P-47C
In fact the first P-47 combat claim in WETO was made by Blakeslee (1 190, unit unknown. In fact JG , the 190 unit that was in combat with these P-47s, suffered no losses. 15 FW 190A-4s II./JG 1 were engaged in combat with P-47s. 14 returned unharmed and 3 kill claims, 1 190 was forced to land due to engine troubles.) while flying P-47C. 3 P-47C were lost:
Capt. Stanley Anderson P-47C 41-6407 (luftkampf mit *190s)
Capt. Richard McMinn P-47C 41-6204 (luftkampf mit *190s)
Lt. Col. Chesley Peterson P-47C 41-6414 (eng trouble..?)
*5./JG 1 Ofw. Ernst Heesen claimed 2 Thunderbolts
One other pilot of II./JG 1 claimed 1 Thunderbolt
Some will argue that as the D variant with water injection came into service the remaining P-47C were upgraded as well. But we already have a D-11 (which can stand in for a D-4 etc...), we don't need the 'upgraded Cs' we need the early C for the opening phases of the tour. These had less range and no ADI.
Also, I should note neither the P-47D-40 nor the P-47N saw any use in the WETO. So for the CT 8th AF tour there are just 2 P-47s (D-11 und D-25) that actually belong. However, I am sure HTC will squeeze in the other two.
I don't care anything about the bombers or twin engine aircraft. Except maybe adding a B-25...
For the 8th AF tour in the CT the Luftwaffe could use 3 planes.
Either a 109G-6/AS, or G-14/AS, or proper G-10.
The G-14 in AH was a welcomed addition but the G-14 has a FTH of only 16400Ft. Since the 8th AF tour will consist of escorts and bombers the fights will be higher then 16400ft. As such the LW is in need of a 109 to fill the gap between the G-6 and K-4. I had argued before the 109 update that Pyro / HTC should consider keeping the the G-10 but with a modified performance to match real life G-10 performance figures and then adding the K-4. The old AH G-10 performed just like the current AH K-4. A proper G-10 would have a top speed of 426 mph or so but a higher FTH then the current G-14. It could then sub for a G-6/AS or G-14/AS.
The other two aircraft I think are needed for the 8th AF tour are a Fw 190A-3 or A-4. The 190s engaged with those P-47Cs above were most likely 190A-4s. The 190A-5 had one of the lowest production runs of all the 190 A series. In all honestly if HTC added an A-3 or A-4 and an A-6 they could get rid of the A-5. However, what's the point of getting rid of a plane if its already modeled? The only meaningful difference between an A-5 and A-6 is that the A-6 had 4 x MG151/2cm instead of 2 x MG151 and 2 x MGFF. The MGFF in AH is the weakest of the 2cm, even weaker then the Type 99 MK 1 (tests done against ground targets). The A-5 only carries 60 rpg of MGFF (in fact it could 90 rpg, the 90 round drum was the same size as the 60 and fit into the same space). The A-6 would be a much better bomber killer with its 4 x MG151 then the A-5. Performance wise the A-6 and A-5 would be practically identical.
So in my opinion:
P-47C (no ADI upgrade)
Bf 109G-6/AS; or G-14/AS; or proper G-10...
Fw 190 A-3/4
Fw 190A-6
