A
Anonymous
Guest
Dalton -
I am not even really a fan of the Spitfire. I think it is over-rated because its performance envelope peaked around 240-270 IAS, depending on model. At higher speeds, its roll and turn performance degraded significantly.
But, I think you are trying to make too much of a case for the 109. Like the Spitfire, it lacked good high speed handling characteristics. All your argments about what a great diver it was mean nothing, since both the P-51 and the P-47 - its primary foes in 1943-45, could easily out-dive it. P-51 pilots consistantly report that they could easily out turn the 109, and also that they could out turn the 190, but not so easily.
=S=
Lunatic
I am not even really a fan of the Spitfire. I think it is over-rated because its performance envelope peaked around 240-270 IAS, depending on model. At higher speeds, its roll and turn performance degraded significantly.
But, I think you are trying to make too much of a case for the 109. Like the Spitfire, it lacked good high speed handling characteristics. All your argments about what a great diver it was mean nothing, since both the P-51 and the P-47 - its primary foes in 1943-45, could easily out-dive it. P-51 pilots consistantly report that they could easily out turn the 109, and also that they could out turn the 190, but not so easily.
=S=
Lunatic