Originally posted by kozhedub
I won't claim to know what the -39Q should or shouldn't do without having technical charts - but I will say that if it has a sustained turn rate/radius comparable to a fully rated Bf 109F-4, then all the current sims with 39 variants have gotten their models horrendously wrong.
Our 109F-4 weighs 6,393 lbs with full fuel and the lesser 20mm ammo load. It has a wing area of 174.38 square feet. This produces a wing loading of 36.66 lb/square foot.
The typical P-39Q weighs 7,570 lb with full fuel and the extra .50 cal gun pods. It has a wing area of 213.22 square feet. This produces a wing loading of 35.50 lb/square foot.
So, it should turn somewhat tighter in clean configuration. What makes the 109F-4 so effective in AH2 is the excellent flaps. We don't know how effective the P-39s flaps will be until we have a chance to test fly the plane.
Even without knowing how the P-39's flaps will be modeled, I can state that the P-39Q should have the advantage between corner speed (approximately 265 mph) down to just below 200 mph where the 109F can start getting flaps out. At speeds below that, we can't do anything but speculate at this point.
Keep in mind that the P-39Q's engine made 1,420 hp, while the 109F-4's DB 601 made 1,375 hp. This produced similar power loadings, meaning that sustained turn rates will be similar as well, with the P-39Q possibly having a very small advantage.
P-39 flaps could be set fully down at 150 mph. Max speed for beginning to lower flaps is at least 200 mph, the same for the landing gear. It may be higher, but I have not seen a reference that was specific enough. Flaps can set at increments between full up and 43 degrees.
Once I can test the P-39Q, I'll be better able to fill in the blanks.
I expect to see a maximum speed of 388 mph for the P-39Q with gun pods, and about 392 mph without. Climb will be somewhere in between the P-38J and P-51D. Rate of roll should be similar to the P-40E. Range will be rather short, about the same as the Yak-9U. Of course, P-39 will have the benefit of a drop tank (probably 75 gallons) that will increase range by about 70%. That's fairly close to that of a clean F4U-1D. Adequate range, but not great.
Overall, I expect the P-39Q to more than hold its own in the late war arenas. It will be very effective in the mid war arena. Likewise, if the P-39D is included, it will be effective in the early war arena, being faster than the majority of the early war plane set.
As others have mentioned, it will not be a good ride for noobs. Those who have excellent plane handing skills will quickly find ways to use the P-39s inherent instability to good measure.
My regards,
Widewing
