CatTheCool
Airman
- 32
- Aug 28, 2018
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ThanksAs with most aircraft comparisons, it depends on what you're trying to do with those aircraft.
In terms of hard performance numbers the Bf 109 was better, but there were a lot of 'softer' qualities each aircraft had that affected their jobs over southern England. Broadly speaking their performance was 'close enough' that the particular tactical situation and actions of the opposing groups of pilots had more weight in deciding things. In the Battle of France and Battle of Britain Hurricane pilots didn't feel the inferiority they did later, and in 1940 were confident in taking on the Bf 109.
So, short answer; Bf 109 had better speed and climb, Hurricane was easier to fly and had better manoeuvrability.
Hi, I was just wondering what the Performance of the Hurricane was like compared to the 109 during the Battle of Britain as I have heard quite a lot about the Aircraft and am not sure which plane was really better.
As with most aircraft comparisons, it depends on what you're trying to do with those aircraft.
In terms of hard performance numbers the Bf 109 was better, but there were a lot of 'softer' qualities each aircraft had that affected their jobs over southern England. Broadly speaking their performance was 'close enough' that the particular tactical situation and actions of the opposing groups of pilots had more weight in deciding things. In the Battle of France and Battle of Britain Hurricane pilots didn't feel the inferiority they did later, and in 1940 were confident in taking on the Bf 109.
So, short answer; Bf 109 had better speed and climb, Hurricane was easier to fly and had better manoeuvrability.
Below 15000 feet, you risked overheating the engine by closing the radiator to achieve it.
Any indication/figures that this was more of a problem with the Bf 109 than the Hurricane?
After reading the report, helpfully posted by tomo pauk.
It seems maximum speed is not the clear advantage for comparison between a/c that some believe.
Also (mentioned in the report) whatever gave the Brits the idea of painting the underside of aircraft half white/half black?
The 30-40 mph advantage for the Bf 109E is clearly stated on the pg.3 of the report. Sorta what Merlin Mustangs had over Fw 190As, Fw 190As over SPitfire V, or F4Us over Zeroes. So I'd say that kind of speed advantage is a key asset of Bf 109E over the Hurricane, and probably a main reason why the Hurricane received Merlin XX (so the performance gap can be closed as much and as soon as possible).
The speed advantage is at heights over about 15000 feet, so yes, the Merlin XX closes the speed gap, above that height, except if the Bf 109E has the Db 601N. For earlier engines the closed radiator one minute war emergency rating below 15000 feet enables the Hurricane I with 100 octane fuel and 12 lbs boost to outrun it.
Hurricane's main job in summer of 1940 was to kill LW, bombers preferably. German bombers cruised at roughly 5 km altitude (as dictated by their engine capabilities), or around 15000 ft. Escorts will be flying perhaps between 15000 and 17000 ft? Hurricane that flies at 10000 ft and runs away from Luftwaffe is money wasted, just like Fw 190A flying at under 18000 ft (as dictated by it's engine capabilities) and away from B17s, P-47s and P-51s is money wasted.
Also (mentioned in the report) whatever gave the Brits the idea of painting the underside of aircraft half white/half black?
That's not my recollection of the heights the Luftwaffe came in at to bomb the RAF, more like 10 to 12 thousand feet. The Do 17 which was their primary tactical bomber couldn't reach 3900 m fully loaded. They'd climb up over the channel, put themselves into a shallow dive, and at 370 mph were difficult to catch.
Cruise altitude and bombing altitude might differ.
Certainly the He 111 could cruise over at 5000 meters at a more leisurely pace making it easier to intercept.
Also (mentioned in the report) whatever gave the Brits the idea of painting the underside of aircraft half white/half black?