just ran some climb comparisions off line . . . nothing new but here's the skinny on the spit14, g10, and la7. but first the spit 14. and yes, i have utterly too too much time on my hands:)
1) 0 alt, 100% fuel, 50 cals- timed from wheels ups with wep on until it burns out: 1 min = 3,500 ft. 10k: 2:31. & 20k 5:30.
1a) this time plane leveled on deck and began climb at end of runway instead of prior to tower when plane normally begings climbing, same loadout. 1 min = 5,100. 10k: 2:40. 15k: 3:21, & 20k 4:48.
1b) kept end of runway take off since the #'s were better especially climb after 1 min, and changed to 303's instead of 50 cals. 1 min = 5,150. 10k: 2:02. 15k: 3:18. 20k: 4:53.
so comparing best (303's taking off at end of runway) to worst (50 cals taking off when plane lifts) heres the #'s:
1 min = 5,150 ft vs 3,500 ft.
10k: 2:02 vs 2:31.
15k: 3:18 vs 3:49
20k: 4:53 vs 5:30.
here's the g10#'s taking off at end of runway with 20mm and no junk on her, 100% fuel.
1 min = 4,800 ft. 10k: 2:08. 15k: 3:21. 20k: 4:43.
now side by side spit w/303's being first both planes wepping from beginning and taking off at runway's end.
1 min 5,150 vs 4,800 ft
10k: 2:02 vs 2:08
15k: 3:18 vs 3:21
20k: 4:53 vs 4: 43
for another point of reference, here's the la7-w/20mm (just figure the 30mm's will be worse prob should of used that loadout but wanted to keep things as light as possible).
1 min 4,800 ft. 10k 2:30. 15k: 4:16. 20k: 6:14.
as to what to make of it all . . . some things i knew but couldn't verify. 1) autoclimbing out isn't as effective as going level then autoclimbing at end of runway (or when plane is at default climb speed i guess). 2) i didn't know the 1400 rds of 303 weighed less--or weighs less in aces high. 3) didn't know g10 would outclimb spit14 to 20k.
btw, fuel load does matter. ran the very first test with spit 14 climbing out immediately with 50% gas to 20k the 100% fuel took 5:30, 50% gas 5:05.
pity the 14 is so pricey. when i fly her i have fun but am thinking . . . paid too much for this and all its going to get me is chased all over the place.
