P-47D-25 and P-47D-40

[Benny Moore]

What's the difference between these two fighters?  The only ones I know are the tail fillet and a slight increase in climb rate on the D-40.  According to Dokgonzo's page, the D-25 has an insignificant advantage in turn with flaps and an equally insignificant disadvantage without them - which doesn't quite make sense.

So I have four questions, really.  What are all of the differences in Aces High between the two models, and is there any reason at all to fly the D-25 except for masochism?   Why does the D-25 turn better without flaps and the D-40 turn better with, and why does the D-40 climb better but they are both the same speed?

[bozon]

The biggest difference is that D25 has far better skins. Most of the D40's are distasteful. I don't blame the skinners, I blame 1945 American squadrons.

[Blooz]

From what I've gleaned off the ol' internet the -40 has more power, more armor, more fuel, dive flaps and traded the rocket tubes for the new rockets.

[Oldman731]

Originally posted by Benny Moore
What's the difference between these two fighters?  The only ones I know are the tail fillet and a slight increase in climb rate on the D-40.  

A very noticeable increase in climb rate.  Makes a huge difference.

- oldman

[Stoney74]

I think the maneuverability difference in the two as described on Gonzo's website is close enough to be classified as statistically insignificant, as they are probably within the accuracy tolerance for the flight tests used to compile that data, i.e. they are practically identical in that regard...

IRL, the D-40 had dive flaps (added on the D-30 block), the K-14 gunsite, the new tail warning radar, rocket stubs, and the dorsal fin.  I'm not sure what model engine came on what model Jug in real life, but it appears that HTC modelled the D-25 with the R-2800-63 (2300HP at WEP) and the D-40 with the R-2800-59 (2535HP at WEP).  I'm guessing that is the difference in climb rates between the two.  I may have transposed my Double Wasp model numbers there.

Strangely enough, I find that the D-25 feels more spritely than the D-40, and don't seem to notice the difference in WEP ratings in combat (although it would seem that 235HP difference should be extremely noticeable).  Could be I'm just not observant enough to notice the difference.

[Makoyouidiot]

To me, the D-25 feels crisper...more responsive to control inputs...could just be me though

[bj229r]

D40 has the cool green skin...does the 25?

[Stoney74]

Originally posted by bj229r
D40 has the cool green skin...does the 25?

Check out Greebo's 78th FG P-47-D25 skin--Eileen.  My second favorite skin in the game after Big Beautiful Girl.