The Spit XIV is great fun when flown according to the historical pilots notes, with particular attention to boost settings:
- bottom tank for takeoff
- maximum of +7 boost to avoid tire wear :-) on takeoff
- +12 boost up to 1000 feet, then set to +9.
- at 2000 feet switch to external tank
- +9 boost in the climb to prefered altitude, fly at 12k-17k or 21k+, as between about 19-21000 feet the supercharger will need to change gears (boost pressure drops rapidlyaround 20k)
- continuous power i.e. flying level, set to +7 boost
- if you need to conserve fuel, set +7 boost and lower the RPM until a stable 200 mph cruise.
- avoid full boost (+12) unless in combat and dont use WEP for more than a few minutes at a time (+18 boost chews the fuel and overheats the motor quickly)
Using the above settings, I have flown for a very long time, long enough to escort bombers on the climb, engage interceptors, return to formation and escort them home. Seemed like an hour.