The in-game 109G/K are heads and shoulders above the (projected) Yaks in climb/range/firepower and raw horsepower... thus the ENY for 109s reflect that.
109K has been lowered to ENY 15, which I think is appropriate for the 30mm, and relative lack of maneuverability. The G-14 is ENY 20 now, I think, but I don't fly that model.
The rest are ENY 30 or 40, which is roughly appropriate for their capabilities, given their lack of stellar performance.
In my view, ENY 0-10 was always the super-fighters, and the ridiculously-high-usage aircraft. 10-20 was for the better than average fighters, those that have good performance, but are hampered in one way or another. ENY 20-30 for the average aircraft. 30-40 for the sub-par performers.
While the K4 is a very good fighter, by the time the pilot is skilled enough to make full usage of the aircraft, analysis of statistics would be judging the pilot more than the plane.
I really doubt a Yak-9D will be modeled so I think it's definite to conclude Yaks and pretty much the Soviet fighter lineup will remain short legged.
So are spitfires. And 109's, and 190's, etc. The biggest difference is that those fighters can take drop tanks, while the Yaks cannot, and that the Yaks are essentially running WEP all the time. The K4's flight time at WEP without a DT is only 23 minutes, IIRC.
Heck, graph wise, the Yak-3 won't be that far from Yak-9U and the earlier Yaks will be no better than P-40s.
And I think the Yak-9 should be a bit lower than its 23(?) ENY. Its a tad slower, but more maneuverable than average, with good climb, but relatively short range. That drops it into the 10-20 range.
The earlier Yaks, I would agree with. Although perhaps 30 ENY for the -7B and 9M, as IIRC they could make about 315mph at sea level.
I use 109 as an example because it's the main fighter the Yaks tangled with.
We gotta start initially with an attractive ENY not only because of the shortcomings I pointed above, but to also to keep the plane fresh and interest going. if Yak's 3 and 9U's presence does increase then the ENY should be adjusted.
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Why not? Bf109s are already given similar preferential treatment.
Not really after the updated ENY; the K4 should be about 15 IMO, as should the D9. ENY 20 fits the G-14, given its dog-like performance off of WEP. 30 ENY is right about what the early G and F models should be.