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Germans did pretty well in 1937-39, their problem was thinking that the war was already over (it would be won with what was in production in late 1939 and 1940). I am talking about basic models and not minor upgrades. And then, instead of a steady progression, they tried to leap frog development with things like the bomber "B" program and going for remote control turrets before they had good manned turrets.
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1937 is ideal for Germany. Change two historical RLM engine production decisions and the effects will ripple through several important German aircraft programs.
1. The Genshagen DB601 engine plant gets the historical 1940 expansion three years early.
2. The DB603 engine program does not lose RLM funding during 1937. We will do the opposite, putting DB603 development on the fast track with generous funding. During 1939 to 1940 RLM will fund construction of a Genshagen size factory complex that will start production of DB603 engines during 1941.
USA's war starts almost in 1942, so the prototype list that covers Jan 1st, 1940 would yield some better planes.
The dates for official war are correct but the US was pumping out and improving warbirds as soon as 39 to quench the thirst for aircraft by France the UK and CommonwealthUSA's war starts almost in 1942, so the prototype list that covers Jan 1st, 1940 would yield some better planes.
Some of the absurdity of the Bomber B program can be seen just by a little number crunching. If wiki is to be believed ( and I welcome a correction)
"Bomber B called for a new medium bomber with a maximum speed of 600 km/h (375 mph), able to carry a bomb load of 4000 kg (8,820 lb) to any part of Britain from bases in France or Norway. To improve crew performance and defensive firepower, the designs were to have a pressurized cabin with remote control armament. With the extended range, larger payload and better performance, the Bomber B design would replace all existing bombers in service."
Now if your currant bomber needs a pair of of 1400hp engines to do 300mph it would need a pair of 2700hp engines to do 375 AT THE SAME ALTITUDE with the same load and shorter range if the extra speed (power) is used. Flying higher is one way of getting less drag and higher speed if your superchargers can do it. SO Bomber "B" NEEDED much more powerful engines, not a 50% increase but about a 100% increase in power. It needed pressurized crew compartments, it needed remote control armament AND it was supposed to carry about double the bomb load further than existing German bombers. at least 4-6 major advancements in one aircraft.