Quick thought on the new Spits

[Bruno]

Unfortunately for me I really don't like the clipped wings or .50 cals so without the LF.Mk VIII I am still going to be stuck in the F.Mk IX if I use a Spitfire. That is really why I want the Mk VIII so much.

Well clipped wing aside a VIII will have a range advantage over a LF.IX or LF.XVI and this (IMHO)will far out weigh the advantage 2 x .50 will have over 4 x .303 in ToD and events.

I agree that a LF.VIII is a good choice in addition to the LF.XVI but if I were a Spit flyer I would rather take up a LF.IX or LF.XVI over the LF.VIII. I am not sure what your aversion is to clipped wings is but to each his own. Better roll verses better flat turning doesn't make much difference to me...

[Kev367th]

I believe (other thread) difference between clipped/non-clipped turning circle was somewhere in the vicinty of 42ft.
Roughly 200fpm per 5000ft less climb.
Better roll.

As your so fond of quoting Pyros post, why do you think he thought it may need need to be perked then?
a) Because it looks good.
b) For the exact reasons I said from talking to him on the phone
c) Just about any other reason not to have a Spit

[Karnak]

Bruno,

Not all LF.Mk IXs were clipped.  Most LF.Mk VIIIs were not clipped.  All LF.Mk XVIs were clipped.  I already explained why the .50s are a bad, bad thing when trying to use it in 1943 scenarios.  That you wouldn't care is moot because you aren't the one making the call and if people insist a Merlin 61 Spitfire is a 1944 Spitfire due to .50 cals and ignore the poorer performance why do you think they'll be ok with a Merlin 266 Spitfire armed with .50 cals?  Range rarely comes into it in AH.

That said, the reason I don't like clipped wings is purely for aesthetic reasons.  It has nothing to do with performance.

[Bruno]

As your so fond of quoting Pyros post, why do you think he thought it may need need to be perked then?

Having it perked doesn't equate to:

IT'S TOO GOOD FOR THE MA.

So who cares why he thinks it would end-up perked... Don't try and change up what you claim he said now...

He didn't say it would definitely be perked he said:

I have no qualms with that plane, but I think going with a 2000+hp version of it would be a waste as it would end up perked and CM's wouldn't use it much either.

That's a far cry from what you claim...

He said the same thing about the P-47N. It was released unperked and he said he would see how it goes.

Not all LF.Mk IXs were clipped. Most LF.Mk VIIIs were not clipped. All LF.Mk XVIs were clipped.

I have seen pics labeled as Spit LF.XVI w./ Packard 266 without clipped wings. I know most were produced with clipped wings and IMHO a XVI in Ah should be clipped but unless I am completely wrong not all were.

I already explained why the .50s are a bad, bad thing when trying to use it in 1943 scenarios

I don't ever re-call seeing you in a scenario, even in the current Malta scenario they are using Spit Vs with 16lb boost which it wasn't cleared for until Aug '42. Hardly an indication of endemic Spitfire hatred on the part of CMs. Players OTOH whine about everything, but so what. I think you are exaggerating, in fact I know you you are. Please quote a scenario CM or CT CM stating they disallowed the F.IX because it had .50 cals.

You may be stuck on this issue but from what I see you are the only one. I can ignore it just for that reason. Hell, you don't need to post a quote from a CM just link to any thread that shows the F.IX was disallowed in any event, scenario or CT set-up due to .50 cals...

I am out for the evening I will check back for your links / quotes...

[Krusty]

To be fair, the 2x 50cal option is about like having the 8x303 option, only you get 2x20mm as well. I put most of my 20mm clip of a spit9 into a Ju88, just popped a flap off of him and made him lose a little gas. So I open up with my 50 cals as he's getting away and I set him on fire at 800+ distance within 50 rounds.

They are powerful guns.

EDIT: Just wanted to say that, for the most part, having read this thread since it started, I'd have to agree with Bruno. No offense at all Kev, but it could be seen that you're jumping the gun by others.

[Angus]

I am for the VIII, but +25 in it may be a tad too much.
Look at JF275 with a Merlin 66.
Over 5000 fpm untill what, 11K. Tops at 406 mph. Carries nearly 50% more fuel than a normal Mk IX.
This bird will outlcimb and outmaneuver our XIV. The XIV is just faster and has the 50 cal option.
I am not sure if this bird has the extended wing, - but the link Bruno gave was to an extended wing version whith smaller ailerons, - the high alt version so to say. Preferred by some to quote rollrate on.
Anyway, I think Karnak's list is rather good, and bear in mind that Pyro is peeking at all this data and debates,- so we'll just have to see.