- Thread starter
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- #81
CatTheCool
Airman
- 32
- Aug 28, 2018
Yes, that was what I intended.
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Yes, that was what I intended.That's OK Cat, we're having fun. You have posted a very interesting thread.
I have spent every available minute the last few days putting together a list
of candidates that I believe to be the most maneuverable monoplane fighters
of WW2 under given conditions. I just need to know if that was what you
originally intended...?
If not, let the Bucker Bu133 Jungmeister fly.
Yes, that was what I intended.
This is not about the most modern aircraft, this is about Agility!
Love the Hawk 75.
Me to.
One often overlooked fighter that had a reputation of turning better than the A6M, was the N1K2-J.
Correct, the conditions of that reputation will show up in my listing tomorrow.
Biff,
Thank you for your POST #75. You said all I was going to say and so very much more.
I always love your input. You need to write a book on all that great stuff.
CRAP! Diana (my usually wonderful wife) said I can't post the info I wanted to tonight
because she is ready for us to kick back and have family time soon. She told me to go in
and get a shower ( I had to work today). I have to go now guys but I'll post it tomorrow
because I have the day off.
Thank you Very much! Poor poor Spitfire!I am going to make an attempt to answer the question posted by the author of
this post to the best of my ability. I have enjoyed reading the many good posts
of all involved. Biff mentioned pilot ability also having a play in the maneuverability
of an aircraft. This is very true, however pilot's skill will not be used in my following
ranking of aircraft. I will stick to just the machines themselves. Biff also suggested
breaking down the aircraft in yearly categories. This could be done, and would be
fun and entertaining, but would take very time consuming research.
The following is my interpretation of the original question:
Most Maneuverable Aircraft in WW2.
with the following clarification of that title:
The most maneuverable monoplane fighter aircraft of WW2.
along with one more clarification;
This is not about the most modern aircraft, this is about agility!. (Cat Post #64)
So the time frame for the following list is 1939-1945.
The list displays my 1st, 2nd & 3rd choices in each speed range. It also limits the
field to somewhere up to about each aircraft's combat ceiling (1,000 fpm climb
capability).
1. Ki.27-1b, A5M4 & Ki.43-Ib up to 220 mph.
2. Ki.43-II, A6M2 & Ki.27-Ib from 220 to 250 mph.
3. Ki.43-II, A6M3m32 & B-239 from 250 to 280 mph.
4. Ki.43-III, N1K2-J & Ki.100 from 280 to 300 mph.
5. N1K2-J, Ki.100, Yak-3 from 300 to 325 mph.
6. Yak-3, Ki.100, N1K2-J from 325 to 340 mph.
7. Yak-3, Yak-9 & La-5FN from 340 to 370 mph.
8. Yak-3, La-7 & Yak-9U from 370 to 410 mph.
9. La-7, Yak-9U & P-63A-7 from 410 to 425 mph.
The above listing is considering all the WW2 fighters overall manoeuvrability. Not
just their turning circle or time. It includes their initial and sustained roll rates. Both
horizontal and vertical abilities. It also includes their dynamic abilities, acceleration,
deceleration and quickness of direction change. I only listed each aircraft up to its
maximum speeds even if it was fully manoeuvrable above those speeds like the
Ki.100. After their maximum speeds, their horizontal abilities would rapidly taper
back as manoeuvring decreased there speed.
Some of the aircraft that just missed the list by a frog's hair were:
CW-21(A & B)
J2M3m21
I-16 t29
P-38J-25
P-40N-1
FM-2
Ki.84-1a
P-66
Spitfire IX
Spitfire XIV
P-36A
OK, then, this is my current opinion which can easily be change
I'm not sure about Yaks, especially Yak-3 in ##7-8 of above list. I might be wrong (did not read about Yaks for 10 years or so) but controls would become "wooden" (as they said) at such speed, IMHO.
Also, wasn't the Spitfire MkI/MkII/MkV very agile?
That story has been discounted many timesOK then, I have the day off tomorrow and will post what I have.
Perfect, that is exactly how I have put the list together.
The P-38 did not have the P-factor and torque problems of single engined prop fighters and as a result under the right circumstances could effectively out-turn an FW-190 by using a right climbing turn.
I have a copy of the true story of a P-38H in a continued on and off stalled turn staying
with a Spitfire XIV in a turn until the Spitfire pilot became frustrated and left the competition.
The P-38 was using a cloverleaf shape controlled stall turn that never gave the Spitfire
pilot a clear shot. The P-38H had the good engine but it did not have the 3000 psi hydraulically
boosted fowlers.
I'd say that is "shifting the goal posts" a bitLet's consider another aspect of maneuverability, the ability to appear when needed and where needed and able to control the battle, engage or disengage who necessary or desirable. Climb, speed, acceleration, diving speed are all aspects of "maneuverability".
Let's consider another aspect of maneuverability, the ability to appear when needed and where needed and able to control the battle, engage or disengage who necessary or desirable. Climb, speed, acceleration, diving speed are all aspects of "maneuverability".
A good multi engine pilot can do some good things with differential thrust.
Yes sir, that is true. I know of one maneuver that I had not heard that any other WW2 could do,
" An added benefit of the dive recovery flaps was their ability to pitch the nose 10-20 degrees
"up" momentarily when trying to out turn the Luftwaffe's best,.....Of course the nose "pitch-up"
resulted in increased aerodynamic drag, and must be used cautiously. "
Several other types to be looked at, would be the G.55, IAR 80 and MC.205, too.