F4U-4 vs Spitfire 14

[Bronk]

I disagree with that. Seems like the write up has been done before the 109K4, and I can't recall any change on the spits handling since then.


Yea, your right.
Spit 14 is more like spit 8, not 9.

It handles like no other spit. It is in a class all it's own.  Do you think that huge engine turning the opposite direction makes little difference?

[MachFly]

I disagree with that. Seems like the write up has been done before the 109K4, and I can't recall any change on the spits handling since then.


Yea, your right.
Spit 14 is more like spit 8, not 9.

It handles like no other spit. It is in a class all it's own.  Do you think that huge engine turning the opposite direction makes little difference?

I was talking about the airframe.

[Bronk]

It handles like no other spit. It is in a class all it's own.  Do you think that huge engine turning the opposite direction makes little difference?


I was talking about the airframe.

Ahh that makes it a bit clearer then.

[Patches1]

OK...silly question...did any F4U-4Bs see combat in WWII?

I thought F4U-4Bs were Korean War era?

[Karnak]

OK...silly question...did any F4U-4Bs see combat in WWII?

I thought F4U-4Bs were Korean War era?

No F4U-4Bs saw action in WWII.  Some photos mislabel F4U-1Cs as F4U-4Bs though and that has caused some confusion.

[Anaxogoras]

Flat out on the deck in a long drag race, yes.

Elsewhere, no.

That is one of the best things about the Spit XIV, it can force Runstangs to fight.  The last fight I had in it before canceling my account was against a P-51B and it could not escape from me, nor was the pilot good enough to out maneuver me.  He bounced me and I was able to power my way out of trouble and turn the tables, never letting him escape even when he tried.

Exactly.  Even from 300 to 350mph, the XIV gets there quicker than the 51D.  So the only way the 51D can use its better low-altitude top speed to escape is if it's already going ~350mph. 

I wouldn't be so enamored with the idea of running down 51s if it weren't for the fact that so few of them have any other ideas than diving toward ack if they're not 5k above you making front quarter BnZ guns passes.

[Widewing]

No F4U-4Bs saw action in WWII.  Some photos mislabel F4U-1Cs as F4U-4Bs though and that has caused some confusion.

Adding to the confusion... The F4U-4B designation was originally set aside for F4U-4 deliveries expected to go to the Fleet Air Arm. These were canceled, so the -4B reverted to the Navy. 20mm armed F4U-4s were originally to be designated F4U-4Cs. So yeah, many historians have been baffled by the muddle of designations.

No F4U-4Bs were shipped outside CONUS prior to Japan's surrender. 

F4U-4 and F4U-4Bs saw extensive combat duty in the Korean War. Even shot down a MiG-15 and quite a few Yaks.


My regards,

Widewing

[skribetm]

2:  Bang you're dead

you just got picked by steve's p-51d!!!!   

[Kweassa]

The F4U-4 does retain the somewhat spooky handling of the other Corsairs and should be treated with care at low speeds and when landing.

Ohhhh Soda, dude.. what were you drinking?

'Spooky handling' Hogfires.. lol

[skribetm]

it would have been more interesting if it were a tempest vs. -u4 at 15k.

[Patches1]

Thanks, Widewing....that clears the mud from my head.

<S> Sir.

[iTunes]

Comes down to the Pilot INMHO.

[Urchin]

Ohhhh Soda, dude.. what were you drinking?

'Spooky handling' Hogfires.. lol

I think those write-ups all predate the Hogfire flap patch.

[Karnak]

Comes down to the Pilot INMHO.

Not true.  Different aircraft have different potential.

Or does a fight between a Foker Eidecker and an F-22 Raptor come down to the pilot?  Yes, that is an extreme example.  How about a Foker Eindecker vs a Spitfire Mk Ia?

The aircraft does make a difference.  Great pilots can overcome a lot, but even then limits can be found.

[StokesAk]

Ok just to keep this thread going I PICK SPIT14!