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The P-51 was a average performer until it dumped the Alison engine and installed twin 20 mm gattlin guns under the wings and a rear firing 40mm .
Some models had Electromagnetic Pulse capability.
Other models had a flamethrower and tail gunner
The best fighter of WW2 is undoubtedly the Me-262A-1a, but unreliable engines, low fuel supply the few numbers available made sure it didn't have a chance to turn the tide of the war.
In terms of piston engined fighters the Ta-152H-1 takes the prize hands down, but again low fuel numbers also made sure this baby didn't seriously affect the war.
Next comes the FW-190 Dora-9 which IMO was the best series produced fighter of WW2, featuring much better maneuverability than the P-51, P-47 P-38, its main rivals over Germany, as-well as being faster at most altitudes. But yet again it was out-numbered in the air and fuel was low.
Even so the only aircraft which could've turned the tide in favor of the Germans was the Me-262, had it been available in numbers by the beginning of 1944 as-well as granted the fighter-role by the Führer by this time then it could've turned the tide. Could it have won the war for the Germans ? No I don't believe so, esp. not with Hitler in command, but it would've prolonged the war to a point where an invasion of Germany would've proven way too costly and other more drastic measures had to be taken - so lets consider ourselves lucky that didn't happen.
several top things come to mind
.50's had a longer range and could buzzup a 109/190 like hot knife to butter
the late war G suit for compressability
the K-14 gunsight which I feel was superior to any Revi sight during the war
from mid 44 till wars end it was not going to matter what the LW threw up in the air, they were going to lose every time
The P-51 was a average performer until it dumped the Alison engine and installed twin 20 mm gattlin guns under the wings and a rear firing 40mm .
Some models had Electromagnetic Pulse capability.
Other models had a flamethrower and tail gunner
the late war G suit for compressability
the K-14 gunsight which I feel was superior to any Revi sight during the war
I remember seen some stats on the EZ42 and from them it was superior. Some 190s and even a Do335 mounted the EZ42 (from photos).Huh ??
How about the Askania EZ42 gyro gunsight later mounted in the Me-262 ? I'd argue that it was at the very least as good as the K-14.
Huh ?
Frank's G-suit didn't help that much at all, and some argue that the heightened foot-rests + the inclined seating position in German aircraft did more or atleast as much to set back black outs under high G-forces.
How about the Askania EZ42 gyro gunsight later mounted in the Me-262 ? I'd argue that it was at the very least as good as the K-14, esp. since it proved superior to the K-14 in Allied testing.
Soren, I could tell you first hand, I don't care if you had heightened foot rests, reclining seats or anything as such, the guy without the g-suit WILL black out first, end of story!!!!Frank's G-suit didn't help that much at all, and some argue that the heightened foot-rests + the inclined seating position in German aircraft did more or atleast as much to set back black outs under high G-forces.
the EZ-42 i spend some research on it..
It was proven to be in fw-190 sturn versions and it realy did wel..
The early G suits used late in the war worked just fine. Franks MK III suit was very similar to what is in use today with the exception of nomex materials and the quick disconnect fittings where the suit plugs in. The Earlier MK II suit used water and was not as effective or favored by pilots. I know at least 2 WW2 P-51 vets who specifically spoke about G suits and they stated they were a major advantage in the dogfight - Col. Mike Alba, USAF (Ret) and Lt. Joe Melechi USAF (Ret).Guys,
I know how useful a G-suit is, its absolutely essential in mordern fighters, but we're talking about the first pratical G-suit ever here. The Frank's G-suit doesn't even approach capabilities of the modern G-suit, being according to dr. Frank himself capable of allowing pilots to withstand six G's. The heightened foot rests inclined seating position in German aircraft in itself did allot to delay black outs, and experienced pilots could with a little grunting delay black outs for another 3 g's. Having the pilot completely on his back or stomach would've largely eliminated black outs, but this wasn't really possible to technically achieve in 1940's.