Author Topic: Was the RLM working for the allies? (Read 1995 times)

GRUNHERZ · « **Reply #60 on:** August 21, 2004, 11:18:33 AM »

Speed numbers were with full equipment.

As for altitude the chart I have shows 435mph at 30K, I dont think there are any better planes than that till 1945..

MiloMorai · « **Reply #61 on:** August 21, 2004, 11:44:23 AM »

In Aug 1942, V16 (CF+OW) went to Rechlin for testing, being flown by Ellenrieder. The best he could do was 725kphTAS @ 7km. With the aid of MW50, the best climb was ~22m/s. This a/c was not fitted with full armament. He also found that the coolant system was still unstable which was re-built with flight testing being continued in late Sept.

HoHun · « **Reply #62 on:** August 21, 2004, 01:19:09 PM »

Hi Grünherz,

>As for altitude the chart I have shows 435mph at 30K, I dont think there are any better planes than that till 1945..

Well, I haven't seen the report so I can't really comment on it. Still, I'd be suprised if the final production aircraft would have been significantly superior to the Fw 190D-9.

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)

GRUNHERZ · « **Reply #63 on:** August 21, 2004, 01:40:23 PM »

The chart I have shows better speed than 190D9 just on start und notleistung - no mmention of MW50.

But lets say it just matched 190D9 performance. That would have given the LW such a plane in early 1943 instead of late 1944 or even early 1945.. Almost 2 years of the most vital air combat in the west.

A 450mph fighter coming into service by early 1943 armed with up to five 20mm and 30mm cannon in addition to two 13mm MG would have significantly changed the trouble faced by the US bomber force and especially it's escorts who would be facing 50mph faster german interceptors than they really did.