Spitfires: The main reason people dont fly them

[Getback]

Have absolutely nothing against folks flying spitfires. It's a worthy plane in mho. I prefer US Navy planes though. They just look so cool.

[moot]

BE - So not only is [2x20 + some other spit loadout] a better than average package, but you're also saying that the spitfire is a significantly above-average choice for setting up consecutive effective passes on formations?  Slightly above average firepower, low durability, mediocre level speed, all add up to a considerably easier time shooting down bombers?  If the target's Ju88s, or B25Cs. Maybe Lancasters. Certainly not B26s, Ki67s, 24s or 17s.  Not everything else being equal, not unless you've got 1:1 spitfire to bomber ratio.

[BaldEagl]

BE - So not only is [2x20 + some other spit loadout] a better than average package, but you're also saying that the spitfire is a significantly above-average choice for setting up consecutive effective passes on formations?  Slightly above average firepower, low durability, mediocre level speed, all add up to a considerably easier time shooting down bombers?  If the target's Ju88s, or B25Cs. Maybe Lancasters. Certainly not B26s, Ki67s, 24s or 17s.  Not everything else being equal, not unless you've got 1:1 spitfire to bomber ratio.

Yes, I am saying that the 2x20mm Hispanos + machine guns is a better than average gun package and that the Spit's climb rate, dive rate and manouverability are advantages over many other planes.  It's downfall is it's durability.  You can't afford to take a hit. 

You keep bringing up it's level speed and I'm not sure why.  I thought I made it clear that on your firing pass you'de be in a high speed dive.

As to targets Lancasters, B24's and B25's are the prime targets.  The B17 is close behind.  I generally try to avoid B26's and Ki-67's but will go after them if I'm the only one in position to try and stop them.

While the 190A-8 and the 110G-2 are the ultimate buff hunters IMO due to their durability and firepower I've had far more luck in a Spit than for instance a 109K-4 or a Ta-152.  The Jugs are good buff hunters but their slow climb rate makes it difficult to get into position.  The Temp/Typh aren't good enough high alt performers and are prone to radiator damage (as is the 152).  The K4 stiffens too much in the dive.  The Japanese and Russian planes don't have enough firepower at long enough ranges.  I suppose the Hogs and Ponys are close to the Spits in thier buff hunting prowess.

I'll pull up my Spit vs buff numbers but I wont have a chance to do so until later this evening.

[moot]

Level speed means you're lagging behind other fighters with proper interceptor speed.   Your spit vs buff numbers are just numbers, they don't tell the complete story that a collection of films would.  The Spit14 is the only one I'd consider a good buff hunter.

[uptown]

shoot em all in the cockpit and they go down equally easy.

[Kazaa]

shoot em all in the cockpit and they go down equally easy.

+1.

[Steve]

I suppose the Hogs and Ponys are close to the Spits in thier buff hunting prowess.

Spits are wonderful planes but as buff interceptors? Respectfully, I think you are right about spits and ponies being about the same as buff hunters....they both suck hehehe.   

[mechanic]

You're right, I missed the 'not' in the first sentence and did skim your post.  Making that to be me looking for a fight with you and being drunk and wanting something to argue with you about..    Why is it so far fetched that I should just argue a flawed assertion?  Why does everything have to be about sadness or obsession or some psychological irregularity with you?  That's a rhetorical question.

What? Where do you get this from? My comment was on topic and your reply is to, once again, imply i need profesional help. 


*wanders off to find the loony bin*

[moot]

You post specifically "implies" that I was probably drunk, your PMs to me insist that there's some jealousy and sadness and angst and grudges, etc etc. If I didn't know any better, I'd say it's .. gay.  I'm not implying that you need help (and I'm not going to repeat it again because it's off topic), I can say it simply and frankly like I told you by PM (which is a better place for the topic): you need a doctor.  It wouldn't be mentionned except that like a number of other nutcases, e.g. Kurfurst, Voss, and a couple of others, your nutiness can't help but find its way into your arguments.
One misread because I skim your posts being made out to be drunken obstination to pick a fight is a big leap.  I'm not going to reply unless your next post is on topic.

[SmokinLoon]

I'll fly the Spit8 for when I know I'll be at lower alts and for longer periods of time for air to air.

The Spit9 comes out when the alt is going to be above 10k for sure and speeds will remain high and sharp turning less important.

The only time I fly that over modelled easy-to-get-kills Spit16 is when I am going to use it for what it was designed for: ground pounding.  Most forget it carries 1k worth of ord in 3 bombs (3 dead gv's, 3+ destroyed OBJ, etc).  I cant imagine the roll rate improved THAT much from removing the ring tips so that it rivals the 190x.  Oh, and it retains energy far greater than any otehr Spitfire.  However... I dont have the magic HTC aircraft modelling formula on hand. 

The Spit14 comes out from when I know a horde of P51's or other fast moving wonder-birds are inbound and the alt are higher than 15k for sure.  It climbs like a banshee and moves quite nice at 20k+.  It is a fast aircraft but no more so that the other screamers... its perk status is quite a stretch.

Te Seafire comes out from the CV only, and the Spit5 and Spit1 only when I'm feeling lucky.

[Kazaa]

Ground pounding aye.

[mechanic]

moot

[BnZs]

Yes, I am saying that the 2x20mm Hispanos + machine guns is a better than average gun package...

Yes, each 20mm Hispano in AHII is equal to 3 .50s. The means the 2xHispanos+2x.50s on the SpitXVI and SpitXIV have the same lethality as the P-47's vaunted "buzzsaws".