I'm embarrassed to admit but the 190D outclimbs the LA-7. Let me explain.
The other day I popped a N1K1 and a B-25 and found myself being chased by an LA-7. I am learning the Dora for Battle Over Germany so I thought this would be the best way to see who wins a race to altitude. I know I ticked off the LA-7 pilot off, and he thinks I'm a total Nancy but nothing like seeing what happens in combat situations.
The 190D outclimbs the LA-7 with WEB, with a beginning altitude of around 5k.
The 'race' started at around 5k with a 1.5k range advantage for me. I also had slight speed advantage to begin. The LA closed the distance to where it showed 1000m though the Dora stablized the rate of closure then slowly began to pull away. I did a speed climb of 305kts and pulled away. The LA would level off, close slightly but find I was now 1k higher. The LA would then climb to matching altitude, close to 1k though I continued my slow climb. At 15k I found myself with 2k of seperation and the LA turned off.
My flight was very smooth and replicatiable. The LA was not on auto the entire time and bounced around a bit. Possibly a different pilot would have caught me.
In my defense, once he left I engage 5 Spits and downed two of them. Turns out they were AFK. haha The other three were kind enough to let me know I shouldn't get a big head on this one. One of the kills was Solar <S>. Happy about that one, even if he was getting a beer. Navy Fighter Pilot motto "I'd rather be lucky then good anytime!"
What a day. Landed with smiles and kill ratio up, not to mention more confidence in the Dora.
I'm looking forward to Battle Over Germany, too bad no LA's over there. Don't worry, I understand the Dora outclimbs any of the Americaners so no more Nancy rides.
Boo
Loose Deuce
Gruppe III/ JG 54