Which plane do you think was the best air to air combat and at nose diving

Xdominick97 · Mar 30, 2012

I was just wondering what you think please comment and vote

Ralf von Schneer · Jul 14, 2012

Its FW-190 or bf-109,not bf-190.

davebender · Jul 14, 2012

We need instantaneous dive rate data before we can render an intelligent opinion as to which aircraft could make the best use of that aerial maneuver.

Procrastintor · Jul 15, 2012

P-47 is the god of this category, the Spit. isn't bad either, and the Zero, seriously? All it can do is low speed dogfighting.

Oreo · Jul 15, 2012

I protest the unrelated dual components of the question. And the lack of enough choices. And the inclusion of a fictional aircraft in the choices. But the P-47 is the obvious choice.

davebender · Jul 15, 2012

How do you know? What is the instantaneous dive rate for the P-47C and P-47D?

N4521U · Jul 15, 2012

Well, I think the Corsair should be included.....

If you want proof, just watch an episode of Black Sheep Sqn!!!

davebender · Jul 15, 2012

Entertaining show. I think I've seen all the episodes. However I have my doubts about historical accuracy.

nuuumannn · Jul 16, 2012

Its FW-190 or bf-109,not bf-190.

Well aaaactually its "Fw 190" and "Bf 109" (no hyphen in case you hadn't spotted). I'd also like to include the Hawker Tempest, Hawker Typhoon, P-51B, Me 262, CAC Boomerang, F4U, Spitfire XIV specifically, Hurricane IIc, P-40, Yak-3, F6F... the inclusion of these (and more...) types would make the poll a whole lot more interesting.

Oreo · Jul 17, 2012

davebender said:
How do you know? What is the instantaneous dive rate for the P-47C and P-47D?

Because of all the books that say so. The only way anybody like me who "wasn't there" can know anything. I realize the Bf 109 was also known for its diving abilities, but it wasn't quite listed as an option, and the P-47 is reported to be the first aircraft to break the sound barrier in a dive. ("needs citation")

N4521U · Jul 17, 2012

davebender said:
Entertaining show. I think I've seen all the episodes. However I have my doubts about historical accuracy.

No need to doubt..... there is Nothing accurate about it. Sorry to make light of your post mate. Couldn't resist.

davebender · Jul 17, 2012

Books that make general statements unsupported by historical data or first hand accounts aren't worth the paper they are printed on.

nuuumannn · Jul 17, 2012

the P-47 is reported to be the first aircraft to break the sound barrier in a dive. ("needs citation")

Sure does, I think it might have been either a Spitfire or a P-38 - When did the P-47 do it?

Messy1 · Jul 17, 2012

IIRC the P-38 was the first plane to encounter compressability in a dive. P-38 should be on your list as well.

davebender · Jul 17, 2012

I doubt that. However I might believe it was the first American fighter aircraft to encounter compressability.

Messy1 · Jul 17, 2012

That may be right Dave. Excuse my error.

FLYBOYJ · Jul 17, 2012

davebender said:
I doubt that. However I might believe it was the first American fighter aircraft to encounter compressability.

It was the first aircraft to encounter compressibility and have it widely reported, however given the time and date this happened it could very well the first aircraft to encounter compressibility;

"During a test flight in May 1941, USAAC Major Signa Gilkey managed to stay with a YP-38 in a compressibility lockup, riding it out until he recovered gradually using elevator trim."

davebender · Jul 17, 2012

Me-109F was in service by that date and there were Fw-190 prototypes flying. Both aircraft could probably dive as fast as a YP-38.

FLYBOYJ · Jul 17, 2012

davebender said:
Me-109F was in service by that date and there were Fw-190 prototypes flying. Both aircraft could probably dive as fast as a YP-38.

Perhaps but neither one ever reported the problem, at least that I'm aware of. As far as diving as fast as a YP-38? Debatable.

Messy1 · Jul 17, 2012

Was the Me-109 a strong enough design to be able to dive to near compressability, and not have any damage?

Which plane do you think was the best air to air combat and at nose diving

Which plane do you think was the best air to air combat and at nose diving

P 47 thunderbolt

A6m zero

Bf190

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P 39

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