Pretty obvious who's watched the films and who hasn't. To the over-defensive luftwaffles about Hang's merges, look at both films.
Hang's average engagement speed was 280-300 from diving from 12k.
Now look at Hristo's. 375 avg, from level flight on the merge.
In all except the 3rd fight it tended to go this way, where in the 3rd Hang and Hristo's merge speed was near equal, 375.
So before you start with this loop hole, bending rules etc, check the details

From the POV of Hang's cockpit it was quite impressive, for all the fights were uphill and it's a proof of each pilot's skill, in both Hristo's ability to hammer head, and ride the 109 under 150 mph where it is mush and deal with it's torque. And in Hang's case, saving every tiny bit of E possible and also remaining in control in climbs below 150 mph where the P51 is also mush.
Also, it's pretty apparent Hristo was not worried about his E state on the merge (About the P-51's max level speed at 10k anyway) and given the 109's climb rate I wouldn't be either.

GF both of ya, and remember peanut gallery, you were on camera

- Jig
[This message has been edited by Jigster (edited 07-02-2000).]