Yes,
Two different books same source. The comparison holds true for both the A-4/Spit9, D-9/Spit14.In different parts of the book he refers to both match ups specifically and in general as being equal as far as a choice for combat.
AS for the F8-f Bearcat:Barrett Tillman-Barrett Tillman "....He is best known for his operational histories of U.S. Navy Aircraft, but has authored four novels as well. As the first author to write 100 articles for the Tailhook Associations magazine, The Hook, he was recently awarded the group's Lifetime Acheivement Award."
Tillman: "Inevitably, some 190's fell into Allied hands, and thereby lies a tale. In 1943, Grumman test pilots flew a "short-nose" Fw 190A in England. Tremendously impressed,they returned to Long Island and related the tale to Leroy Grumman, saying, 'Boss if we put an R-2800 on that airframe, we'll have a world-beater.'
The boss listened; the engineers got busy, and the guys and gals on the shop floor began to cut metal. In August 1944, the F8F-1 Bearcat tucked its wheels into the well for the first time, proving that in aviation, as in all things, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
That same year, Douglas engineers wrestled with the prototype AD Skyraider's high-cruise harmonics problem. But they learned that the 190's forward-mounted horizontal stabilizer contributed to its smooth ride; consequently, El Segundo changed the Skyraiders empennage, solved the problem and produced one of the greatest attack aircraft in history." The Hawker Fury? I don't have any more time to type!
Berserkr
[This message has been edited by SIFTER (edited 05-03-2000).]
