Originally posted by Krusty
But P47N climbs like CRAP, and if the point is interception/chasing it'd be 15k by the time the 30k bomber was 2 sectors away.
I've tested the P-47N's time to climb, and it's far and away the fastest climber from 20k to 30k. Yeah, if you overload it with gas it doesn't climb very well from sea level. But, it was designed and engineered for high altitude performance. Within that context, it is simply awesome.
For example, let's compare the Bf 109K-4 to the P-47N. First, I will compare climb rates a various altitudes beginning at 20,000 feet. Just remember that the P-47N can fly as far on 50% fuel as the Bf 109K-4 can fly on 100%. Fuel burn 1.0
Bf 109K-4, take off with 100% fuel, climb in WEP.
20k: 3,200 fpm
24k: 2,950 fpm
27k: 2,400 fpm
30k: 1,850 fpm
33k: 1,400 fpm
P-47N, take off with 50% fuel, climb rate in WEP.
20k: 3,200 fpm
24k: 3,050 fpm
27k: 2,650 fpm
30k: 2,450 fpm
33k: 2,000 fpm
Let's look at performance at 33k, assuming we would be chasing bombers up there.
Max speed, in WEP at 33k.
Bf 109K-4: 422 mph
P-47N: 475 mph (444 mph in MIL power)
While the P-47N is much faster, that's only part of the story. Level at 33k, 300 mph TAS, apply power and monitor acceleration. The P-47N accelerates 2 times faster in MIL power than the 109K-4 does in WEP!!! Engage WEP in the P-47N and the Jug accelerates 3 times faster, getting from 300 to 400 mph in 1/3 of the time the 109K-4 requires.
So, my choice for bomber interception is the P-47N if I takeoff far enough ahead. I prefer to climb on the same heading as the bombers. Granted, the 109K-4 will get to 20k faster. However, if you need to chase down super-high bombers, the P-47N is the best. Especially when one considers that its about 190 mph faster than any bomber at 30k or higher.
My regards,
Widewing