DMF and I were in the TA today comparing some notes on the Nik and Spit9. After a bit of debate we figured we would go ahead and do some "unofficial" testing heres what we found:
Max level speed on the deck without WEP:
Niki: 330 MPH
Spit9: 310 MPH
Max level speed on the deck with WEP:
Niki: 340 MPH
Spit9: 320 MPH
Max level speed @ 13K without WEP:
Niki: 235 MPH
Spit9: 265 MPH
Max level speed @ 13K with WEP:
Niki: 240 MPH
Spit9: 275 MPH
Min Loop speeds:
Niki: 160 MPH
Spit9: 150-160MPH
Dive comparisons:
Spit9 outdives the Niki from a Co-E situation.
Summary:
As I thought, the Niki is a formidable opponent when under 10K. Above 10K, however, the spit enjoys a nice performance advantage. Its ability to complete a loop at a slightly lower airspeed should give it another advantage in a slow speed climbing dogfite. Due to the Niks ability to accellerate faster than the spit on the straight and level at low alts, however, can surprise a spit who makes a mistake. Pretty much two evenly matched planes.
Thanks DMF! That was fun.
-Ding
