special ed
2nd Lieutenant
- 5,737
- May 13, 2018
Then the P-36 would have been expected to do better than it did against rookie USN pilots in F4Fs during operation Torch.
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The Finn's did well with the "Buffalo". Initial testing of the F2A presented a very maneuverable aircraft with an OK climb rate, however as was commonly the case, especially for a Naval Aircraft, additional equipment (Crap?) was added till the performance declined significantly. The Finn's were quite good at adapting sow's ears into silk purses. I have several of their WWII rifles modified from Russian Mosin Nagants, with the new free floated Sako barrels, new sights, re worked trigger and whatnot, quite a nice, effective and reliable military rifle!
I expect for their mission profile they were able to simplicate and add lightness and develop good tactics.
Then the P-36 would have been expected to do better than it did against rookie USN pilots in F4Fs during operation Torch.
Also consider that the F4F was slightly newer than the P-36/Hawk 75 and the F4F had continued development where as the Curiss' development ended with the introduction of the P-40.Then the P-36 would have been expected to do better than it did against rookie USN pilots in F4Fs during operation Torch.
The Finn's received the F2A-1 which had an empty weight 3785 lbs, the USN F2A-2 had an empty weight of 4576 lbs, a 20% increase! Further the Finns could remove some of the naval equipment, life raft, tail hook etc. The F2A-3 weighed even more empty at 4732 lbs!
I was reffering to thisThey did ask about the "most maneuverable aircraft" while adding suggestions.
Let's say we mean first-line fighters in 1942. No biplanes or trainers. Real, front-line fighters.
If looking at fighters, they tended towards bigger, faster, heavier as the war progressed which in turn trends towards a lesser rather than more "maneuverable " aircraft. It might be viable to break it down by years, ie 40-41, 42-43, 44-45.
Just a suggestion, and realize there will be no decisive winner. However some good learning/ knowledge exchange will occur.
Cheers,
Biff
Then the P-36 would have been expected to do better than it did against rookie USN pilots in F4Fs during operation Torch.