Originally posted by Pongo
Someone told me the first plane to really beat that record was an Orion.
The bearcat has 4 50s but they are M3s I think. 1200 rpm so 4 of them is identical to 6 m2s.
The Bearcat would be an expensive perk. Close to Tempest expensive.
I think it's pretty obvious that the Tempest would be generally out-classed by the F8F-1. Depending upon which test data you prefer (the Navy's or Grumman's), the F8F-1 was able to make 383 mph to 393 mph on the deck. Climb at full load was between 4,570 and 5,150 fpm. Max speed was between 421 and 442 mph at 19,000 feet. This is a certified monster. Even with four .50 cal MGs, perk value would be at least as high as the Tempest.
Cannon armed F8Fs (F8F-1B) didn't begin delivery to the Navy until 2/27/46, making them clearly post-war fighters.
My regards,
Widewing