ARDU in WW2 was the only allied unit to have Machmeters.Eric Brown obtained the following Tactical Mach numbers P38-0.68, P47-0.71, P51- 0.78 Brown was always able to get 0.84 out of his Spit Mk XI but that was the limit of his strength Others iin the Team were getting 0.86 with Tony...
Both Axis fighters had a tactical mach of 0.75. P51 0.78, P38 0.68. P47 0.72 Spitfire Mk XI 0.84/86 Tempest 0.82/83 all recorded at Duxton as the British were the only ones there with a machometer.
all the figures above 0.80 were in fact done regularly at Duxton by the ARDU team which included Eric Brown who flew and tested every Axis and Allied fighter.
the best a Spit could do was 086.And still retain control. Sqn Ldr Martindale at the A.R.D.U. GOT TO 0.92 when his spinner came adrift. It is still the highest speed recorded by a piston engined plane..
My friend your analysis is flawed The Spitfire made its combat debut in October 39. The P51 in Dec 43. Therefore the Spitfires were in combat 4 years longer than the P51 Your figures should show the Spitfire losses up to Dec 43 and then the losses after Dec 43. You will then get a more accurate...
1. The Merlins and Packards differed little, Magnetos, supercharger drive and in fact the Bendix Carb was on the Merlin before Packard
2. It took Packard 12 monthes to convert the Rolls drawings to American convention
3. Two piece cylinder heads suggested by Packard manufactured by Rolls and...