394 was the test aircraft for an attempt to reduce drag caused by center-line fuel tanks thereby increasing airspeed. The experiment was called “Doppelreiter” (Double Rider) and involved placing a streamlined fuel tank on top of each wing which meant reducing the armament to two 151/20 E cannons. Each tank was droppable and carried 270 liters of fuel giving the aircraft an extended range. The over the wing tanks reduced the aircraft speed by 13 kph while the standard center-line tank reduced speed by 33 kph. Even though these were positive results the RLM did not accept the modification because they didn't want to disturb regular production schedules.

Focke-Wulf Fw 190A

Designed by Kurt Tank, the Fw-190A was first flown on June 1st, 1939. This small, yet ferociously-powered aircraft was fast and maneuverable and packed a fierce armament package earning it the nickname "Butcher Bird". The wide landing gear, excellent visibility and high-altitude paddle-bladed propeller endeared it to pilots familiar with the shortcomings of its predecessor - the Messerschmitt Bf 109. Some of the Luftwaffe's most famous fighter aces flew the Fw 190. Many variants were produced during the war, with the most notable being the inline-engine equipped and longer-nosed 190D, known as the "Dora."