P-61 Performance (2 Viewers)

[MIflyer]

I recall immediately one, the first Me 262 Mossie encounter.

First, the 262 was terrible at turning, at least by fighter standards. It had a control stick that unfolded to give the pilot more leverage for the ailerons.

Second, not that long ago I read something a pilot flying a restored Mossie said: It was not good at turning.

 

[SaparotRob]

First, the 262 was terrible at turning, at least by fighter standards. It had a control stick that unfolded to give the pilot more leverage for the ailerons.

Second, not that long ago I read something a pilot flying a restored Mossie said: It was not good at turning.

Okay. So we have two famous fighters, neither especially good at turning, dueling with each other. The Mossie still used evasive maneuvers to get away.

 

[ThomasP]

FWIW if my info is correct

re Mosquito turn ability

The Mossi F & NF Mk II were stressed for 6g (I think) design & 8g ultimate, the F & NF versions having strength mods vs the bomber variants which were 5g design & 7.5g ultimate.

The Me262A had 6g design max (I think ?), not sure what the ultimate load factor was. (If anyone has different info please let me know.)

However, the wing loading for the Me262A (clean) was around 50% higher than the Mossi F/NF Mk II (clean) at about 60 lb/ft2 vs 40 lb/ft2 respectively, so even if the practical pilot-limited g loads were the same the Mossi would have been able to easily out turn the Me262A (and later heavier variants) at low to medium speeds - medium being in the 250 mph IAS range.

I think the above is correct, but if anyone has conflicting info please let me know.