Both the Bf109 and Fw190 fighters suffered performance losses at high altitude which put them at a disadvantage to Mustangs, Spitfires and Thunderbolts. In an effort to gain a performance edge over the high-flying Allied fighters, the Ta152 was developed. It was basically an Fw190D with a redesigned high aspect ratio wing and provisions for engine power boosting at high altitudes. While the Ta152 was indeed a good performer, surpassing even the Mustang at high altitude, its entry into the war came far too late to help the Germans. Very few were produced and those that made it off the assembly lines were generally tasked with flying top cover to Me262 jets during their vulnerable take-off and landing phases. This brought the 152s down to lower altitudes where they lost their advantages.
TACTICS: Your combat performance is far greater at high altitudes so attempt to fight there. At the mission level, cruise at 45,000+ feet (above the ceilings of Allied fighters) and swoop down on unsuspecting victims. Avoid tight-turning dogfights. Use high-speed "slashing" attacks, extending away at high speed before perhaps reversing for another attack. Stay moving fast and attempt to minimize the importance of maneuver. Your guns are powerful enough that you can often bring down an enemy fighter with a single close-range burst, so be content to limit your battles to those where you start in an advantageous position and can gain a few kills in one or two moves. Then, as surviving enemies inevitably begin to outmaneuver you, break off combat at high speed. This isn't cowardice, it's a wise tactical retreat. You can't turn with a Spitfire or Mustang so don't try. Get in, get quick kills if you can, and then get out. Fast.
STRENGTHS: Very fast above 25,000 feet. Ceiling is higher than that of Allied fighters. Good firepower. Well-armored.
WEAKNESSES: Poor maneuverability. Carries less ammunition than earlier Fw190 models.
