cheddar, yep, for what the P-40 was, it held its own. Can you imagine dogfighting with a Zero in that thing? I guess that's where you find out how good of a pilot you are.
The Mustang's always been a favorite of mine and...although the Germans were hurting by the time it came out...it still put that final nail in the coffin, and also were able to escort the bombers all the way to Berlin and back.
Sure the Wildcat did well...it had to since it was pretty much the only thing we had to compete. Those tactics that were learned, coupled with the Hellcat's power and better maneuverability, gave the Zero's all they could handle.
Great discussion going on. It appears our boys didn't come close to Hartmann but that guy was out of this world...kind of the Sean D. Tucker of dogfighters.
How about Preddy and Landers? Landers was an ace in both the Pacific and European theatres. (Yes, there's a little bias here.) ;)
Well, the F8F Bearcat was a little late in WWII but still should be considered as one of the premier naval fighters with its speed and maneuverability.
If it wasn't for the Hellcat, our Navy wouldn't be able to compete with the Zero's.
Speaking of the Zero's, the A6M5 Reisen was, without a...
Hello all...new here! Great site...heaven for people like me who are suckers for anything to do with warbirds.
I'll have to weigh in and say....surprise! The P-51D Mustang - "Cadillac of the Sky"
Looking forward to many discussions with everyone.