Originally posted by Stang
As soon as they claimed the P51 climbed better than the 109 I turned it off.
The heavier aircraft will do better in a zoom climb.. Potential energy is greater. Add a speed advantage and it's compounded.
New pilots reporting to the 8th Fighter Command were told that both the 109s and 190s were better in a straight climb. They were also told that the P-47 would chase them down in a zoom climb. Avoid the first, utilize the second.
A standing comment was, "you're at 25,000 feet chasing a 190 that is climbing away from you. Don't follow him. Instead, dive down to 20,000 feet and zoom up. You'll beat him to 30,000."
Some Jug pilots still swear it was true....
My regards,
Widewing