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In my mind the best tank-buster is a fighter that can engage and kill any opposing interceptors, rather than a slower twin-seater like the Ju-87 or IL-2 that relies more on air superiority. My top pick has to the Hawker Typhoon with four 20mm cannons and eight 3" AP rockets. We'll need to advance the 1943 date of the rockets to get within the Autumn 1942 window, but that should be doable. Even without the rockets the Typhoon of 1942 will crack many a panzer.Basically - in what fashion the countries can have workable airborne tank-busters for the early part of ww2, ie. between 1939 and Autumn of 1942?
For the RAF - Hurricane with two 1in (25.4mm) automatic cannon, the Vickers-Armstrong product that was used by Argentinian Navy as AA gun.
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It all depends on the angle of impact.Is there any tank of 1939 and 1942 that can withstand a 20mm cannon shell impacting its horizontal armour?
The US 37mm M9 cannon would be a better choice - much more powerful ammunition than the M4, it was a belt-fed and lightened version of the M1 AA cannon. It was fitted to the single P-63D for trials, but not adopted (although it did get used on some PT boats, as did the M4).For the USAF - a 37mm piece with proper ammo, hopefully the APCR/HVAP. The 37mm M4 (on P-39 and -63) might've 'climb' from indifferent to half-decent with APCR ammo, although I'd try to introduce the 'Littlejohn' adapter & ammo here. The A-20 should do well with two 37mm AA gun spin-offs in/under fuselage.
For marines, perhaps the F4F with two 1.1 in guns, even better if the 37mm can fit under the wings? Although, the SDB/A-24 with 37mm has a nice ring to it, too.
Yep, gotta keep those 30 caliber wing guns, especially to use against tanks. (Sarcasm). At least that 100lbs of armor plate guarding the reduction gear might finally come to some use.For the Soviets - a fighter with 37mm cannon firing through the prop, suitably armored. LaGG-3-37 was one such fighter, even if it seems it was more used as a pure fighter, rather than a tank-buster. I'd also remove the HMG, and invest the weight saved in some armor plating.
Not sure whether the P-39 in VVS service could carry the Soviet 37mm, that could've been a neat set-up if possible. Remove the HMGs (and retain the wing MGs) if more space is needed. Same thing for the P-39 + British guns.
Basically - in what fashion the countries can have workable airborne tank-busters for the early part of ww2, ie. between 1939 and Autumn of 1942
For the USAF - a 37mm piece with proper ammo, hopefully the APCR/HVAP.