La5 vs Spit

[Dowding]

Do any other La5 drivers for tips when fighting a spit? I don't think I've ever shot down a spit in a 1-on-1 dogfight while flying the La5. The spit is able to out- turn me every time.

[SKurj]

Yup if u get slow a spit will outturn you every time if you are in the la5.  Use BnZ and E tactics against the spit.  The La5 is a decent zoomer, has better roll at all speeds than the spit as well.  Use Yo-Yo's against a spit.

If a spit is on your tail use your roll and short pulls

SKurj

[funked]

At low level in an La-5FN vs. Spitfire F Mk. IX, you've got a significant climb advantage (4400 fpm to 3800 fpm) and a significant speed advantage, (360 mph to 320 mph).  That means you can accelerate away from the Spit and you can build up more energy just by flying level for a while.  

You'll never match the Spit in a sustained turning battle, but at low altitudes you can use the speed/climb/acceleration advantage at low level to build up an energy advantage.  The key is learning how to use the extra energy to get a shot at the Spit.  If your shot attempt fails then you can use your speed/climb/acceleration to extend and try again.

Above 10k or so, the Spit 9 starts to perform better in both climb and speed.  Up there you've got to start higher or be a better pilot than the other guy.

But below 10k the La-5FN can always dictate the terms of the engagement to the Spit 9.

[This message has been edited by funked (edited 11-01-2000).]

[Spatula]

Well said funked  

I used to fly the la-5 alot in beta 3 and tour 1. Like has been mentioned if your below 10k *you* dictate the terms of engaement, your speed, accleration, roll, climb rate can assure you of this. But *never* get suckered into flat turning for more that 90deg with any plane. Keep the spit turning and staying slow, keep your speed up and wait for the moment when he's slow and floundering then pounce.
 
Above 10k you're at a disadvantage - drag him down to where it suits you   But make sure you leave at least 3k under you so you can nose-low and extend to safety if you get into a bad position. He will never be able to catch you. Use your extra speed to climb very slightly and slowly, but make sure he doesnt get too close (under 1.5k), he will eventually see reason and reverse, then you can run him down like the dog he is  

I have been flying the la5 for the last few nights and have really been enjoying it.
I got a film of my engagement against a spit 9 from a few nights ago, its a bit rough (from inexperience in la5), but i get him - i will mail it to you.


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Overlord Spatula

Real men dont need no stinkin cannons
 

=357th Pony Express=

[This message has been edited by Spatula (edited 11-01-2000).]

[Vermillion]

What Funked and Spatula said.

The La5FN is a superb E-Fighter, especially down low. But its got fairly high wing loading, and actually is fairly poor in sustained turning.

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Vermillion
**MOL**, Men of Leisure

[Zigrat]

Vermillion,

You obviously haven't had the pleasure of fighting aper or leonid  

[eye]

Attack a spit with a  higher speed. Go for a zero throttle shot. If you miss or he breaks at zero throttle just flatten out and disengage. Not only is the la5 faster on the deck it out accelerates from low to top speed just about any plane.

Use a la5 like a fw use its roll rate to out turn a spit. How? Again attack with superior e when the spit breaks You go up above his turn useing its superior roll rate to get 1 slashing shot. If you miss disengage.

If you co alt  merging set yourself up to the left of the spit lower. Then as you merge drop throttle turning to the right. this is a all or nothing move. if the guy is not on the ball you will out turn him to the right. If he goes 0 throttle think about forcing a overshoot useing the ground or a on the deck run.

The la5 is  a great bird.

EYE

[Dowding]

Thanks for the advice guys - good to hear from people who are much better flyers than I am.  

I fought another La5 for the first time in ages the other day - it was Aper and I got him good.  

[StSanta]

Ask aper. That guy is absolutely great in the LA-5. Amazing.

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StSanta
9./JG 54 "Grünherz"

[Spatula]

I cant email you the film cause ya aint got email in your profile.

Heres the film of me bagging a spit and a nik. Not sure if this will impart anything on you cause i thought it was a mediocre engaement at best.
 http://www.spatula.co.nz/aceshigh/films/film13.zip

watch how i drag the fight down low to bring the best out of my plane. At the very end i get hit, eng dies and i auger, i got too low and yaks are too fast to outrun  


[This message has been edited by Spatula (edited 11-02-2000).]

[Dowding]

Thanks for the film Spatula, and thanks for the advice guys. Might just learn a few things, yet.

<S>