What is the corner speed for the P-39Q?

[FLS]

Thanks for your responses, all.

I'm just wondering what speed I should be trying to keep the 39Q at when I'm turning - my parameters would be 50% fuel load, no wing guns, and probably at 2500ft altitude (rarely get above 10K in the bird, and most fights are probably anywhere from 0 to 5,000 ft).

I hesitated to refer to it as a velocity since I thought velocity always implied a directional component and the direction is constantly changing when you are turning.  I didn't realize how involved the calculations are- I have no idea what the Airacobra wing's coefficient of maximum lift is.  

I do like the simplicity 2.44 times stall speed-- where did that come from?   I think the 39Q stalls between 90-100 mph, so using 95mph gives me about 230mph - does that sound reasonable?  

I've started to read Badboy's paper and am very impressed.    

Greziz - if you are turning at the edge of a stall, I don't think you are getting around a circle as fast as you could be if you instead kept it at corner velocity.   At least that's my understanding.  

It sounds like what you want is your tactical speed range. Your best sustained turn speed is different from corner speed. Corner speed is high drag as noted above and you quickly slow down in a level turn. Best sustained turn speed is where thrust and drag are in balance so you don't slow down or speed up in a level turn. This will generally be at the stall horn at about 2.5-3 G's. You can balance thrust and drag at a slower speed but your available G load will be lower and you won't turn as well. Your tactical speed range is from your best sustained turn speed up to a little faster than your corner speed. It's also useful to have enough speed to have the option to go vertical. Your target's maneuvering may require you to go slower or faster than these guides so don't get too fixated on a particular speed, just keep them in mind.

The 2.44 multiplier takes your stall speed at a given weight and altitude and gives you a ballpark corner speed for that weight and altitude.

[drgondog]

I think we can assume the OP meant the corner speed in AH. I'm not criticizing your more accurate method but in the absence of known lift limits the 6 G limit is convenient.

I don't believe you can exceed a 6 G load limit for the P-39Q. I believe you're correct that some aircraft are penalized by the 6 G limit assuming the pilot could handle the higher G.

The 6G limit just drops the manuever point several mph

[drgondog]

The 6G limit just drops the manuever point several mph

FLS comment is true.. The P-39Q was around 150-160mph for best sustained turn velocity@ ~3G.

[Greziz]

Probably true but I dont fly looking at my dials I fly looking at the bandit so I have little time for math in the fight I use other indicators to fly by like stall horn wing buffets horizon and bandits closing speed or lack of closing I rarely am looking at the front unless I have a shot lined up and then it is only for shooting.

[drgondog]

If you have a G meter, that is also a nice way to 'feel a Mustang', don't know if they were also installed in a 39.

[moot]

Most if not all planes in the game have G meter - instruments are standardized across plane set.

[jamdive]

"What is the air speed velocity of an unlaiden swallow?"
"What do you mean? An African or European swallow?"

[oboe]

Huh? I-- I don't know that! Auuuuuuuugh!