Why The B-17 Was No Match Against The FW 190s
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In terms of weapons firepower, why is the B-17 no match against the FW-190s?
The FW-190 was Germany’s main frontline bomber interceptor. It started it with four MG-17 machine guns firing the underpowered 7.92 mm caliber round. Later versions sported two MG-131 machine guns, two 151 20 mm autocannons, and four Mk 108 30 mm autocannons.
How Would the B-17 Fare Against the FW-190?
We can look at the applied firepower of each weapon’s platform. Assuming that the B-17 is attacking the B-17 at a 5 o’clock-high direction the B-17 can aim in this direction with two tail guns, two upper turret guns, and a single radio room gun.
The FW-190’s firepower kicks off at 236. Fw-190s have increased their bomber killing armaments throughout the war and exceeded the firepower of B-17s by a factor of 3.9.
In Summary
B-17s increased their firepower but could never bear more than five guns to bear in any one attacking direction. Fw-190s also enhanced their firepower as the war progressed.
To match the FW-190’s firepower, it would need 20 .50 caliber machine guns bearing in the fighter’s direction.
