WW,
My numbers are spot on the money. In the TA, the AH2 F4U-1 has a max endurance of 44 minutes using 100% internal fuel (361 gallons). In the TA, the P-51B has an endurance of 41 minutes using 75% internal fuel (202 gallons). If I bump the P-51B up to 100% fuel (269 gallons), its endurance increases to 54 minutes. I believe that a 3 minute difference in endurance is close enough.
The Navy test was not with the F4U-1A that is being modeled in AH. The F4U-1A in the Navy test had a paddle prop and 2250HP (2135HP in AH2 1943 version). It may or may not have had the extra wing tanks still in use but it was only tested with 237 gallons which is 100% fuel in our -1D or 75% in our -1A. In either aircraft with 237 gallons of fuel it, it would have a comparable to the P-51B with 180 gallon of internal fuel.
Another factor not generally considered is that the P-51B climbs at a higher speed than the F4U-1D, while the Corsair climbs at a greater angle. This only amplifies the P-51's advantage as it covers a greater distance during the climb, while climbing faster to boot. So, not only does the P-51B get to altitude faster, it opens up a significant distance while doing so.
I would disagree about this depending on the situation. Being able to climb at a steeper angle would be an advantage in close combat. High speed combat is also an advantage to gain seperation. However even Thomas McGuire wrote never to follow a Zero into a slow speed climb with a P-38 that could easily out climb the Zero at high speed.
Unlike the AAF, the Navy calculated ideal range; meaning without considering start-up, warm-up, climbout, combat or reserve. On the other hand, the AAF calculated range, or more accurately, Combat Radius, while accounting for all of the above. They allow for start-up, warm-up, takeoff and climbout. They also factor in 20 minutes of combat time, broken down as 15 minutes at MIL power and 5 minutes at combat power. Finally, they also factor in a 30 minute reserve. Even with all that, the P-51B was conservatively rated for a 450 mile combat radius on internal fuel. I say conservative because with proper throttle, prop and mixture settings, the combat radius on 269 gallons could easily exceed 600 miles, or 1,200 miles round trip and still allow for ground ops, takeoff, climb, combat and reserve.
I don't doubt that it could exceed 600 miles however the P-51B performance charts posted and in AH2 are based on 180 gallons not 269 gallons. At that weight it could not outclimb an F4U-1D at max continous power.
If both A/C were ballasted for the same range AND the same ammo load in AH I have no doubt the result would be different.
I need to retest my results based on some weight issues. My results were much different.
