K-4 vs Spit XIV

[MiloMorai]

How do these two a/c compare in real life combat?

[Kweassa]

Hey Milo

 Good to see you here too. I bet this post is originated from what started out in the IL-2 forums with Isegrim's optimistic views on the 109, eh?

 If two planes share almost the same attributes in E-fighting initiatives(both 109K-4 and Spit14 very simular in sustained climb and zoom performances), the important factors come down to traditional elements - turn rates and low speed handling.

 After a few passes, the fight quickly fizzles down from a 3 dimensional fight to a 2 dimensional fight since none of the two will be able to substantialy drain the other's E state by out zooming or out climbing it... and in this state, the fight is very likely to quickly change into a rolling overshoot contest.  If pilot skills are equal, this rolling contest usually turns out a stalemate with both planes losing a lot of altitude. At this point the fight turns into a 2 dimensional one, and it'd be a suicide for a 109 to reverse directions and re-engage a Spitfire.

 I don't have any hard data on this, since nobody can actually give out 'data' on who will win how .. just assumptions based on my personal experience in simulation games such as AH or IL-2.

[MiloMorai]

Yes, but also at http://www.onwar.com (WW2 - Spitfire thread) as well .

Would you like to get involved in the IL2 discusion or even the onwar for it would be nice to have another knowledgable person giving some facts? This BarbI has a very closed mind.

[Kweassa]

Actually, Isegrim has nice and vast array of data on his side.

 However, much different from a FM debate, a theoretical "which one is the better fighter" discussions hardly has use for hard data. The best it can do is suggest tactical choices for the pilot flying the planes, but nothing more.

 I don't think there is any reason for some people to be discouraged, since there is no way to 'prove' anything in those sort of discussions anyway.

 
 Oh.. and I already got my neck deeper into the debate than I'd like to be in Check the ".. uber 109s" thread at the IL-2 forum for my latest response.


ps) If it's any solace, the Bf109G-10 we have in AH is actually more close to a Bf109K-4 than a normal G-10. And.. we DO have a SpitXIV in AH too. So far, most people agree that as a pure A2A fighter the SpitXIV is the UBERmonger of them all.

 My personal experience in AH is that unless SpitXIV pilot is a green, the 109G-10 manages a very very disadvantaged battle.