The section of the report I bolded is not insignificant in the outcome of some of these tests.
True.
First thing I noticed was the U-2 designation.
Second was this:
"Prolonged unserviceability of the Me.109 prevented completion of the trials."IIRC, the RAF test of the 190A-4 (maybe an A-3?) that was well documented and extremely detailed had the same issue. IIRC, further, the problem was equal parts gasoline and non-OEM spark plugs which fouled quickly. Engine performance would be reduced some but, at least specific to the 190, the RAF pilots were reluctant to fly the aircraft aggressively - including at full throttle due to excessive vibration.
In any event... great read, thanks. Some other things that stuck out to me:
1.) Cant tell whether its a late or early G6. Partially retractable tail wheel and redesigned rudder - BUT -
"This aircraft has the old type canopy."2.) It does appear that the gondolas were fitted for the test:
"Armament consists of 2x13mm MG's mounted above the engine, 1xMG 151/20mm cannon firing through the airscrew hub and 2xMG 151/20mm cannon in underwing gondolas."3.) Test weight was 7,488lbs. Im not a "technical AH flyer." Anyone have the weight figure for the G6 in AH with gondies? I'd up one quick myself but Im at work. We might be able to guess how much fuel they had on board for the tests, if nothing else.
4.)
"Engine revs and boost are interconnected and are operated under normal conditions by the throttle control. provision is made, however, for independent operation..." Didnt know that. Thought integrated engine management was, primarily, a 190-only feature.
5.)
"The tail wheel locking device on this aircraft has been disconnected..." Why on God's Earth would they do that? Its a small miracle that the plane lasted more than a single flight.
6.) Regarding the Spitfire Mk IX:
"Comparative dives between the two aircraft have shown that the Me109 can leave the Spitfire without any difficulty." plus...
"The climb of the Spitfire is superior to that of the Me109 at all heights... at 18lbs boost... this is naturally pronounced when using 25lbs boost." Surprised by that. Figured it would be backwards.
7.) Regarding Spitfire Mk XIV:
"The Spitfire has no difficulty in out-turning the Me109 in either direction." Figured they would be close.
8.) Regarding the Tempest Mk V:
"The climb of the Me109 is superior to that of the Tempest at all heights..." What?!
9.) Regarding the P-51B (III):
"When the aircraft are dived and subsequently climbed there is very little to choose between their performance." If only this were the case in AH!
...the Mustang has no difficulty outturning the Me.109 in either direction." Wow, again.
Fascinating stuff. Tanks for posting.