Originally posted by Angus
That is BTW a very bad position for a 109 to be in, for from stall to quite some higher speed it accelerates slower than a Spit. (Wingloading issue, - drag)
Uhm, the 109`s stall speed wasn`t that much higher, though you are right it was higher. Both planes had very good low speed characteristics.
As for acceleration - the Bf 109 was markedly superior in that to the Spitfire.
First it had lower drag, the airframe being much cleaner.. it required 200 HP less for the same speed.
Second it was lighter. No need to prove that.
Thus it`s power to weight ratio was also superior...
Lower drag, more power for every kg = higher acceleration. I have even some numbers, calculated by Greg Shaw, and it also shows marked advantage for the 109. The ability to keep speed up, determined by level acceleration, is very important in turning ability, such plane can literally hang onto it`s propellor in turns.
Plus I have even a British doc, which specifically states the Spitfire V have very poor acceleration.
As for turning, here`s another anecdotal evidence from Mark Hanna. He flew a 109G airframe, but it was fitted with one of the earlier Merlin engines AFAIK.
"So how does the aeroplane compare with other contemporary fighters ? First, let me say that all my comments are based on operation below 10,000 feet and at power settings not exceeding +12 (54") and 2700 rpm. I like it as an aeroplane, and with familiarity I think it will give most of the allied fighters I have flown a hard time, particularly in a close, hard turning, slow speed dog-fight. It will definitely out-maneuver a P-51 in this type of flight, the roll rate and slow speed characteristics being much better. The Spitfire on the other hand is more of a problem for the '109 and I feel it is a superior close in fighter. Having said that the aircraft are sufficiently closely matched that pilot abilty would probably be the deciding factor." Of course the 109G was heavier than the F, and the Mk IX was MUCH heavier than the Mk V. In fact I would not be much suprised if late 109s would turn the tables on the late Spits in the turning regime, though probalbly not at high speeds.
@Crumpp,
Do you happen to have Technical Report No. F-TR-1102-ND (US rep on captured 190G-3) ? I have two pages, and somebody is requesting the whole report, I suppose for Flight Model issues + details.
