Gentlemen: I've a collection of books by many aviators and aviation historians.
One Book in particular titled;
The Luftwaffe Fighter Force, A view from the Cockpit
written by A.Galland et al. (Bar, Neumann, Milch,and Hitschold)
Interrogation of Oberstleutnant Bar at Kaufbeuren, Ger. August 1945
Chapter 30 Titled GAF Opinions of Allied Aircraft
1.) The Hurricane. this was considered to be a rugged aircraft but was too slow for a modern fighter. It was very maneuverable and effective against bombers in 1940. After the Battle of Britain, armament consisted of 12 X 303 cal. machine guns. It was made better when the armament was changed to a 4 X 20mm cannons. German information was that it destroyed as many aircraft (mostly Bombers) as the Spitfire. It was mainly used agaisnt Bombers, being covered by the Spitfire
After 1942 was considered obsolete as a firstline fighter.
2.) The Typhoon. This was an exceptionaly fast aircraft. It could outrun a Me 109 and FW190 in level flight, It had excellent armor for ground straffing, but was not maneuverable enough to combat the 109 or 190.
3.) The Lightning (P38) This aircraft was very fast and had a good rate of climb below 20K feet. Visibility backwards, downwards and over the engines was poor. It was considered a good strafer due to its' armament,visibility, speed and silent motors. On the deck it could outrun the 109 and 190. It's main drawbacks were its' vulnerability and lack of maneuverability. German fighters would always attack the P-38s in preference to other allied escort fighters.
4.) The Airacobra (P39) this was a very inferior fighter at all times during the War. Its' maneuverability, speed, dive and climbing qualities were poor. It was one of the easiest fighters to shoot down.
5.) The Warhawk (P40) This aircraft was inferior as a modern fighter. The models with only 4 X 50 cal machine guns were considered to be too lightly armed. It was slow and could not dive or climb. Its' best quality was that it could out turn a 109 or 190 below 12,000 feet.
6.) The Mustang (P51) This was the best American Fighter because of it's long range, climb and dive characteristics, firepower , and maneuverability. It was very vulnerable to cannon fire and broke up during very violent dives and maneuvers.
7.) The Thunderbolt (P47) This aircraft was exceptionally fast in a dive. But could be outdistanced by a 109 at the start of the dive. It would absorb many cannon hits and still fly.
Also on page 219 chapter 31 Oberstleutnant Bar made these observations:
American Fighters. The Mustang is the best escort fighter up to six thousand meters. Thunderbolt is, as a fighter Bomber , very efficient as it has a radial engine and long endurance. The Lightning is an old type aircraft but is efficient as an escort fighter over water because of its' ability fo fly on one engine.
Bar goes on to comment about fighter Pilots from various countries in the next chapter.
It's a good read and something that should be on your bookshelf if you like reading aviation history. A perspecive so to speak from the other side.
