Originally posted by AquaShrimp
A study during the Korean War, which took place after USAF F-86s were unable to provide adequate escort for B-29s, stated that in order for a fighter to be suitable as an escort, it must have a significant speed advantage over its adversary. As the F-86 and Mig-15 were evenly matched in speed, neither would have been a good escort.
So that being said, acceleration and top speed will play an important part in escort aircraft.
This is a valid assumption, I think.
Here's some recent data comparing acceleration at 30k. I'll do the same at 25k in the near future.
Time required to accelerate from 150 mph IAS to 200 mph IAS, recorded in minutes:seconds.hundredths of seconds. 50% fuel for all. WEP used in all where available.
190A-8: 2:24.56
P-51B: 0:43.43
SpitIX: 0:48.46
SpitXIV: 0:41.31
P-47D-40: 0:46.82
P-51D: 1:06.50
P-38J: 0:54.96
190D-9: 1:20.47
109G-14: 1:20.91
109K-4: 0:47.07
Ta 152H: 0:47.44
P-38G: 1:04.16
SpitXVI: 0:55.49
P-47N: 0:36.37 (just imagine the much lighter, faster P-47M)
Up at 30k, the 190A fighters have horrendous acceleration as this altitude is far above where they do their best. While the Dora does much better, it's still at the back of the pack. I was surprised at how well the Spitfire LF Mk.XVI did. Engineered for low to medium altitudes, the "16" performed better than I expected, managing 388 mph at 30k.
Another surprise was the P-38G. It handily out-accelerates the Dora and 109G-14. The Dora would eventually catch it in a straight chase, but the 109G-14 is 26 mph slower than this 1942 P-38. You might find it interesting that while the Dora is faster in level flight, the P-38G can escape by simply climbing.
I tested the P-47N at 40,000 feet and it hums along at 455 mph, still faster than the Ta 152H.
My regards,
Widewing
