The following is my first installment of a completely fair analysis of which A/C should be added to the AH plane set for either scenario of main arena use. This first installment i will talk about Russia's most prolific Fighter of the war the Yak-9D. Aircraft to follow soon:
Yak-3
Yak-9U
La5FN
La7
IL-2 and other bombers
Mig-3/7
Thesis on Russian aircraft for inclusion to Aces High plane set as current of 2/27/2000:
1.) Criteria for choice:
A.) Competitiveness to currently modeled aircraft for main arena usage concerns
B.) Historic significance in relation to scenario options and useage
C.) How prolific was the design. As for main arena use we should restrict small production or 'one of a kind' A/C.
Candidates:
Primary candidates and why:
Yakovlev series fighters:
Yak-9D: This fighter by far is one of the most produced soviet fighters of all time. She came at a time when it was critical for the VVS (Soviet Air Force) to offer a competitive design to the current crop of German fighters. Introduced in 1942 she became an immediate favorite of Russian pilots. She was able to turn with the BF109E/F models and outclimb the FW190A. Although her speed was unimpressive in context to other designs of the day (Maximum speed of 379 MPH @ 12,000ft) she helped the VVS where they needed it, down low. Her power loading figures were good with a Maximum takeoff weight of 6,700lbs and a power rating of 1360HP.
Power to weight ratio: 6350(typical wght) / 1360HP = 4.67 lb/hp
Other comments: The Yak-9D had 'short legs' with a max range without drop tanks at 516miles. She didnt have a clean aerodynamic design but had a high drag coefficient which bled speed quickly. She had a roomy interior with sparce equipment and a reliable engine. Her armament was generally weak with only one 12.7mm UB machine gun and a 20mm ShVaK cannon firing through the prop hub. Ammo load was light as was lethality for the small armament. With a powerful ratio of weight to engine HP she should accelerate quickly and reach her most desirable performance altitude (i.e. 16,000ft or less) in just a few minutes.
Climb Rate: initial climb 3,600ft/min
Comparison to advesaries in Aces:
P-51: Yak would have equal acceleration to P51 although 51 could keep her speed in manouvers due to superior aerodynamics. Could out turn P51 with ease. P51 superior in speed about equal in climb. P51 vastly superior above 16,000ft as the Yak9D's blowers are made for low alt work. Low max speed makes for 'easy' meat if Yak9 driver doesn't use his strengths.
Some relative power to weights for current A/C in AcesHigh:
P-51D : Typical weight 7125lbs/1520HP = 4.6 lb/hp
Aircraft Negatives: quick bleed in speed would keep this aircraft from being a mount of 'choice'. Although she accelerates and climbs good she would never be considered an 'E' fighter, one sharp turn and your speeds gone.
Aircraft Positives: You can use her bad drag characteristics to your advantage. Spitfire dives on you and forgets to retard throttle. he overshoots you turn inside him because your bleeding speed and he's not (BG). If he doesn't extend his spitfire, at 250mph will never out turn your small turn radius and low speed (by now lets say 170MPH). Just hope your a good shot
as it may be your only chance. If you continue to turn he will get inside you very easily and wax your Yak butt
. Initial climb and acceleration are very good and with crisp low speed handling will make a moderate mount for the experienced.
Scenario impact: This CANNOT be overstated. With combat on the Eastern Front taking place below 16,000ft and with an aircraft that in most respects can match the FW190A and BF109 F/G those looking to experience what the German pilots felt in 1943 may soon learn what it was really like. 4 BF109G's get jumped by 12 Yak-9D's that can out turn 109G and out climb FW190. What happens? Most BF pilots shot down with some losses to the Russians, i.e. Just like it really was by that time. The 109G2/6 cannot outrun the Yak9 and the G6 certainly cannot out turn it. Would make for a wonderful feel of the real Eastern air war. All in all she would have her place in Scenario and NOT in main arena.
Enjoy,
Grumbler
Formerly Ivan the Terrible on GEnie(AW/DOS)
Russian Aviation Buff
