La5-F4U flats

[-ammo-]

I dont know WW, I would be much happier in that faceoff in the la5.  And dont get me wrong, I think that in theory you must be right, but in AH the LA5 has MUCH better low speed handling.

[Widewing]

Originally posted by -ammo-
I dont know WW, I would be much happier in that faceoff in the la5.  And dont get me wrong, I think that in theory you must be right, but in AH the LA5 has MUCH better low speed handling.

We tried it earlier tonight in the TA. The La-5 simply could not hang with the F4U-1D flaps out, at 125 mph. As soon as the Lavochkin fell off, the F4U killed it.

Even meeting at 350 mph the F4U-1D beat the La-5 on the reverse every time, forcing the pilot to try going vertical. However, they have similar zoom capability and the F4U's better elevator response allowed for a decent deflection shot as the La-5 came over the top. Can't aford to miss that shot as the Lavochkin accelerates much better, and can extend and make a nice climbing reverse while the F4U claws for speed. If the shot is missed, the F4U must unload and dive for the deck to get speed. Thus the La-5 gains the tactical edge. This forces the F4U driver to turn into the incoming La-5, going for a head-on, where the .50 cal MGs have a significant range advantage. At this point the La-5 had better go vertical again.

The F4U pilot wants the get the La-5 to slow down and stall fight. The La-5 pilot wants to maintain his E. This type of fight can last a long time.

We also tried the F4U-4. With it's excellent climb and acceleration, it forced the La-5 onto the defensive almost immediately. Once the F4U-4 gets behind, the La-5 can't do much about it. For that matter, neither can the La-7.

My regards,

Widewing

[hogenbor]

Although I've become a reasonable virtual pilot by now, it is very hard to determine in the MA what the actual advantages of the aircraft are. It hardly ever happens that you meet an enemy with comparable skill, co-alt, co-E and in a similar tactical position.

The F4U's don't turn all that bad, especially when light, but when you're low on E you're usually dead in one. I really cannot tell if the La-5 would be a better flat turner, flaps or no, but I have to agree that the F4U is much easier to control in a low speed turn fight. Push an La-5 a little to hard and it snaprolls into the ground.

I once met an F6F in my La-5 and thought I had an easy kill but he easily outmaneuvered me and I wasn't able to get an E-advantage on him. He got a few pings in and I had to limp off humiliated.

Would be great to try some of these fights in the TA and learn a thing or two from more experienced fliers.

[-ammo-]

Originally posted by Widewing
We tried it earlier tonight in the TA. The La-5 simply could not hang with the F4U-1D flaps out, at 125 mph. As soon as the Lavochkin fell off, the F4U killed it.

Even meeting at 350 mph the F4U-1D beat the La-5 on the reverse every time, forcing the pilot to try going vertical. However, they have similar zoom capability and the F4U's better elevator response allowed for a decent deflection shot as the La-5 came over the top. Can't aford to miss that shot as the Lavochkin accelerates much better, and can extend and make a nice climbing reverse while the F4U claws for speed. If the shot is missed, the F4U must unload and dive for the deck to get speed. Thus the La-5 gains the tactical edge. This forces the F4U driver to turn into the incoming La-5, going for a head-on, where the .50 cal MGs have a significant range advantage. At this point the La-5 had better go vertical again.

The F4U pilot wants the get the La-5 to slow down and stall fight. The La-5 pilot wants to maintain his E. This type of fight can last a long time.

We also tried the F4U-4. With it's excellent climb and acceleration, it forced the La-5 onto the defensive almost immediately. Once the F4U-4 gets behind, the La-5 can't do much about it. For that matter, neither can the La-7.

My regards,

Widewing

Thats interesting.  I liked and flew both AC and just had a preference for the LA5, or rather, I always felt more comfortable in it.  As you say, the la5 buiilds energy much faster than the F4u.  In this matchup, you would find me ensuring I leveled off energy levels first, then creating an energy advantage quickly.  Depending on perceived pilot skill, I would not allow myself to be drawn into a  low speed stall fight either.

[Red Tail 444]

Widewing,

How about any comparisons Bx La-5 anf F4U-1(a)? My take is that the -1(a) would pose a greater threat since it's slightly faster, and apparently more nimble than the -C/-D models?

I'd run the experiment myself, but I don't know any decent -5 guys.

[F4UDOA]

Heya's,

Ran some test for kicks. Maybe off by a sec+ or - because I just did them real quick but should give you an idea.

1st test 300MPH start degrading speed.
No flaps
3 complete circles at 100ft over the ocean no YoYo'ing
WEP on

F4U-1D
50% fuel
53.65 seconds

F4U-1A
25% fuel <=is roughly equal to 50% in -1D. About 200LBS less.
53.94 seconds

La-5
50% fuel
51.04

Second test
F4U's 2 notches flap
WEP on
100 ft over the water no yo yo
200MPH start degrading speed

F4U-1D
50% fuel
57.25 seconds

F4U-1A
25% fuel
59.76 seconds

La-5<=no flap they would not deploy
50% fuel
54.19

Wing and power loadings

F4U-1D 50% fuel 11,464lbs
Wing loading= 36.5
Power Loading= .509

F4U-1A 25% fuel 11,240lbs
Wing loading = 35.79
Power loading = 5.26

La-5FN 50% fuel 7,013lbs
Using 189Sq ft for wing area
Wing loading= 37.1
Power loading= 3.79

Obviously power poading is the deciding advantage here.

However in AH the La-5 has equal duration as the F4U-1D with 50% of the fuel on board. This is a huge advantage for the Lagg ad the F4U carrys 700+lbs of fuel with 50% gas the La-5 only carries 350lbs while producing 83% of the HP.

Also the F4U in AH can only carry a full 2400rnds of .50 cal. weighing 720 lbs  while the La-5 carried only 400 ronds 20mil weighting approx 260lbs.
Empty
Power loading
La-5= 3.33
F4U-1D= 4

Wing loading
La-5= 32.66
F4U-1D= 28.66