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General Forums => Aircraft and Vehicles => Topic started by: Kurfürst on November 19, 2004, 11:59:14 AM

Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 19, 2004, 11:59:14 AM
Ok, here`s a thread to end all other threads in this subject. Angie can mess here when he feels so, and leave the other threads clean.

Hear, Angie? If that Spitfire Supreme thing of yours comes up next time, urinate here, not in other threads.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 19, 2004, 12:00:24 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Good Gripen, good.
I have to have a potshot at Izzy though, forgive me please ;)

Firstly:
"The Spit had nice big bulges for the cannons through it`s service, THANK YOU desingers who designed a thin wing so much unsuited for bigger weapons"

So, it would actually have been better in your your opinion to have the wing much thicker?
[/B]

Yes. A bit thicker profile wouldnt mean much in drag, but would lead to better lift coeff, which would mean less wing area would be required and so on..





Quote

Firstly, in 1940 the Spitfire MkI had roughly the same Hp on 87 oct, and somewhat more on 100 oct.
[/B]

WRONG, on 87 octane the Mk I had about 100-150 HP less than the 109E at SL.

Quote

The Spitfire had less power at high alt, where max speeds were obtained.
[/B]

Probably, but I didn`t see yet a comparable Brit/Jerry engine curve. The former give it usually with rammed power, the latter with static power... apples and oranges. The Spit was somewhat faster at max. level speed, that is for sure.


Quote

Once fitted with a rotol 3-blade airscrew it outclimbed the 109 while being heavier, it was however a tad slower.
[/B]

Not according to any tech doc I have seen.

Quote

Once up to 100 oct the Spit I outclimbed and outran the 109E.
[/B]

Not if the 109E was on 100 octane, too. And it was by the time the Spit was on 100 octane in numbers.


Quote

In 1944 you had Spit XIV swarming around. I have not seen data of a 109 being 40 mph faster. So please promote this.
[/B]

Swarming around? :lol Maybe in the pinky-binky Raffanatic`s fantasies, but in reality, and ironically, there were more Me 262s in service than Mk XIV. And this tells about the small numbers of the MkXIVs, rather than how 'common' the Schwalbe was... of course the Griffon was much larger, much heavier, much thirstier than the 605s in the later 109s - and produced more power at altitude. Despite that, the Spit required about 200 HP more to obtain the same speeds, 5blade prop or not... the 1944 109s had apprx. the same power at al as the IXFs, IXLF, but clocked at 680-715 km/h, whereas the MkIXs could come to 650 km/h, or not even that fast.




Quote

Then here:
"THANK YOU weapon developers in Britain who couldn`t came up with a cannon of their own, and forced the designers to put an large French cannon designed for rigid engine mounts and not flexible wings which cause them to jam. "
You may have a problem here, for the Hispanos were very good weapons indeed. I have not stumbled across any tales of horrible jammings yet. Please promote som.
Very good ballistics, good ROF, and high velocity.
In 1941 perhaps the finest aircraft cannon in the world?
[/B]


No Angie-bamgie, its YOU who id having a problem. You are so obsessed with this Spitfire Supreme thingie within your thick skull that you suffer from tunnel vision all the time.

The Hispanos were troublesome, ask the USN, or ask the Spitfire squads that requested to be switched back the 8-gun Spits when first saw those cannons. Rigid mounting was essential for their reliable operation, this was easily done when they were bolted to the Hispano-Suiza engine of the French fighters, much less so when they were lightly built in the too flexible Spitfire wings, which wasnt rigid enough even to keep roll rate decent at high speed, owing to wing flexing...

Finest aircraft cannon in the world in 1941? Yep, provided the Mauser MG 151/20 and the Svhak doesn`t enter the competetion, both faaaaaaar better fighter cannons, the Shvak in it`s basic mechanics and compactness, and the Mauser on the whole, and provided that the bigger size, bigger weight (50% heavier than anything else), high recoil, unreliable operation, self-dangerous ammunition, small ammo capacity thanks to ammo drums are considered positive qualities for the Hispanos. They did the job, little more than that. Frankly the Brits used it because they had nothing else. They didn`t have their own aircraft MGs developed, they didn`t have their own tank MGs, they didn`t have their own aircraft HMGs neither, so they kept relying on license-built stuff, whatever they could get. WW1-era American brownings or 1930s vintage French cannons designed for a different role...


Quote

You must have forgotten take your pills....
The radiator needs air to function, it always causes parasite drag.
Put it in the "shade" and you'll need it to be bigger.
[/B]

Angie`s own theories... I wonder why the guys at Messerscmitt, Yakovlevs, North American suddenly choosed this way then?

Quote

Now, the boundary layer around the fuselage is not as important as say on the top of the wings. Do you know what a boundary layer is? A couple of days ago you did not know what a washout is.
[/B]

I bet if you could go back 70 years in time with this knowladge, the guys at North American would forget about all that radiator ducting, and we would now know the Mustang with a big, f. ugly paperbox shaped thing crudely welded onto its underneath. `cos according to Angie (and Supermarine!) that`s the way to go (slow). And I guess Mtt would suddenly wouldn`t re-design the 109 with a new type radiator with boundary layer separator ducting, as it`s "not important".

Funny though that the desingers who though it was important, were also the same guys who had the faster planes...



Quote

You may of course have a problem with the Mustang, for on the same power as a 109 it was faster, with very much more range.
[/B]

No Angie, its again you who is thickly wrong on the factual side. The Mustang wasnt ANY faster than the 109 on the same power (in fact it clocked very much the same), and didnt have a single mile greater range on the same fuel. But replace the word with 'Spitfire', and you are right all the way.

You are just repeating your old fantasies, but as always, you are awfully poor giving some backup for them. As a matter of fact, I NEVER seen you backing your statements with any techspec..

Quote

Quite some headache for a brownie-trousers bubchen. But so be it, a German had his hand in on the design so it stays as a so-so.
Frankly I'd like to know what the heck is wrong with you. The only explanation I can think off is complete 1930's German religion, or a brownskirt reincarnation.
[/B]

Actually the only headache I have here is my futile attempt to bring some light into the thick skull of a half literate serf, who had his head stuck and frozen into his hairy butthole, and I cant pull it out if he wishes to live in the comfort of darkness.


Quote

I mean, pointing at brilliant design features of objects like the 109, 262 etc is very fine. But you seem so obsessed with hatred on anything WW2 allied sided that it is just stunning. Be it tanks, armies, aircraft, campaigns, victories, political figures, the total outcome or whatever. Anything German just must be better.
Can you tell me why?
All ears?
[/B]


Angie, pull your had out of your butt, and maybe you see things differently, not this sorry lame-ass black-and-white, awfully primitive way of projecting things into everything you dont like, as you currently do.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Karnak on November 19, 2004, 12:08:36 PM
Barbi,

The majority of Me262s never flew.  To claim that in service Me262s outnumbered in service Spitfire Mk XIVs nuts.  It is even more nuts to claim that as being true in 1944 when the Me262 entered service in the 3rd quarter, 1944 and the Spitfire Mk XIV entered service in January, 1944.

There were quite few Me262s operational at any given time.

If they had been operational in the numbers of even the Spitfire Mk XIV they would have had a whole hell of a lot more impact on the war.  Can you imagine the impact of having 200 Me262's hit a bomber stream at the same time?  How about 400?  If they had been operational in the numbers of the Mk XIV the Germans could have, and would have, done such attacks.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 19, 2004, 12:34:59 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst

Swarming around?  Maybe in the pinky-binky Raffanatic`s fantasies,.....

No Angie-bamgie, its YOU who id having a problem. You are so obsessed with this Spitfire Supreme thingie within your thick skull that you suffer from tunnel vision all the time.

Actually the only headache I have here is my futile attempt to bring some light into the thick skull of a half literate serf, who had his head stuck and frozen into his hairy butthole, and I cant pull it out if he wishes to live in the comfort of darkness.

Angie, pull your had out of your butt, and maybe you see things differently, not this sorry lame-ass black-and-white, awfully primitive way of projecting things into everything you dont like, as you currently do.



What kind of civil discussion can be had with Barbi, aka Kurfurst, Izzy, Isegrim making his usual derogatory babbling rants?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 19, 2004, 12:55:37 PM
Karki,

there were 1400+ Me 262s produced, about 8-900 Mk XIVs during the war. Of course not all of these were operational.

True, the Spit XIV become operational in January 1944. On paper. The fact that none were lost on a mission until about April shows how much the RAF paper statistics compare with reality. Obvioisly any serious operation comes with losses.

Now on Spit XIV numbers... by April, there were about a whole three squadrons equipped with them. Three. That is, counting with 20 planes per squad which of course they never had for any lenght of time because of losses, means 60 planes in service. But only 12 of the 20 were used on operations, the RAF had it`s reserves with the squadrons as well, and reserves dont count as operational planes. The operational strenght was thus max. 12, if the losses did not prohit that. Often they did, the Tiffi squadrons of the 2nd TAf had something like 1-2 operational planes instead of 20 in the end of 1944. So, in best case, we have 3 squads with 12 operational planes at best. That`s still only 36 operational Mk XIVs...

Now you can say the RAF equipped more and more squads as time went on. That`s true. They concentrated them into 2nd TAF in the automn of 1944. That had 5 XIV squadrons by that time. Compared to 30 MkIX and XVI squadrons.
Now that would make it 60 operational MkXIVs, maximum, December 1944. Wow.

Now in comparison. The LW`s 'exotic' jets in operation, Dec 1944 :

JG 400 : 92 x Me 163s
KG 51 : 100 x Me 262s

Hope I am not missing any units here. Even I do miss some operating with jets at that time, the fact is that the single KG 51 could show up more jets than the entire RAF...


During the war by 1945, the number of XIV squads raised to a whopping seven... 7x12, whoa, a whole 84, provided they could keep strenght 100%. Well, nobody could. By that time the number of Me 262s in service was well over 160...

Probably it was not an accident Galland said that the best thing about the MkXIV was that it was so rare.. They played absolutely no important role in the war expect shooting down a couple of target drones called V-1s. Compared to their effect on the air war, their development certainly did not pay off much.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 19, 2004, 01:00:31 PM
Quote
Originally posted by MiloMorai
What kind of civil discussion can be had with Barbi, aka Kurfurst, Izzy, Isegrim making his usual derogatory babbling rants?


Milo, go and hang yourself on a tree. It will be good for everyone, even for you. This thread was started because you attempted to incite another little flamefest in the other thread with provocative posts, which would have ruined it. As for the civil discussion, I don`t think you have even a remote idea of the meaning that word. Never seen you do that, just this hysterical flaming all the time. Maybe that`s the reason you are getting your ban on every board sooner or later.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Karnak on November 19, 2004, 01:11:20 PM
Barbi,

I'm at work so I don't have any books.

I would be surprised, however, if they only built 70-80 Mk XIV's from November, 1943 through December, 1944.


BTW, all 957 Mk XIV's had engines.  How many of those 1,400 Me262s had engines again?  Wasn't it about 200 or 300 by the end of the war?

Personally I think counting engineless airframes in the production total is a bit disingengous.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on November 19, 2004, 01:21:23 PM
What I'm seeing in my 262 stuff is that the 262 was declared Operational in October 1944 with Kommando Nowotny with roughly 30 combat ready 262s.

There had been 262s flying earlier obviously, but not in unit strength.  First kill was a Mossie on July 26, 1944.

Kommando Schenk, an experimental Fighter Bomber unit started flying fighter bomber missions in August 44.

Of the 1443 Me262s, only a little over half are estimated to have ever reached operational units.

Seems like I recall reading somewhere that the most 262s ever up at one time was 26.

Maybe my memory is playing tricks on me, but it seems like that was against the bombers in April 45.  

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 19, 2004, 01:23:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Karnak

I would be surprised, however, if they only built 70-80 Mk XIV's from November, 1943 through December, 1944.

[/B]

I doubt they built any significant number 1943. Otherwise why would there be so few around in early 1944, why no real action until April 1944 ?

AFAIK some 800 XIVs were produced until the end of 1944. Production and operation are quite different things though, usually there is far less planes with the units than produced until that time. Mtt produced and flight tested 856 K-4s until the turnover of 44/45, but only 201 or so were with the units in December.

Quote

BTW, all 957 Mk XIV's had engines.  How many of those 1,400 Me262s had engines again?  Wasn't it about 200 or 300 by the end of the war? [/B]


Can you give me a source that all 957 Mk XIVs actually had engines, and were not just bare airframes ? Sorry but if we enter such sillyness as hypothesizing they had no engines, I guess we can do that to the MkXIVs as well.

But, FYI, over 8000 Jumo 004Bs were built, not counting protos, other subtypes of this engine, and the ones produced by Opel under licence. Do you think 8000 engines is sufficient to power 1400 planes ?

Quote

Personally I think counting engineless airframes in the production total is a bit disingengous. [/B]


Personally I think hypothesizing without any source, reference or reason that those were engineless airframes is a bit disingengous.

So please provide something that would prove me wrong, but the information that emerged up to now shows the XIVs was in service in only marginal numbers, and its also true for the Tempest. For some unknown reason, the RAF seems to have been awfully slow during WW2 in converting to new technologies. Even the Mk IXs did not become the backbone until 1944.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 19, 2004, 01:30:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Guppy35

Seems like I recall reading somewhere that the most 262s ever up at one time was 26.

Maybe my memory is playing tricks on me, but it seems like that was against the bombers in April 45.  

Dan/Slack



What I found in Groehler, the larger Me262 operations :

Data / Number of 262s sent into action in 1945:

18th March : 36
4th April : 49
10th April : 62
24th April : 16
25th April 13

He mentions Messerscmitt started production in March 1944 (nullseries). In April only 3, in May 7 were produced, largely because of delays of the Jumo engine production and development. Then they froze the development of the engine and concentrated on production. IIRC the experimental unit was set up in June 1944, and . Up to end of October, 265 planes were completed. As per Alfred Price, 91 of them in September.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on November 19, 2004, 01:31:08 PM
What are we arguing about now?  Which had a bigger impact the 262 or the Spit XIV during WW2?

I'd say neither in the overall as the Spits were being used most effectively in ground attack etc with 2 TAF and the Spit XIV wasn't used in that role.  It did, along with the Tempests patrol jet alley as the war wound down.

The 262 clearly didn't change the course of the war either despite it's leap in performance.  Interesting that we are trying to compare an example of the end of piston engine technology with the beginning of jet technology.  

The Spit XIV was clearly at the top end of Piston engined fighter performance.  No matter what was done, prop jobs just weren't going to go much faster.

The 262 while a phenomenal performer for the time, suffered from new technology syndrome with the engines,  etc.  

So again, what's the point of this discussion?

And Izzy your 109 Luftwaffe bias is just as strong as the folks you accuse of being blinded by their Spitfire bias.  So relax :)

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 19, 2004, 01:31:25 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
Milo, go and hang yourself on a tree. It will be good for everyone, even for you. This thread was started because you attempted to incite another little flamefest in the other thread with provocative posts, which would have ruined it. As for the civil discussion, I don`t think you have even a remote idea of the meaning that word. Never seen you do that, just this hysterical flaming all the time. Maybe that`s the reason you are getting your ban on every board sooner or later.


Another babbling rant and lies by Barbi. :eek: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:  But what else is expected from him. Get your eyes checked Barbi, for all I did was post that the 109 was not a smooth as a baby's butt as you would all like us to think. The Spit had its plus and minus just like the 109. To bad you only see the minus for the Spit and the plus for the 109 with your German is uber, Brit is crap mentality. So :( .



On the 10 Jan 1945 KG51 had 52 Me262s of which only  37 were operational.

With the 12 months of 262 production (519(44)+558(45) by Augsburg and 49(44)+307(45) by Regensburg)  only 936 were delivered. The difference being lost to bombing and during delivery.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on November 19, 2004, 01:33:53 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
What I found in Groehler, the larger Me262 operations :

Data / Number of 262s sent into action in 1945:

18th March : 36
4th April : 49
10th April : 62
24th April : 16
25th April 13

He mentions Messerscmitt started production in March 1944 (nullseries). In April only 3, in May 7 were produced, largely because of delays of the Jumo engine production and development. Then they froze the development of the engine and concentrated on production. IIRC the experimental unit was set up in June 1944, and . Up to end of October, 265 planes were completed. As per Alfred Price, 91 of them in September.


Ok that makes sense to me.  I came across a reference to the Black Day for the jets, which was April 10th when 335 jets were "claimed" destroyed in the air and on the ground in attacks specifically on jet airfields.

Yes I'm sure there were overclaims that day, but it seems significant that it matches the day the most jets got airborne.  

It could be the 26 number I remember is the amount lost in the air that day.

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 19, 2004, 01:46:09 PM
Guppy, Groehler mentions the following as "Losses". I wonder what exactly he means under that, but from the way he counts things, I guess it`s both enemy and non enemy related, and wouldn`t even rule out he also counts damaged ones with as less as 10% damage. He does mentions this criteria for 'losses' in one other part.

Anyway, here are the results/ losses for the dates :

Date / Number sent into action / Success / "Losses":

18th March : 36 / 24 bombers,5 fighters / 2 losses
4th April : 49 / 5 bombers / 6 losses
10th April : 62 / 10 bombers / 32 losses
24th April : 16 / 3 bombers / 2 losses
25th April : 13 / - / 2 losses

Further I found for 7th April from Price, that 59 Me 262 sorties were done. Didn`t find another source for the 24th April to cross check it, but I didnt look too hard. 335 claims vs. 32 actual losses (including damaged/wrecked by pilots?), well, hmmm....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on November 19, 2004, 02:00:54 PM
Adrian Weir's book "The Last Flight of the Luftwaffe"

"April 10 had witnessed what was to be the peak of Jagdwaffe jet operations when JG7 launched 55 Me 262s.  The cost was high.  By the end of the day 29 of the fighters had been destroyed and six pilots were dead, a further five wounded and fourteen reported missing in action."

This is where I thought I recalled the 26 number from.  Guess I missed by three.  Taken from Luftwaffe records

The 325in the air on the ground losss number on April 10th comes from the book "Messerschmitt Me262 by Miroslav Balous and Jiri Rajlich.

Dan/Slack
off to work
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 19, 2004, 02:17:42 PM
8th AF

Sunday, 18 March 1945
     
    Mission 894: 1,329 bombers and 733 fighters

Wednesday, 4 April 1945
   
    Mission 926: 1,431 bombers and 866 fighters

Tuesday, 10 April 1945
   
    Mission 938: 1,315 bombers and 905 fighters

Wednesday, 25 April 1945
     
    Mission 968: 589 bombers and 486 fighters

http://www.jcs-group.com/military/usaaf/hethel4.html



With all those targets to choose from, the LW was bound to have some success.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 19, 2004, 05:39:26 PM
Ohhh, what a lovely post.
Finally in the open, a slug-out thread between my-humble-self and the swastika-tattooed-arse-side-barbi-doll.
Oh, what a lovely war.

Want to discuss aerodynamics Barbi-brown? BB.

Well, it goes to wing design, power, props, drag and the mythical things like washout, downwash, dihedral and such.

You just informed me that the 109E had more power at 87 oct than the Spitfire MkI. I don't have the energy to look into that old thread closely, so I'll just for this round just take for granted that you are right.
Well, Why does the Spitty still pull more Newtons to altitude?
Can you explain that?
With 109 superb propeller, wing, engine, power, lightweight, slats, and so, then Why????
In the open, I just state that the big wing of the Spitty provides more lift. Allright? And since the humble Merlin provides even less power than I thought, the danged wing seems to provide even more lift than I had anticipated.

Anyway, this thread has already taken another course, trying to prove that Germany possibly may have lost WW2. Oh my goodness,,,,,,,,
:D :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 19, 2004, 08:16:12 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Ohhh, what a lovely post.
Finally in the open, a slug-out thread between my-humble-self and the swastika-tattooed-arse-side-barbi-doll.
Oh, what a lovely war.

 
 

Angus,

Barbi, though your twist gave me smile, comes from abbreviating one of Izzy's nicks, Barbarossa Isegrim. Others abbreviations given on the old OnWar forum were BI, Barb and Babs.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Arlo on November 19, 2004, 09:18:35 PM
I don't care what all her names are, I just wish she'd stop posting when her personalities reach that time of the month (their cycles are obviously in synch).  Telling Angus to keep all of his Spitfire comparisons and comments in this thread so the rest of the threads can focus on the Luftwaffe without having to make "unfair" comparisons seems a tad bit eccentric .... at best. :lol
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 20, 2004, 03:52:32 AM
Not much of an intelligence showing up on your side, Angiebangie. Is it frozen pinguin***** that you carry inside your skull, or just every single head-in-his-butt icelandic serf in your undoubtfully in-bred family had born this way?

IMHO, constant replies to a thread - which has the declared purpose of discussing design aspects seperately to leave other threads clean  - like :

"Anyway, this thread has already taken another course, trying to prove that Germany possibly may have lost WW2. Oh my goodness"


means that we have a problem on your side, a big&permanent problem. You fled from an open competion to underline your POV. Of course you it`s hard to prove your point if you have none...

As I see it, we have two retards here, one who is spending his life flaming and keeping some sort of register on my nicks, the other spends his life inside the nice&warn&dark cavity of his butt, periodically emitting his thoughts/mantra to the outside about brown guys, Spitfires and conspiracies, but the rest of the world only percieves the smell but no real message. :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 20, 2004, 06:04:47 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
Not much of an intelligence showing up on your side, Angiebangie. Is it frozen pinguin*****(no penguins around Iceland, Barbi) that you carry inside your skull, or just every single head-in-his-butt icelandic serf of your undoubtfully in-bred family had born this way?

IMHO, constant replies to a thread - with the purpose to discuss design aspects seperately to leave other threads clean  - like :

"Anyway, this thread has already taken another course, trying to prove that Germany possibly may have lost WW2. Oh my goodness"


means that we have a problem on your side, a big&permanent problem. But it pleases me to see that you fled from an open competion so miserably. Of course you can`t prove your point if you have none...

We have two retards here, one who is spending his life flaming and keeping some sort of register on my nicks, the other spends his life inside the nice&warn&dark cavity of his butt, periodically emitting his thoughts to the outside about brown guys, Spitfires and conspiracies, but the rest of the world only percieves the smell. :D



Time to have this thread locked.

The originator, Barbi, is in-capable of having a civil discussion, starting with his first post with a reference to urinating and finally resorting to name calling, saying feces for brains, ethnic/nationality and family insults, as well as reference to his favourite body orfice, the annus (why he has this facination with this area of the body is anyone's guess? ;) ;) ).  

But then when you are an intelligent :eek: :eek: lawyer, that is the gutter prose one expects, right?




Angus, don't let Barbi get to you. He is not worth it.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 20, 2004, 06:14:31 AM
Glad you found the colored text capabilities of this this BB, along with bold text, underline, BIG TEXT, and the smiley repertoare.

As for Angie, if he is man enough to call others a nazi in every second line of his posts, I guess he is man to take some counter-battery fire as well and not run for mummy.

But you acting as a stalwart defender of civil discussion, LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL OLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.

PS : Funny that I have no problem of having a civil - and very enjoyable! - discussion with Guppy. But I guess such discussion requires the will/capability to exist in both parties.

This thread was created for discussion of that topic. I, Karnak, and Guppy did that. You two only flamed so far.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Furball on November 20, 2004, 06:38:26 AM
Well, the Me-109 was obviously the war winning wonder weapon Hitler was looking for if it was as good as he says, shame for Kurfurst he didnt realise earlier...

Funny, i have never seen a Spitfire pilot criticise the aircraft.  Yet i have seen many quotes from LW pilots reffering to their "inferior" aircraft.

Stats (correct or incorrect) are what you make of them, the confidence an aircraft instills in the pilot when he is going into combat is what matters.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 20, 2004, 07:02:25 AM
From the fluttering urinating Barbidoll
"means that we have a problem on your side, a big&permanent problem. You fled from an open competion to underline your POV. Of course you it`s hard to prove your point if you have none...

As I see it, we have two retards here, one who is spending his life flaming and keeping some sort of register on my nicks, the other spends his life inside the nice&warn&dark cavity of his butt, periodically emitting his thoughts/mantra to the outside about brown guys, Spitfires and conspiracies, but the rest of the world only percieves the smell but no real message."

I have to say, as much as I hate to, that your English is improving.
I have to say, that I still think you are frosen in the Hort Wessel theme.
And
What's brown and sounds like a bell?





DUNG
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 20, 2004, 07:08:54 AM
the confidence an aircraft instills in the pilot when he is going into combat is what matters.

Maybe that`s why the all-time top 3 fighter pilots of the world all 109 pilots : Hartman, Barkhorn and Rall. :D Spitty pilots? Somewhere at the bottom of that list...

Funny these references to quotes from never-named pilots.. Funny I have never seen any actual 109 pilot criticize the 109 as a fighter. Werner Moelders believed the Spitfire was miserable as a fighter, only one class better than the Hurricane, and from what RAF pilots said, well, hmm, Johnson said they were close, sometimes one gaining the advantage then the other, Godwin, another Spitty pilot didn`t go as far, but admitted it was 'almost as good' as his own ride. Combine what they say and you got it about right. Moelders flew all three, and knocked down 25 Spits himself. Perhaps Johnson also flew the 109, and maybe knocked down a dozen, I don`t know how many.

That`s so far about pilot opinions. The combat record is different. Many 109 pilots shot down more of just Spitfires in a few months than the combined score of the best Spitty pilots, containing very plane type. If you look at the Spitty`s combat record vs. the 109 over Dunkirk, England, and Africa, it doesn`t shine either. Makes you understand why it is right to refer to the 109 as a 'Jaeger' ('Hunter').

Yep paper performance is one thing, combat record is another.
Title: Re: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 20, 2004, 07:44:39 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
Ok, here`s a thread to end all other threads in this subject. Angie can mess here when he feels so, and leave the other threads clean.

Hear, Angie? If that Spitfire Supreme thing of yours comes up next time, urinate here, not in other threads.


Your first post Barbi.

As can be seen, you were the first with the flame.:) You continued in your second post with the flaming.

As for, "Glad you found the colored text capabilities of this this BB, along with bold text, underline, BIG TEXT, and the smiley repertoare.", I knew how to do that a long time ago.:) For you, it is required.


As for the losses on March 18,

W.Nr 110808 flown by Oblt Wegmann
W.Nr. 110780 flown by Oblt Seeler
W.Nr. 170079 flown by Oblt Waldman
W.Nr. 500224 flown by Ofw Schrey

failed to return to base. So is 4 losses not 2.

April 4, the total was for 3 different sorties is what you stated.

JG7 reported 7 losses, 5 missing and 5 damaged. A further 23 required some sort of repairs.



On April 9 the LW Quartemaster General reported strength/servicabilty as:

LWkommando West

14. Fliegerdivision

Stab/NAG 6 at Lechfield -  0/0
2./Nag 6 at Lechfiels - 7/3

7. Jagdivision

I.KG 51 at Leipheim - 15/11
II./KG51 at Linz-Horsching - 6/2
JV 44 at Munchen-Riem - ?/?

Luftwaffe Reich

IX(J) Fliegerkorp

Stab/JG 7 at Brandenburg-Briest - 5/4
I./JG 7 at Brandenburg, Burg, Oranienburg - 41/26
III./JG 7 at Parchim, Oranienburg, Larz, Brandenburg - 30/23
I.KG(J) 54 at Zerbst - 37/21
10./NJG 11 at Burg - 9/7

So out of the known 151 262s on strength only 97 (64%) were servicable.

The April 7 sorties were by 44 from III./JG 7 and 15 from I./KG(J) 54.


Barkhorn dumped his 109 and flew Fw 190s with JG 6 before flying the 262.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 20, 2004, 09:31:55 AM
Since this thread is suppose to be about the Spit/109 and Barbi likes to harp on the massive size of the Spit XIVs radiators I did some measurements. The drawings are not the best, so if any have good drawing, could they post them.

The numbers I got were 504 sqin for the Spit and 494 sqin for the K-4. These numbers are for the radiator-coolant 'box(es)' as seen in a front view.

Note that beside the coolant radiators, the Spit also had the intercooler and oil cooler in the 'boxes'. The 109K-4 had 2 coolant radiators and a oil cooler under the nose.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 20, 2004, 09:54:02 AM
Oh, dear, this thread is so hot I can heat up the house with it.
Well, for starters:
"Maybe that`s why the all-time top 3 fighter pilots of the world all 109 pilots : Hartman, Barkhorn and Rall.  Spitty pilots? Somewhere at the bottom of that list... "

Well, Rall actually said he rather preferred the wings of the Spitfire.
Look at my sig anyway....

So, it's not about aircraft any more? It's about Aces? Their kills?
How about their skills? Their opportunities? Some allied pilots flew an entire tour of duty without ever seeing an enemy aircraft.
Many allied aces hardly ever saw the number that Hartmann or Barkhorn, or Rall shot down.
This is of course an issue for a thread. "Ace opportunities" ;)

Then here I have a cookie for you, something 109E-SpitI related, also Ace related.

I have two examples of clashes between 1 on 1 and then 2 on 2.

Robert Stanford Tuck met Adolf Galland in the air. They shot down each other's wingmen. Galland ran.

Mölders had a scruffle with A.G.Malan. Malan outmaneuvered Mölders and shot him down.

Cookie delivered

:D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Furball on November 20, 2004, 10:58:41 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
the confidence an aircraft instills in the pilot when he is going into combat is what matters.

Maybe that`s why the all-time top 3 fighter pilots of the world all 109 pilots : Hartman, Barkhorn and Rall. :D Spitty pilots? Somewhere at the bottom of that list...

Funny these references to quotes from never-named pilots.. Funny I have never seen any actual 109 pilot criticize the 109 as a fighter. Werner Moelders believed the Spitfire was miserable as a fighter, only one class better than the Hurricane, and from what RAF pilots said, well, hmm, Johnson said they were close, sometimes one gaining the advantage then the other, Godwin, another Spitty pilot didn`t go as far, but admitted it was 'almost as good' as his own ride. Combine what they say and you got it about right. Moelders flew all three, and knocked down 25 Spits himself. Perhaps Johnson also flew the 109, and maybe knocked down a dozen, I don`t know how many.

That`s so far about pilot opinions. The combat record is different. Many 109 pilots shot down more of just Spitfires in a few months than the combined score of the best Spitty pilots, containing very plane type. If you look at the Spitty`s combat record vs. the 109 over Dunkirk, England, and Africa, it doesn`t shine either. Makes you understand why it is right to refer to the 109 as a 'Jaeger' ('Hunter').

Yep paper performance is one thing, combat record is another.


Johnnie Johnson shot down 38 single engined fighters, not sure how that breaks up 109/190 though.

Its hard to get victories when the airforce you are supposed to be fighting is nowhere to be seen.  Allied pilots could go through entire combat tours and see German aircraft 2 or 3 times.

How many 109's were made?  how many were lost?  How many pilots did the 109 kill?  How many 109's failed due to sabotage on the production line due to forced labour?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Arlo on November 20, 2004, 11:05:46 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst

Yep paper performance is one thing, combat record is another.


I'm sure they need you to champion them in the high pitched screech you've so far exhibited in this thread. It wouldn't embarrass them to see you carrying on one bit. Nope. Not ... one ... bit.

:lol
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 20, 2004, 12:23:38 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Furball
Johnnie Johnson shot down 38 single engined fighters, not sure how that breaks up 109/190 though.

[/B]

Not one of them was a bomber, eh? Hard to believe.


Quote
Originally posted by Furball
Its hard to get victories when the airforce you are supposed to be fighting is nowhere to be seen.  Allied pilots could go through entire combat tours and see German aircraft 2 or 3 times.
[/B]

Yeah-yeah, the old boring excuse. Funny though that somehow the LW had no problem finding the RAF... I mean, how is that Galland found&shot down about 90 planes in just up to 1941... those 90 planes certainly met Galland.. and lost every time. The highest scoring of the RAF, Johnson wasn`t able to score even one half of that during the 6 years. There must be reason for that. Now of course you will say it was extremely hard to find enemy planes for the RAF`s fighters in 1939, in 1940, in 1941... provided they weren`t looking too hard for the opportunity! I still wonder how could the LW meet RAF planes, if the RAF planes didn`t meet LW planes. A mystery to me.


Quote

How many 109's were made?  how many were lost?  
[/B]

ca. 30-35 000. Maybe about 1/3 of them lost in total, even less in combat. Most were simply retired when newer types become available, the airframe grew old.

Quote

How many pilots did the 109 kill?
[/B]

Tenthousends, of course on the Allied side.


Quote

How many 109's failed due to sabotage on the production line due to forced labour?


You claim this was the case ? That`s fine, but now you should prove it, come up with numbers, references, sources, things like that.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 20, 2004, 12:52:32 PM
Hehe, Izzy boy, you need to read some more.
"Yeah-yeah, the old boring excuse. Funny though that somehow the LW had no problem finding the RAF... I mean, how is that Galland found&shot down about 90 planes in just up to 1941... those 90 planes certainly met Galland.. and lost every time."

Galland got shot down multiple times. However, he was lucky enough to be over his own turf.
When Galland met Bader, he was still bearing burnmarks from the last time,  - being shot down by some of Bader's boys.
Mölders got shot down some times as well, once being captured by the French, another time duelling with a humble Spit MkI and loosing to the humble .303's.
Gunther Rall got shot down 8 times.
Rudorffer got shot down 17 times.
I remember that Hartmann did also get shot down, he was captured but escaped.

On the western front in particular, the LW was more or less always over their own turf from 1940/41 onwards, simply because they were on the defensive side. That allows a 200 kills ace 17 lives (such as Rudorffer) while the RAF30- 50 kills guy (Such as Pat Pattle, scoring a good deal in a biplane) never wrecked a plane.
But alas, wasting my time.
After all, I somehow recall that in Barbiworld the name of Ernst Udet is yet ubknown.....
How about "Uncle" Theo Osterkamp. I can throw you a bone about his opinion of the Spitfire.
First you have to read up.
Who was Udet
Who was Theo

??
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 20, 2004, 01:46:28 PM
naziangie wrote :


Galland got shot down multiple times. However, he was lucky enough to be over his own turf.
When Galland met Bader, he was still bearing burnmarks from the last time, - being shot down by some of Bader's boys.


And..? Wasn`t Galland`s overall record against the RAF, hmm, quite positive, even at that time ? Not that he didn`t met fierce opposition in the air, but the fact still is he scored about triple as much as them. Even during the same period. Even when flying over the enemy.

Why angiebangie, if he flew a that inferior plane like the 109?



Mölders got shot down some times as well, once being captured by the French, another time duelling with a humble Spit MkI and loosing to the humble .303's.
Gunther Rall got shot down 8 times.
Rudorffer got shot down 17 times.
I remember that Hartmann did also get shot down, he was captured but escaped.


BS. Hartmann was never shot down, naziangie. Not even once. Same with the rest,  you attempt to mix various forced landings with being shot down. You lied Malan shot down Moelders, when in fact all he did was peppering his Emil and Moelders got home with some injuries in his leg..


On the western front in particular, the LW was more or less always over their own turf from 1940/41 onwards, simply because they were on the defensive side. That allows a 200 kills ace 17 lives (such as Rudorffer) while the RAF30- 50 kills guy (Such as Pat Pattle, scoring a good deal in a biplane) never wrecked a plane.


Aha. So Galland was flying over it own turf, ie. France in 1940, where he shot down 14 planes, and during BoB, where he shot down further 35? That makes it 49 victories when Galland was flying over enemy 'turf' constantly. Moelders did 16 in Bof, 28 in the Bob, for a total 44.

Tell me, how many victories the highest scoring RAF ace did at the same period? Maybe 10-15? Appearantly there`s a consiparacy against you. You keep telling us how amazed the LW was with the Spitfire, and felt 'inferior' but we see no qoutes, no references, we see the top scoring 109 pilots scored 10 times as high during the war, and 3-4 times as many even during the same period and area, and we see the overall combat records, fighters lost vs. fighters also favours the 109 heavily. Read up naziangie when you pulled your head out from the darkness, read up for example what happened over dunkirk. And dont forget to make up the new excuses.

With the above I mean that there`s no slightest correllation between the story you tell us, and what history tells us.

But forget it. People like you always need more and more excuses instead of facing the facts. You appear to be living in a dreamworld where leading RAF aces never get shot down.. vs. reality, some brit aces that got shot down SEVEN TIMES during BoB and survived? Talking about advantage here!



After all, I somehow recall that in Barbiworld the name of Ernst Udet is yet ubknown.....
How about "Uncle" Theo Osterkamp. I can throw you a bone about his opinion of the Spitfire.
First you have to read up.
Who was Udet
Who was Theo



Ah, more vivid stories from naziangie.. You want to tell me about Udet, and Osterkamp. I guess it`s just the same thing when you say Rall did prefer a Spitty wing. Rall says that nowhere, though.  How pathethic is that, naziangie, you don`t even understand the words of people you are quoting, and now you came up with fabricated stories... yes this is a good thread, it shows us how low you can get in the mud.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 20, 2004, 04:13:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
naziangie wrote :
.
.
.
.
Why angiebangie, if he flew a that inferior plane like the 109?
.
.
.
.
How pathethic is that, naziangie, you don`t even understand the words of people you are quoting, and now you came up with fabricated stories... yes this is a good thread, it shows us how low you can get in the mud.


LOL Angus, looks like you are #1 on Barbi's love list now. :aok You have sent him of the deep end with and we have another of his typical patented rants. :rofl

Is not calling someone a Nazi, as Barbi has just done, not a reason for banning? Will be second from the AH site.

Furball, you will never convince Barbi that Messerschmitt used slave labour even though Willy was convicted and sent to prison for 2 years for doing so.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Arlo on November 20, 2004, 04:35:22 PM
Seems he's a might confused, yes it do.

[Kurfoist]Don't tell me the Spitfire's better than my 109 you Nazi bastage![/Kurfoist]

lol

Do mental wards in Europe actually give unlimited access to the internet to their patients? :lol
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 20, 2004, 04:41:12 PM
"Is not calling someone a Nazi, as Barbi has just done, not a reason for banning? Will be second from the AH site. "

Appearantly not, since then Angus and Karnak would have been long banned from here, as they did that continously in the past and at least Angus continoues to do so. Besides that is the reason of calling angus in this more suiting name, his habit of sticking "nazi", "brown trousers", "swastika-tattooed-arse-side" etc. and other nazi-implications on other board members instead of an intelligent debate. I guess if he is man enough to use the nazi word in every second line, he is man enough to bear that I named him after this habit of his. And it will remain so until angie starts to use more coherent arguements than calling people a nazi with whom he can`t agree with. But I am a bit sceptical about this happening, angie isn`t famous for his deeply rooted rationality.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Arlo on November 20, 2004, 04:51:15 PM
Anyone else seein' the irony in Izzy threatening to continue to act stupid until others become coherent? :aok
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: straffo on November 20, 2004, 04:57:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Seems he's a might confused, yes it do.

[Kurfoist]Don't tell me the Spitfire's better than my 109 you Nazi bastage![/Kurfoist]

lol

Do mental wards in Europe actually give unlimited access to the internet to their patients? :lol



It's part of their therapy.

Too bad it don't work :p
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 20, 2004, 05:15:46 PM
Using names such as you accuse Angus of doing Barbi and outright calling a person a Nazi as you have done is not the same. But then, you would not know the difference.

Only one person has Angus done so for because of his maniacal stance on 'German is uber, all other is crap'. Refer back to your first 2 posts Barbi with all the insults thrown at Angus. As I said, it is IMPOSSIBLE to have a civil discussion with you in a thread Barbi. Now when did the doctor take you off your medication?

Angus is not the only one who has called you a 'brown-shirt'. A well known and respected webmaster has also in a PM to me.

I would not talk about being rational Barbi, for you are certainly not.

Question for the members:

Would you have Barbi as your lawyer in court of law? (he claims he is a lawyer)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Karnak on November 20, 2004, 05:16:01 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
"Is not calling someone a Nazi, as Barbi has just done, not a reason for banning? Will be second from the AH site. "

Appearantly not, since then Angus and Karnak would have been long banned from here, as they did that continously in the past and at least Angus continoues to do so.

I only recall one time, about four years ago, that I actually did that.

I have not called you any name, other than Barbi, in this thread.


I don't call people "Nazis".


I don't think you are a Nazi, Barbi.  I think you are a misguided idealist like our American Confederate nuts who are convinced of the rightousness of their heroes.  You like to put your guys on a pedastal and wax long about how great they were, and part of that for you seems to be denegrating the other side in its entirety.  You want your noble heroes to have gone down fighting exceptionally well against the pedastrian masses in their cheam crappy equipment.


That is where we differ.

I think The Spitfire was a great and classic warplane.  You think it was utter crap.

I think the Bf109 was a great and classic warplane.  You think it was a divinely inspired engineering miracle.

And it goes that way across the whole spectrum of Allied and German equipment.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Arlo on November 20, 2004, 05:23:33 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Karnak
I think you are a misguided idealist like our American Confederate nuts who are convinced of the rightousness of their heroes.  


Hey now! Don't go cornfusin' the issue here!:cool:
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 20, 2004, 06:19:59 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Karnak
That is where we differ.

I think The Spitfire was a great and classic warplane.  You think it was utter crap.

I think the Bf109 was a great and classic warplane.  You think it was a divinely inspired engineering miracle.

And it goes that way across the whole spectrum of Allied and German equipment.


Eh-eh, wrong. I dont see it so black and white, you see it so black and white how I see it.. ;) I have told you and others several times that I think the Spit/Messer were a good match. Just that the 109 was a bit more equal. of the two ;) Sorry if it bothers you that I am convinced it`s a smarter design, and that I can throughly back that up. But that`s different than saying it was lightyears ahead. Arguing with blockheads makes my point to seen rather blocky, too, I guess.

That`s what this discussion is supposed to be. Design vs. design aspect, discussed if possible in an intelligent matter, an exchange of ideas. I am glad it is possible with Guppy, and appearantly with you too.

PS : And I like confeds better. :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Tony Williams on November 21, 2004, 03:33:56 AM
It's always instructive to read the views of those pilots with combat experience who have flown a wide variety of types - like Captain Eric Brown, a WW2 FAA fighter and test pilot, who flew everything he could get his hands on.

The British tested captured German planes against their RAF equivalents whenever they could get hold of flying examples (which was quite often). Brown reports that their judgment was that there was little to choose overall between the versions of the Spitfire and the Bf 109 (sometimes one had the advantage, sometimes the other) until late 1942 when the Spitfire IX came onto the scene and blew the Bf 109 away. From then on, the RAF was mainly worried about the Fw 190.

The efforts to keep the Bf 109 up with the game with the G series improved the performance and the armament, but at the expense of handling. The Bf 109 was never an easy plane to fly, and it became trickier still with the extra weight and power. It was really only an Experten machine by then, and lethal to tyro pilots.

Brown's order of rank of the finest fighters in WW2, judged by objective performance and handling criteria, runs as follows:

1. Spitfire XIV
2. Fw 190D-9
3. Mustang IV
4. George 12
5. Tempest V
6. F6F-3 Hellcat
7. Zeke 53

He also produces a modified list of 'the greatest single-engined fighters in WW2', which also takes into account their combat success rate and influence on the conduct and outcome of various operations. This runs as follows:

1=. Spitfire and Fw 190
3. Hellcat
4. Mustang IV
5. Zeke
6. Tempest V
7. George 12

Notice anything missing from these lists? :)

Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website (http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk) and Discussion forum (http://forums.delphiforums.com/autogun/messages/)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: HoHun on November 21, 2004, 04:15:14 AM
Hi Tony,

>Notice anything missing from these lists? :)

Rhyme and reason.

If you put the Spitfire XIV on top, you can't simply leave out the Me 109K-4 which shares a lot of the same strengths (and weaknesses).

And where's the F4U, judged "best carrier fighter" by US pilots at the Fighter Conference?

That list is completely arbitrary.

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 21, 2004, 04:31:12 AM
Quote
Originally posted by HoHun

If you put the Spitfire XIV on top, you can't simply leave out the Me 109K-4 which shares a lot of the same strengths (and weaknesses).

And where's the F4U, judged "best carrier fighter" by US pilots at the Fighter Conference?


But he is not being specific on which model of the Spit and 109. It is the whole family.

Being the best at the FC is only one aspect. The combat and the influence in combat was also considered. This puts the F6F ahead of the F4U.

"..... also takes into account their combat success rate and influence on the conduct and outcome of various operations."
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 21, 2004, 05:36:37 AM
Hmm, to my knowladge Brown`s experience with the 109 is limited to 1 hour of flying with a captured nightfighter G-6/U2 with gunpods, and a G-12 (converted trainer G-6). A rather limited experience to base his judgement on.. and considering the British experiance with the 109, I am not really surprised they come to that conclusion. They got a belly landed 109E with a bent fuselage in 1940, a 109F with barely operating engine that crashed before the trials ended in in 1941, a battle damaged, tropicalized G-2/trop which had it`s propellor holed in 1942, and Browns 'gunboat' G-6.

Now if Brown choosed not to put the 109 on that list, fine, but that hardly speak of other than being highly subjective - and wrong. Same thing with the F-4U, as pointed by HoHun. IIRC Brown said the Corsair would stand absolutely no chance against the 190. Makes me think Brown is a bit biased towards the planes he likes. Maybe because the 190 become the scary boogeyman for the Brits when it appeared, but frankly, it never enjoyed such status with the other - more important - opponents, such as the USAAF and VVS. But if he even consideres combat success rate... sorry, but I know of no fighter that would prove more successfull in combat than the Bf 109. Nothing anywhere near to it`s combat record, it literally swept aside all opposition in the air in the first 3 years. The Zero is considered legendary because it did the same for appx. a year over the PTO...

As for the 109 being a tricky plane to fly - sorry? The only thing I can read and hear from real 109 pilots is that how nice the plane was in the air, the only negative being mentioned are heavy elevators, not something unique to the 109 (P-51, P-40 for example).


As for the weight increase that supposedly ruined the 109`s handling.. hmm.

Increase in normal take off weights through the war :

1940 :

109 E-3 : 2608 kg
Spitfire Mk I. : 2880 kg

1941 :
109 F-2 :  2780 kg + 6.6%
Spitfire MkV : 2962 kg +2.8 %

1942 :
109G-2 : 3030 kg +8.9%
Spitfire MkIX. 3359 kg +13.4 %

1943
109 G-6 : 3150 kg +3.9%
Spitfire Mk VIII. : 3496 kg + 4%

1944
109 K-4 : 3362 kg +6.7%
Spitfire Mk XIV : 3859 kg +10.3%

1940 -> 1944
109E->K : 2608 kg -> 3362 kg,  (+754kg, + 28,9%)
SpitI ->XIV : 2880 kg -> 3859 kg (+979kg, +34 %)


During the war the Spitfire`s fuel capacity was increased by about 50%, but range actually descreased slightly.

The 109s fuel capacity remained the same, yet range increased by about 50%.

The numbers speak for themselves.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 21, 2004, 06:26:53 AM
After a quick search at http://www.luftwaffe-experten.co.uk/captive-index.html,  the following are 109s in British hands. A few more than what Barbi says.

No.1426 (Enemy Aircraft) Flight

DG200 - Messerschmitt Bf109E-3 - W.Nr.4101 - "Black 12" of I./JG51

NN644 - Messerschmitt Bf109F-4 - W.Nr.7232 - "White 11" of IV./JG26

RN228 - Messerschmitt Bf109G-2/trop - W.Nr.10639 - "Black 6" of III./JG7

VX101 - Messerschmitt Bf109G-6/trop - W.Nr.unknown - unknown unit


(RAE) Royal Aircraft Establishment 1939-45

AE479 - Messerschmitt Bf109E-3 - W.Nr.1304 - "White 1" of JG76

TP814 - Messerschmitt Bf109G-6/U2 - W.Nr.412951 - "White 16" of I./JG301

ES906 - Messerschmitt Bf109F-2 - W.Nr.12764 - ? of 2./JG26


Air Fighting Development Unit (AFDU) & Associated Units

VD358 - Messerschmitt Bf109G-14/U4 - W.Nr.413598 - unknown unit


RAF Middle East

HK849 - Messerschmitt Bf109F-? - W.Nr.unknown - unknown unit or code


The 109 was a failure during Bob being unable to protect the LW's bombers adaquately. Over the Reich, it was again a failure, unable to stop the USAAF's 8th AF bombers. The Fw190 doing a better job of it.


One has to land and take off. The 109 could be 'tricky' when landing.


quote: "During the war the Spitfire`s fuel capacity was increased by about 50%, but range actually descreased slightly.

The 109s fuel capacity remained the same, yet range increased by about 50%.
"

Proof required.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 21, 2004, 08:02:04 AM
Milo, how many of those captured a/c you listed was airworthy and flight tested, or performed on tactical trials ?

"The 109 was a failure during Bob being unable to protect the LW's bombers adaquately."

By that criteria, all WW2 fighters were failures unless deployed in overwhelming numbers. By that criteria, the Spit and Hurri were failues as well as they could never stop any German bombing raid reaching their targets. Besides the 109s task was to shoot down enemy fighters. It did that very well, far more British fighers being lost to 109s, than vica versa. Some RAF (Hurri) squadrons fled outright when they spot the 109s. Perhaps they had different experience with the 109s in combat. But comparing the role in an escort fighter, I think we should ask those 55 thousend RAF bomber crews what they think of the Spitfires escort fighter capabilities.. why could they operate only during the night for 6 years. I think it all started at Wilhelmshaven, when the 109s were there, but the Spits - nowhere.


"Over the Reich, it was again a failure, unable to stop the USAAF's 8th AF bombers. The Fw190 doing a better job of it. "

Hmm, AFAIK, the FW 190 didn`t stop the USAAF heavies either, for reasons far beyond the tech aspects of the plane. Appearantly the FW 190 was more suited in the bomber destroyer role than fighting off the escorts, the latter was the task of Bf 109s which were seen as superior fighters in that enviroment; the 190s required their protective screen to operate effectively. Luckily for the LW, these two could supplement each other very well.


"One has to land and take off. The 109 could be 'tricky' when landing. "

Every aircraft is tricky on landing. It required more careful attention on landing, yes. No plane is 100% perfect, yet the 109 was operated successfully with even minimal ground service from the frozen airstrips of Norway and Russia to the hot deserts of Africa. On the other hand it was more forgiving in the air than any other fighter, could be quickly and easily serviced, and required only a small runway for takeoff and landing, shorter than the Spitfire or the FW 190, even according to the British.


"During the war the Spitfire`s fuel capacity was increased by about 50%, but range actually descreased slightly.

The 109s fuel capacity remained the same, yet range increased by about 50%."

Proof required.


Hmm, the Spitfire Istarted with a 85 gallon main tank, the XIV ended the war with 120 gallon main tank. The range of the Spit I was something like 480 miles, the range of the XIV was 460 miles.

The 109E, F, G and K all had 400 liter internal tankage. The Emil had 665km (413miles) max range, the 109F had 835km even with a high speed cruise, (520miles), the 109G had 1160km (725miles) on an economic cruise.

All ranges referring to internal tanks only.

So I was wrong because the 109 actually increased it`s range via perfecting the aerodynamics and powerplant by 75%, not by 50%. Most of this difference roots in that the Spit didn`t get an airframe facelift from time to time.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 21, 2004, 10:29:33 AM
Ah Barbi, the LW was forced to withdraw from BOB due to the Spitfires and Hurricanes. And, not all Spitfire and Hurricane squadrons where in the south during BoB. That means, it only took a portion of the available Spitfires and Hurricanes to have the LW retreat.

The RAF and USAAF did not withdraw from its bombing of the Third Reich. In fact, the LW was a dismal failure in stopping the bombing because of the Allied escort.

Do I need to remind you of Goerings words when he asked why he needed fighters to shot down Allied bombers when he had Flak doing a better job of it.

Flak shot down more British bombers than LW fighters. Now, should we ask those poor LW bomber crews where the 109 escorts were, once they flew past London. You are crasping at straws Barbi.

All those 109s listed flew.

The 109 was 'trickier' than other a/c when landing, especially when the wheels touched the ground due to the toe-in.

A couple of lines of text is not proof for the range for the 109.

from Spitfire: The History

Spit I - 575 mi(925km) on 85 gal. > 6.8 mi/gal
Spit XIV - 850 mi.(1368km) on 109.5 gal. > 7.7 mi/gal
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 21, 2004, 11:07:12 AM
Milo, your interpretation of the air combat during the BoB is highly interesting. To my knownladge, England was bombed until May 1941, when the LW`s bombers transferred to the east. Until then, they couldn`t stop any single LW raid, they couldn`t stop the LW from sinking 250 ships with 10 000 men onboard at Dunkirk, they couldn`t protect the convoys on the channel, they couldn`t protect their airfields in southern england, and finally, they couldn`t protect london and other major industrial cities, and finally, Spits and Hurris could only show up an inferior combat records against enemy fighters, the last reserves of pilots were being thrown into battle with only a few hours in fighters.. therefore I cannot see how your version matches the reality.


You can point to the performance and tactical trials done with those 109, which you claimed were flown, tested etc..
I suppose you won`t be able to.

The ranges I posted are from the respective Handbuchs, GLA datasheets for the 109E, F, and G. They are from primary sources and could be checked if neccesary. Disprove them with documents if you can.

An 1945 British type data sheet clearly states the MkXIV`s range being the following :

460 miles w. 112 gallons (internal)
610 miles w. 142 gallons
680 miles w. 157 gallons
850 miles w. 202 gallons (int+90 gallon tank)
1130 miles w. 282 gallons

Appearantly the fuel economy of late Spitfires were such, that they required TWICE the fuel to get the SAME range as 109s.

The Mk XVI is given with 434 miles range w. 85 gallons. The AFDU stated that despite the fuel increase, and shorter endurance, the greater cruise speed of the XIV makes the range similiar to the Mk IX/XVI.

Now obviously it`s typo in the Spitfire book, and someone mixed up the table while copying it, or it`s just you who are telling funny stories, giving range with droptank and claiming it`s for the internal tank only.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Meyer on November 21, 2004, 11:09:38 AM
Quote
Originally posted by MiloMorai
But he is not being specific on which model of the Spit and 109. It is the whole family.

Being the best at the FC is only one aspect. The combat and the influence in combat was also considered. This puts the F6F ahead of the F4U.

"..... also takes into account their combat success rate and influence on the conduct and outcome of various operations."



So if "also takes into account their combat success rate and influence on the conduct and outcome of various operations"... How it can be that the Bf109 is not in that list????
But the Tempest and George are in??

That's even more ridiculous.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 21, 2004, 12:17:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
Milo, your interpretation of the air combat during the BoB is highly interesting. To my knownladge, England was bombed until May 1941, when the LW`s bombers transferred to the east. Until then, they couldn`t stop any single LW raid, they couldn`t stop the LW from sinking 250 ships with 10 000 men onboard at Dunkirk, they couldn`t protect the convoys on the channel, they couldn`t protect their airfields in southern england, and finally, they couldn`t protect london and other major industrial cities, and finally, Spits and Hurris could only show up an inferior combat records against enemy fighters, the last reserves of pilots were being thrown into battle with only a few hours in fighters.. therefore I cannot see how your version matches the reality.

BoB ended when the Spitfires and Hurricanes forced the LW to fly at night using terror bombing. Now if it makes you any happier to think BoB end in 1941, so be it.

Yet, the LW could not stop 300,000 from escaping from Dunkque. Yet, in the MTO, the RAF forced Rommel to go on 'short rations' because his supply convoys could not reach NA in sufficient numbers. Then there is Malta which both the LW and RA failed to subdue.  

You can point to the performance and tactical trials done with those 109, which you claimed were flown, tested etc..
I suppose you won`t be able to.


Look at the units they were assigned to. Says much. Can you produce every Spitfire, P-47, P-51 trial that the Germans performed.

The ranges I posted are from the respective Handbuchs, GLA datasheets for the 109E, F, and G. They are from primary sources and could be checked if neccesary. Disprove them with documents if you can.

Post them.

Spit later.

Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 21, 2004, 06:21:41 PM
Well, the LW won the BoB didn't they?
The RAF had mounting losses until November, when the LW turned to night ops so they might also find some RAF night fighters to shoot. In the winter it's so dark anyway.
There was never any terrorbombing of British cities, the LW bombing accuracy was quite advanced.
All British defence was quite futile, no wonder they lost the war.
No wonder anyway, since they always overclaimed, so there was no sense of reality in their high command.
Dunkirk? Come on, it's much better to have the enemy feeding 300.000 soldiers, since they are and were useless anyway.
N.Africa? Were there even any Brits there?
Malta? Are you mixing that one up with Crete?
Spitfires with range? Laughable. They could never cross the channel anyway. Not that it mattered.

Oooops. Think I ate an Izzy pill  


:D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 21, 2004, 06:59:51 PM
LOL Angus.;)


endurance

Spitfire I
 
@ 14000', most economical > 3.4 hr
@ 18,500' cruising weak > 1.88 hr
@ 14,500', cruising rich > 1.25 hr
@ 12,000', climbing > 1.05 hr
@ 17,000', all-out level > 0.96 hr


Me109E
 
@ SL, max economy > 2.20 hr
@ SL, max continuous > 1.05 hr

@ 9842', max economy > 1.00 hr
@ 9842', max continuous > 2.05 hr

@ 16404', max economy > 1.50 hr
@ 16404', max continuous > 0.55 hr

@ 19865', max economy > 1.40 hr
@ 19865', max continuous > 1.10 hr
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 21, 2004, 07:26:38 PM
quote: "I think it all started at Wilhelmshaven, when the 109s were there, but the Spits - nowhere."

Where were the 109s to escort the LW bombers that tried to bomb England and Scotland in 1940?

"Thur. August 15th

From Norway, 63 He 111's and 21 Bf 110's of Luftflotte V tried to attack airfields in the north of England. Intercepted by 72, 14, 65, 79 and 607 sqns, 8 He 111's and 7 Bf 110's were downed. No airfields were hit. A second raid of 50 Ju 88's without fighter escort was met by 616 sqn and a flight of 73 sqn and six bombers were destroyed.

Luftflotte V never attacked in daylight again.
" :eek:
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Naudet on November 22, 2004, 03:33:21 AM
Quote
Brown's order of rank of the finest fighters in WW2, judged by objective performance and handling criteria, runs as follows:
1. Spitfire XIV
2. Fw 190D-9


Tony, if i remember right, Brown couldnt get a clear winner between the Spit and the FW190, because one turns better but the other rolls much better.
So he rated them both equal, even though it was necessary for him to put back national pride.
Duels in the Sky is really a good source for fighter vs. fighter comparisons.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 22, 2004, 05:07:10 PM
From Izzy I presume:
"quote: "I think it all started at Wilhelmshaven, when the 109s were there, but the Spits - nowhere." "

Well, the round trip from east Anglia to Wilhelmshafen is roughly 800 miles by going straight. It is roughly the same distance as from Jutland to the east coast of Britain.
(Sailed that once, 22 hours at sea doing 15 kts +)
Of course there was no way a Spitfire without drop tanks could cross that. This is actually the same distance as from Kristianssand to Aberdeen, Esbjerg to Newcastle etc.
For a 109 the distance from their nearest base to Wilhelmshafen would possibly be about 20 miles maybe?
On those other routes mentioned, 109's didn't cross either, either without or with drop tanks.
Now, the Spitfires were easily over Belgium, which gives you a round trip of 400-500 miles which I would think is pretty authentic, but also definately the Spitfire's utter range.

The 109 going from fields in N-France should then with the same range have been roaming over N-Wales, Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester etc., without  drop tanks of course.
I have no reports of that, however I am all ears :D
After all, the Germans bombed Coventry at night, which is a shorter trip. Why didn't they do it in daylight with 109 escort?
From the Barbi-rangetable that would have easily within the 109's range.

Have some more cookies coming. Good to have them with the pills

:D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 22, 2004, 05:17:21 PM
Quote
Appearantly the FW 190 was more suited in the bomber destroyer role than fighting off the escorts,


True BUT only for the Rustsatz 7 and Rustsatz 8 Sturmjager.   The FW-190A was an air superiority fighter by design.

Quote
Hmm, AFAIK, the FW 190 didn't stop the USAAF heavies either,


As a matter of fact they did, Izzy.  ONCE they turned back an entire USAAF bombing raid.  

Shortly after the Schweinfurt Raid they brought the USAAF unescorted bombing daylight campaign to a halt until an escort fighter with sufficient range could be brought into service.

The reprieve did not last long and the Luftwaffe failed to take advantage of it.

Quote
the 190s required their protective screen to operate effectively.


Is a tactical decision and not a performance necessity.


Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 22, 2004, 06:06:25 PM
A "light" 190 was from the start more dreaded by the allied pilots than the 109.
A heavier 190 was a superior bomber destroyer to the 109.

I have not seen the "turning back" of an entire bomber raid by 190's on print yet, but it coming from Crumpp should be pretty authentic. I am all ears here, whee, when, how much etc????????

I do have somewhere in my books some numbers of the USAAF having called off raids due to griveous losses, I think Schweinefurt. 17%?
The RAF was sticking to  5% as being the top number acceptable for sustained losses, they also crossed that at times, at night!

Then this:
"the 190s required their protective screen to operate effectively"

Ballocks. The 190 was more flexible to roles than the 109. Better interceptor, better attacker and definately equal in the role of air superiority.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 22, 2004, 06:59:24 PM
Quote
I have not seen the "turning back" of an entire bomber raid by 190's on print yet, but it coming from Crumpp should be pretty authentic. I am all ears here, whee, when, how much etc????????


It was very early in the 8th AF time in Europe.

On 8 March 1943 the 8th AF split it's small Force.  54 B17's were sent to Rennes in Brittany while 16 B-24's targeted the Rouen railroad yards.  The B24's were escorted by 16 RAF Spitfire Squadrons and supported by a sweep by 4th Fighter Group Spitfires.  Jafu 3 and Jafu 2 were able to coordinate their efforts and get the Stabsschwarm JG26, II/JG26, 12/JG2,and part of I/JG27 into position for a perfect attack.  The FW-190's came in "Schnauze auf Schnauze".  The lead bomber fell completely apart and the No. 2 burst into flames.  The bomber formation fell apart and proceded to dump thier bombs all over the French countryside.  2 more B24's crashlanded in England after damage.  In the subsequent fights with the escorting Spitfires the FW-190's claimed 2 Spitfires for no losses.  Priller and Glunz claimed the Spitfires.  12/JG2 (Me-109) lost two aircraft and 3/JG27 (Me-109) lost one pilot and aircraft.  This proved to be the only time the USAAF bombers ever turned back before reaching their target.

It was not a large raid but it did have a fomidable escort.

Quote
I do have somewhere in my books some numbers of the USAAF having called off raids due to griveous losses, I think Schweinefurt. 17%?


On 14 Oct 1943 the 8th AF officially suspended the unescorted deep penetration daylight bombing campaign until a fighter capable of escorting the bombers was developed.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 22, 2004, 07:06:22 PM
Very nice.
"This proved to be the only time the USAAF bombers ever turned back before reaching their target. "

Very interesting.

Wonder about LW in the BoB. I've seen it claimed that they never jettisoned and ran,- after all in September 1940 you'd have 3x109 for each bomber. Then one fine day, I ran across accounds of a formation being broken up, jettisoning and running.
And silly me, I didn't write it down, and now I can't find it. Ahh, the penalty of reading 10 books at a time :eek:
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 22, 2004, 07:18:51 PM
from the American side

MONDAY, 8 MARCH 1943

"EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)

  VIII Bomber Command Mission No. 41: 67 B-17's of the 1st Bombardment Wing
and 16 B-24's of the 2d Bombardment Wing are dispatched against the
marshalling yard at Rouen, France. Thirteen B-24's drop 39 tons of bombs on
the target at 1402-1403 hours local; we claim 14 aircraft destroyed, 3
probably destroyed and 3 damaged; we lose 2 B-24's, 1 is damaged beyond
repair and 3 others are damaged; casualties are 5 KIA, 3 WIA and 17 MIA.
54 B-17's hit the target at 1430 hours dropping 134.75 tons of bombs; they
claim 14 enemy aircraft destroyed, 1 probably destroyed and 5 damaged; we
lose 2 B-17's, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 9 others are damaged;
casualties are 8 WIA and 20 MIA. The bomb run over Rouen is considerably
disrupted by the well-executed attack of fighters which down 2 bombers
including the lead aircraft. This action is preceded by an earlier wave of
German fighters which occupy the fighter escort while the second wave
attacks the bombers


from http://paul.rutgers.edu/~mcgrew/wwii/usaf/html/

Another site worth looking at, http://www.taphilo.com/history/8thaf/8aflosses.shtml
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 22, 2004, 08:04:34 PM
Quote
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
VIII Bomber Command Mission No. 41: 67 B-17's of the 1st Bombardment Wing and 16 B-24's of the 2d Bombardment Wing are dispatched against the  marshalling yard at Rouen, France. Thirteen B-24's drop 39 tons of bombs on the target at 1402-1403 hours local; we claim 14 aircraft destroyed, 3 probably destroyed and 3 damaged; we lose 2 B-24's, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 3 others are damaged; casualties are 5 KIA, 3 WIA and 17 MIA.  54 B-17's hit the target at 1430 hours dropping 134.75 tons of bombs; they claim 14 enemy aircraft destroyed, 1 probably destroyed and 5 damaged; we lose 2 B-17's, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 9 others are damaged; casualties are 8 WIA and 20 MIA. The bomb run over Rouen is considerably disrupted by the well-executed attack of fighters which down 2 bombers including the lead aircraft. This action is preceded by an earlier wave of German fighters which occupy the fighter escort while the second wave attacks the bombers


This comes from original OPSUM as Milo posted.  Interesting to compare the differences between the Allied accounts and the Luftwaffe.  The Luftwaffe reports clearly state no B 24's dropped on the rail yard.  

I have to wonder if perhaps:

a.  The B24's in formation believed they were over the target when the lead ship (navigating) was so suddenly destroyed and they saw other ships dropping their bombs.

OR

b.  Some of the B24's continued on and in the confusion were able to drop on target.

Either one is entirely possible.  I will say from the Jafu reports I understood the B17's to be a completely separate target and mission.  The B24's were a diversionary raid and they list no damage to the railway.  

As usual both sides over claim a bit.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 22, 2004, 08:10:56 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
The 190 was more flexible to roles than the 109. Better interceptor, better attacker and definately equal in the role of air superiority.


Crumpp's account, at least on that day, says so. ;)


"the FW-190's claimed 2 Spitfires for no losses. Priller and Glunz claimed the Spitfires. 12/JG2 (Me-109) lost two aircraft and 3/JG27 (Me-109) lost one pilot and aircraft."
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 22, 2004, 08:18:58 PM
Quote
"the FW-190's claimed 2 Spitfires for no losses. Priller and Glunz claimed the Spitfires. 12/JG2 (Me-109) lost two aircraft and 3/JG27 (Me-109) lost one pilot and aircraft."


While the claims can be called into question, it is hard to argue with the stated losses.

If the Luftwaffe says it lost X number of planes and the USAAF lost X number of planes you can believe them.

When they say X number of ENEMY planes were destroyed then take it with a grain of salt.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 22, 2004, 08:31:01 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
While the claims can be called into question, it is hard to argue with the stated losses.

If the Luftwaffe says it lost X number of planes and the USAAF lost X number of planes you can believe them.

When they say X number of ENEMY planes were destroyed then take it with a grain of salt.

Crumpp


No one is questioning the claims Crumpp. On that day, the 190 was the better a/c of the 2 German fighters. :) :)

It would be intersting to see what percentage of losses/claims of 190s and 109s participating in combat on other days were in specific theatres.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 22, 2004, 09:39:10 PM
Quote
No one is questioning the claims Crumpp. On that day, the 190 was the better a/c of the 2 German fighters.  


I realize that.  Sorry my post was confusing. Just pointing out that the reports clearly state on the German side the railway was not bombed.  I think there exist's a strong possibility the bombers hit the wrong target in the confusion.  Looks like they might have dropped on the countryside thinking they were over the target.

Quote
It would be intersting to see what percentage of losses/claims of 190s and 109s participating in combat on other days were in specific theatres.


Yes it would. If you come across any info please post it.  On the Western Front, depending on the time period, the FW-190 was the predominant fighter used by the Luftwaffe.  In fact the theater had priority for FW-190 fighter variant allocation.

Examining the losses on both sides might be useful.  

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 23, 2004, 04:49:44 AM
Losses  on both sides is tough work, we all tried that a bit.
I have the Fighter command losses 1942-1943 if that helps.
I ran some study of LW claims vs RAF losses in a timeframe, the LW claims were actually quite accurate. A bit over at times, but sometimes 100%.
This meant a painful job of hairing out losses due to other causes than combat, which luckily the book had listed nicely.

In almost all cases where the LW claimed a kill, at least a RAF aircraft was hit.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 23, 2004, 07:48:13 AM
To get the ball rolling on the 109 and 190 comparison,

from 6 Months to Oblivion

fighter losses, Nov 2 1944

Me109G-10, 14, K-4

I./JG 3 - 4
II./JG3 - 11

III./JG4 - 3
IV./JG4 - 5

I./JG27 - 11
II./JG27 - 1
III./JG27 - 5
IV./JG27 - 10

total - 50

Fw190A-8

IV./JG3 - 11

II./JG4 - 6

total - 17

What I don't know is how many 109s and 190s took off that day. Nor, if there was any losses in the other JGs (ie. JG26, 2, ...) in the West. A 'loss to participation' percentage comparison for the 109 and 190 can't be made until that is known. Need the claims as well.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 23, 2004, 11:01:23 AM
Do you know who claimed those?

Must have been an active day. In the autumn of 1944, 17th September I think it was, the allies sent over some 2500 aircraft and gliders for Arnhem. Some German generals witnessed this bus-speed convoy droning over their heads in what seemed to be an endless row. One remarked:
"As usually our airforce was not there"

I think the only losses were to flak and accidents.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 23, 2004, 01:22:51 PM
Angus, would say 8th AF for the locales are all in Germany. (Aschersleben, Dessau, Halle, Kothen, Zerbst, Kothen,  Leune, Leipzig, Merseburg, Bitterfeld, Eisleeben)

Refer to the link provided previously for the 8th AF on that day.

Not to worried about the claims as it is the performance, or lack of performance, of the 109 and 190 that is of importance.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 23, 2004, 02:17:53 PM
Ah, well, the topic was Spit vs messer design.
I am about to get some insider's view of the 109, I'll ask any question, if there is something you'd like to know, post a question and I'll see about it.
There is also a view on those by Theo Ostercamp, who was a WW1 vet and a high rank LW personell as well as participant in the BoB. I'll try to get around entering it on this thread tonight. But it's in German. I know Crumpp is a German speaker, how about Milo? I can try to swing it over to English if needed.

Anyway, When it comes to turn and climb pr. Hp, practically everything I have seen comes into the Spittys favour, however the Speed comes in the 109's favour. Rolls? Similarly inferior to the 190, hehe  :D
I'll stop here now, it's enough.....  

Regards

AngUS :rolleyes:
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 23, 2004, 02:57:11 PM
Well the thread has gone a wee bit off track.;) The lack of appearance of a certain 109 luver.:p So until his re-appearance might as well compare the 109 to the 190.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 23, 2004, 03:41:45 PM
On 2 November I/JG26 and II/JG26 conducted a JaboJagd to the Wesel-Lingen area behind german lines.

They encountered Typhoons and moved to attack.  Before they could get into position they in turn were bounced by Spitfires from 442 (RCAF) which shot down one FW-190A8.

A big swirling dogfight developed with no further losses on either side.

The FW-190's returned to base.  Five were damaged.  Two from combat, two with engines trouble, and one with damage from German Flak.

Quote
What I don't know is how many 109s and 190s took off that day. Nor, if there was any losses in the other JGs (ie. JG26, 2, ...) in the West.


JG 300, JG 301, and JG 302 were pulled off the line and where conducting conversion training to the FW-190.  They have some interesting comments about two aircraft.  I will post them later.

IV./JG3 - 11

II./JG4 - 6

Are both Sturmjager units.  They took horrendous casualties.  IV/JG3 (Sturm) took over 500 percent casualties during it's existence.  The highest rate of any Luftwaffe unit during the war.  Each man was a volunteer and swore an oath to bring to down a bomber each time he took off.  Even if it meant ramming.  The tactics they used was a line abreast formation from the rear.  They would close to within 50 meters and open fire.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Meyer on November 23, 2004, 08:32:20 PM
Quote
Originally posted by MiloMorai
To get the ball rolling on the 109 and 190 comparison,

from 6 Months to Oblivion

fighter losses, Nov 2 1944

Me109G-10, 14, K-4

I./JG 3 - 4
II./JG3 - 11

III./JG4 - 3
IV./JG4 - 5

I./JG27 - 11
II./JG27 - 1
III./JG27 - 5
IV./JG27 - 10

total - 50

Fw190A-8

IV./JG3 - 11

II./JG4 - 6

total - 17

What I don't know is how many 109s and 190s took off that day. Nor, if there was any losses in the other JGs (ie. JG26, 2, ...) in the West. A 'loss to participation' percentage comparison for the 109 and 190 can't be made until that is known. Need the claims as well.


That's 6.25 losses/Gruppe for the 109, and 8.5 losses/Gruppe for the 190 :p
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 23, 2004, 08:51:04 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Meyer
That's 6.25 losses/Gruppe for the 109, and 8.5 losses/Gruppe for the 190 :p


:p  And how many a/c were in combat? Just because it says I./xx does not mean the whole Gruppe participated.:)

When Crumpp's numbers for JG26 are included, the Fw drops to 6.0.:) Try again Meyer. ;)

What Gruppes had no losses?


Come back when you understand what is being asked. >> A 'loss to participation' percentage comparison
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 24, 2004, 07:30:59 AM
Hehe, that would make the Spitfire climb the ladder a bit, for although it probably has a negative KD, it flew  quite a lot ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 24, 2004, 08:30:51 AM
Quote
Hehe, that would make the Spitfire climb the ladder a bit, for although it probably has a negative KD, it flew quite a lot


What I find interesting are the number of long dogfights that end with no casualties or shootdowns.  Seems that when the pilots saw each other it was extremely difficult to gain advantage over one another on even ground.

I will post some interesting comments on Luftwaffe fighter performance differences made by pilots who flew both types tonight and scan the comments from the units transitioning from the Bf-109G14 to the FW-190A8.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Meyer on November 24, 2004, 10:38:34 AM
Quote
Originally posted by MiloMorai



Come back when you understand what is being asked. >> A 'loss to participation' percentage comparison


Thx for the advice, but maybe you should come back when you have a little sense of humor ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 24, 2004, 10:54:48 AM
From Crumpp
"What I find interesting are the number of long dogfights that end with no casualties or shootdowns. Seems that when the pilots saw each other it was extremely difficult to gain advantage over one another on even ground. "

This is really true! Often, after dozens of aircraft clashing, maybe 2 got shot down and the rest departed.

The BoB may have been an exception to this, after all Göring wanted to get the RAF out of the sky, so the LW boys, by number the finest fighter pilots of the world, would stay for a bit in the mingle, - not just for one merge. So things would get hot and fought out for a good time.
And although the BoB is a small concept in comparison with i.e. the Allied bombing campaign in 1944, and Red Airforce numbers in the same year, the 6-12th month of 1940 marks itself out with the remarkable number of aircraft that the LW lost in that period.

You gave me a teaser there Crumpp, - lots to think about while doing my work, so THX



:)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 24, 2004, 10:54:49 AM
Better work on improving your humour Meyer.  :p
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 24, 2004, 11:54:34 AM
Quote
This is really true! Often, after dozens of aircraft clashing, maybe 2 got shot down and the rest departed.


Many of the fights did go like this for both sides.   Seems even in 1944, many did not as well.  I was refering to the fights were they "mixed it up" for a good bit and either there are no casualties or very few.

Talking with some of the P51 pilots and several Luftwaffe veterans about this subject.  They say it was not uncommon to get into dogfights that lasted up to 20 minutes at a time and went from altitude all the way to the deck.

The impression I get from both sides is pretty much if you blew the initial bounce you were in for a fight.  

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 24, 2004, 02:11:24 PM
From Crumpp:
"The impression I get from both sides is pretty much if you blew the initial bounce you were in for a fight. "

Well, that was a unique quality of say a 190A vs Spit V, - if you blew the bounce you were necessarily NOT up to a fight. You could roll out and dive away.
The 109's would also work that game a lot, although they could not pull away that fast perhaps.
The 109's in the BoB used the bunt to get away, since after a high alt bounce the Spitfires would often stay with them.

So, depends on the plane setup really.

A 190 that jumped a P47/51 and failed, would have been in trouble.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 24, 2004, 03:50:26 PM
Quote
A 190 that jumped a P47/51 and failed, would have been in trouble.


Depends Angus.  

Peter Rodeike list's part of the documentation in his Book "Focke-Wulf" Jagdflugzeug FW-190A, FW-190"Dora" and Ta-152H" for the "wild claims" I am about to make.  I would not make them if I could not back it up and prove it.  I have the documentation he references as well as quite a few others including the numbers fielded.  

In July of 1944 the Luftwaffe issued an order not only to raise the manifold pressure of the BMW801D2Q but to phase it out completely.

Existing BMW801D2's in the inventory could be fitted and used on FW-190A8's however the power egg was to be replaced by either:

BMW801TS  (BMW 801S)
BMW-801TH (801D2 with the cylinders, Heads, and supercharger from BMW 801TS)
BMW801TU (BMW801F motor)

The aircraft was to remain designated an FW-190A8 but once the power egg was replaced there was no difference at all between a retrofitted FW-190A8 and an FW-190A9 except in name.

Now the BMW801TU was pretty rare and was the motor fitted to the FW-190A9 and the FW-190A8/R11.  All FW-190A8/R11's were equipped with them and most FW-190A9 and FW-190F9 had the BMW801TS.  Several hundred FW-190A9's were fitted with the BMW-801TU as well as over 700 FW-190F16 that were fielded.  

An FW-190A8 with the BMW801TS (BMW 801S) motor was equal in speed to the P51D at sea level and faster on boost.

So when December of 1944 came around and the Dora was introduced, the Jagdwaffe had good reason to be skeptical of it being better than the FW-190A.  Many of the pilots express this in their initial impressions and were pleasantly surprised when it was a better performer.

Call the Smithsonian and ask what motor is in their FW-190F8 on display.  You will find their FW-190F8 has an BMW-801TS motor. The FW-190F8 is included under the same order as receiving second priority for these motors after the existing FW-190A8 airframes.  In fact a large percentage of the BMW-801's in existence today are BMW-801TS motors.

In November of 1944, Allied pilots were encountering the FW-190A9 or it's equal.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MANDO on November 24, 2004, 06:13:04 PM
Crumpp, these engines excell only at medium and low alts, none of them could compete against Ju 213A1, that engine was developing 1600 Hp at 18000 feet without wep.

The 190A mosters would be those equipped with BMW801J (1500 Hp at 38000 feet without wep) and Q (1700Hp at 38000 feet without wep), but none of these engines were serialized. 801D2 gave no more than 650hp that high.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 24, 2004, 06:19:18 PM
Quote
Crumpp, these engines excell only at medium and low alts, none of them could compete against Ju 213A1, that engine was developing 1600 Hp at 18000 feet without wep.


Exactly.  Not claiming otherwise.  Nor am I saying the FW-190A outperformed the Dora.  I am saying the FW-190A8 was competative against it's allied contemprary fighters and had some real advantages that made it's pilots loyal to it.  They had confidence in the design.

Quote
An FW-190A8 with the BMW801TS (BMW 801S) motor was equal in speed to the P51D at sea level and faster on boost.


Down low, where many dogfights end up at, the FW-190A performed it's best.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 24, 2004, 07:18:31 PM
quote:

"Call the Smithsonian and ask what motor is in their FW-190F8 on display. You will find their FW-190F8 has an BMW-801TS motor."

In the book put out by the Smithsonian on the restoration of their F-8, Dale Bucy and Mike Lyons state they could find no manufacturer's data plate for the engine, so the exact subseries and serial number could not be asertained..
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MANDO on November 24, 2004, 07:19:26 PM
Agree with you, at low alts, 190A9 beats most if not all western allied fighters, and any 109, 109K included. I would say it was very close to our current La7.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 24, 2004, 08:30:42 PM
Quote
In the book put out by the Smithsonian on the restoration of their F-8, Dale Bucy and Mike Lyons state they could find no manufacturer's data plate for the engine, so the exact subseries and serial number could not be asertained..


The engine type was discovered during a recent rebuild.  Call Dale and Mike.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 24, 2004, 08:46:18 PM
Will be hard to talk to Mike Lyons since he passed away in Nov 1984 from cancer.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 25, 2004, 05:39:33 AM
How is the lifespan of a BMW radial tuned up like that?
How was the normal performance of those planes in squadron strength?
That's what I'd be looking for in a historical setup.
I've never seen an account of a short nosed 190 outrunning a Mustang.

From a practical point of view, the Merlin could be juiced up to 3000 hp, but it would require expert maintenance, special juices, and be short lived none the less.

Imagine a mustang with that power, well, go to Reno....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 25, 2004, 06:09:15 AM
Quote
Will be hard to talk to Mike Lyons since he passed away in Nov 1984 from cancer.


Did not know that.  Unfortunate. Make the call.  The facts are the engine is an 801S.

Quote
I've never seen an account of a short nosed 190 outrunning a Mustang.


There is lots of anecdotal evidence Angus.  In fact that is what made me start digging into this.  When you see the BMW 801TS power curve and the Mustangs it is not only anecdotal evidence, it becomes scientific fact.  Without MW 50 the FW-190 is equal or around 1Km faster. Throw in the speed gain from MW 50 and the Mustang is left behind.

Quote
How is the lifespan of a BMW radial tuned up like that?


Quite good actually.  Chromed cylinder walls, heads, and valves help out tremendously.  

On a side note one interesting facuet is the metalurgy.  According to the Wright Engine company, who conducted an extensive metalurgical survey of the BMW801D2 the Germans were far ahead in some areas, equal in most, and slightly behind in some areas of metalurgy.  It would have taken the Allies much longer to catch up to the Germans than the Germans to catch up to Allies.

Happy Thanksgiving, BTW!

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: wrag on November 25, 2004, 07:25:49 AM
Hmm ...

worth a look!

http://www.hitechcreations.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=136439
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 25, 2004, 07:44:23 AM
I was looking at that yesterday, Wrag.  Might have to grab a copy.  Thanks for Sharing.

Some fat to chew on over the Holidays.
For the P51B:
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1101389416_f4uvsp51b.jpg)

For the FW-190A9 or FW-190A8 with BMW-801TS motor:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1101389530_doraspeed3.3.jpg)

With MW-50 add about 10-15kph for the speed of the FW-190.
Still owe the thread those comments from transitioning pilots.  Got to dig them out and scan them.  Going to go spend some time with the family and I will do it after the Holidays!

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 25, 2004, 09:38:50 AM
One problem with your P-51 chart Crumpp it is for a -3 engine. By the time your 'improved' 801s were around, the P-51s were using the more powewrful -7 engines and more MP.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 25, 2004, 09:53:06 AM
Quote
One problem with your P-51 chart Crumpp it is for a -3 engine. By the time your 'improved' 801s were around, the P-51s were using the more powewrful -7 engines and more MP.


That is correct.  The data I have on the P51D Merlin-7 shows 581Kph at sea level on WEP.  It's still 9 kph slower on the deck without MW-50 boost.

If you have other data please post it.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 25, 2004, 11:12:45 AM
At what MP for the -7?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 25, 2004, 12:15:17 PM
From Crumpp:
"There is lots of anecdotal evidence Angus. In fact that is what made me start digging into this. When you see the BMW 801TS power curve and the Mustangs it is not only anecdotal evidence, it becomes scientific fact. Without MW 50 the FW-190 is equal or around 1Km faster. Throw in the speed gain from MW 50 and the Mustang is left behind. "

I'd love to see some anecdotes. You say it's equal or faster without MW50, - well that depends on altitude. So do you mean at best or at worst or what?
How does your 190 match up with a Mustang at the Mustang's best alt?

Anyway, got a bsy night ahead. But all anecdotal stuff is very very very welcome ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 26, 2004, 07:18:43 AM
Oh, you all, looking for Spit-Messer related info.
I'm sure Crumpp has it.

LW losses on the 24th of June 1940, before eagle day, in the channel fights.

Apparently some 109 units were taking griveous losses, and I know of one Staffel of 109's that was drown from front line service because of severe losses and low morale.

And that was just in June.....before the actual BoB
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 26, 2004, 08:03:16 AM
Quote
I'd love to see some anecdotes. You say it's equal or faster without MW50, - well that depends on altitude. So do you mean at best or at worst or what?


Only at low altitude does the FW-190A8/9 have a speed advantage.   You can see that all FW-190's had a speed advantage over their Mustang contemprary at sea level.  Quite different from Alfred Price's and RAE conclusions off a derated FW-190A.

The Bf-109 was slower than the Mustang in all models except for the Bf-109G10 and Bf-109K, AFAIK.


Quote
LW losses on the 24th of June 1940, before eagle day, in the channel fights.


Looking but so far have not found anything.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 26, 2004, 01:02:44 PM
So, report of no LW losses?

BTW, most of the LW pilots who fought in the BoB, i.e. who's comments I have read, all say it was a frigging nightmare.

I still sorely need Galland's book though.

Just got a hold of Rall's book in German, Mein Flugbuch. Yummy Yummy ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Neil Stirling1 on November 26, 2004, 02:45:21 PM
Mustang speed and climb at low altitude test results from Boscombe Down
All within AVIA 18/732 held at the National Archive.

Report. Level speed performance with and without RP installation.
Mk 1
AG. 357
F-3-R  55”hg.
July 1943
Without, 357mph at 2000ft/381mph at 7,300ft. .

Report. Climb and level speed performance.
Mk II
FR 893.
F-20-R  60”hg./57”hg on the climb.
Aug 43 to Feb 44.
374mph at 4000ft/409mph at 10,000ft.
3,800ft/min at 6,000ft.
Note aircraft also tested with F-4-R.

Report. Position error, climb and level speed performance trials.
Mk III.
FX.953.
V-1650-3  67”hg.
Feb to May 44.
369mph at 2,000ft/424mph at 15,500ft/450mph at 28,000ft.
3610ft/min at 10,600ft/2690ft/min at 23,400ft.

Report. Position error of static vent and brief level speed trials.
Mk IV.
TK.589.
V-1650-7  80”hg.
July 44.
379mph at 0ft/398mph at 4,300ft.
Aircraft fitted with wing racks.
RAF Mustangs fitted with V-1650-7 cleared for 80”hg with 100/150 grade fuel.

Just for interest.
Report. Brief performance trials and position error measurement.
Mk III
FX.858.
Merlin 100  +25lbs.
April 44.
404mph at 2,000ft/419mph at 5,200ft./455mph at 17,800ft.
4,500ft/min at 1,600ft/4000ft/min at 13,000ft.

Neil.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Arlo on November 26, 2004, 03:06:49 PM
Flugbuch sounds somewhat vulgar. Ahhh the titilation of not being fluent in German.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 26, 2004, 09:17:14 PM
Quote
Mustang speed and climb at low altitude test results from Boscombe Down


The FW-190A9 is just barely faster with MW-50 at sea level than the Mustang III using 80"hg.  Backs up Oscar's experience over the Ardennes forest in Dec. 44.  

Thanks Neil for the data.

Angus,

I can't find any action on 24 June 1940 except for 1 Blenhiem shot down over Norway.  It is the only entry on a supplemental claims list.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1101524865_24jun40.jpg)

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GRUNHERZ on November 26, 2004, 11:25:54 PM
Crummp, Fw190A9 does 380mph on the deck??
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 26, 2004, 11:41:10 PM
Quote
Crummp, Fw190A9 does 380mph on the deck??


It does about 610kph on the deck with MW 50.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 27, 2004, 07:09:45 AM
Hullo ;)
Did Izzy get banned or did he just vanish?
Anyway, tomorrow, I'll take the time to type some text in relation to the head topic, - Spit-Messer.
It's from German pilots who were aces, one of them in high command.
So drool :D

It even includes a cockpit comparison between a Spitty and a 109, the German pilots view. Quite interesting, muhahahaha.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 27, 2004, 09:45:12 AM
LW ace Bob, who participated in BoB, like the Spitfire cockpit over that of the 109. He like the roominess and the overall view from the cockpit.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 28, 2004, 05:05:47 AM
Certainly not Stiegler.


Interesting comments from a known guy, to which, I must admit, give greater credit than Angie`s always referred but never posted qoutes from "LW ace", "German general" and so on...

Anyway, here`s the stuff.. ahh, the first one is for you Angie. Did you find any backup for your old claim on "those shut-wired slats on 109s as I heard from LW aces" :


Did pilots like the slats on the wings or the 109?

Yes, pilots did like them, since it allowed them better positions in a dogfight, along with using the flaps. These slats would also deploy slightly when the a/c was reaching stall at higher altitudes showing the pilot how close they were to stalling....this was also useful when you were drunk!



And this is on the cocpit :


How did the cockpit feel in the 109?

The cockpit was small, but one got used to it after a while. In the end it felt comfortable since you felt like part of the plane. The spitfire's cockpit did not feel that much roomier to him either. The 262 cockpit however was larger in comparison. It also had a long flight stick, giving the pilot lots of leverage in flight.


Just a personal comment, I have seen Mark Hanna (RIP) posing the Spit`s cocpit. He filled it out completely. How 'big' he was, ca. 60kg, 160cm...?

And some other :


Franz Stigler liked the 109G as well and also enjoyed flying the K-4. The K-4, he said was very much like the G yet could leave all other fighters behind in climb. In control feel he said the K felt identical to the G. He described on many occasions where they would just bank away from the fighters and climb away from them (my guess this is probably after attacking them?). He also flew a Spitfire once, saying that he liked the aircraft.



Oberleutnant Schmiller-Haldy also commented that the vision was better from the 109`s cocpit than from the Spitfire, as the Spit`s cocpit was much further back. But that was already proven with drawings. ;)


So carry on angine, you have a lot of homework to do,  ofr example, start with backip up your previous claims.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on November 28, 2004, 08:28:11 AM
Barbi, do a dictionary check for the word 'overall'. To help you along > multi directional.

quote: He described on many occasions where they would just bank away from the fighters and climb away from them (my guess this is probably after attacking them?).

Or trying to stay away from the Allied fighters for tactical reasons.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 28, 2004, 10:09:36 AM
Well,Izzie, now you've stepped into it.
I have exactly something on the cockpits for you, Spit vs Messer. From a messer Ace who was testing various allied aircraft.
Actually he preferredf all their cockpits to the 109 :D
Enjoy,- oh, it's in German:
Of the Spitfire cockpit, from Gunther Ralls MEIN FLUGBUCH p214.

"...und vieder sind es das geraumige cockpit und ergonomisch hervorragende Sitzposition, die mir die frage aufdrangen, womit man uns eigentlich jahrelang abgespeist hat"

Hehe, you should be drooling over what he said about the P51. I remember Izzy claiming that the P51 cockpit was neither bigger nor had better view than the 109 cockpit, the Spitfire having smaller cockpit of course. Yet the 109 has a narrower fuselage, so the magic is achived, the cockpit is smaller on the outside but bigger on the inside eh :D

So P51 cockpit. Same page:

"Die sicht rundum is hervorragend, und im vergleich zur kabine der Messerchmitt hat mann hier das gefuhl in einem salon zu sitzen"

So take that

Regards

Angus
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on November 28, 2004, 12:26:41 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus

Hehe, you should be drooling over what he said about the P51. I remember Izzy claiming that the P51 cockpit was neither bigger nor had better view than the 109 cockpit, the Spitfire having smaller cockpit of course. Yet the 109 has a narrower fuselage, so the magic is achived, the cockpit is smaller on the outside but bigger on the inside eh :D



Angie, we all know that when you drink, you make up things.
Like that I claimed the Spit having a smaller cocpit. Where did I say it?  Angie always 'remembers' things, Angie always remembers unnamed luftwaffe pilots describing the Battle of Britain as a 'frigging nightmare', and Angie never able to name those pilots. Nope, Angie just makes up things, lies. Angie remembers, Angie uses the names of veterans to support his own agenda. That`s the Angus-way.

Rall says he liked the comfortable seat. Hmm. Maybe because the seat in Spit was like a straight-back chair, comfortable, but very bad to resist G-loads? Messerschmitt employed an inclined seat to allow the pilot to resist more Gs. And the British attempted to copy 109`s seating position after they evaluated the aircraft...


Stigler says on the other hand the Spit`s cocpit wasn`t any roomier, so get over it Angie, and try to face the facts instead of making them up. Now Angie also claimed other BS about the Mustang having bigger range on similiar fuel load. Now, where`s the proof angie, nowhere...

Why am I not surprised Angie? It standard issue of things for you to come here, claim BS, tell everyone you will come back with proof... and that`s the last time we hear about you.

So Angie, how about starting to providing proof of all the BS you claimed here? It would be HIGH time for that. And since you claimed new things, try to prove the narrower fuselage thing you just made up.

We are looking forward to that, Angie.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 28, 2004, 01:33:09 PM
Stepped on a nerve there did I?
Ok, I claim this:
1. The Spitfire had a roomier cockpit than the 109.
2. The P51 has a much roomier cockpit than a 109.
3. The Spitfire has similar range with the same fuel load as a similarly powered 109.
4. P51 should have a longer range on the same fuel load as a similarly powered Spitfire.
4. Whatever Stiegler sais, I belive Rall to be the expert there.
After all he flew all available 109's for a very long time, got his 275 kills in it, then flew the P51, P47, P38 and Spitfire in test-combats against 109 pilots.
But you call Stiegler in as the FACT and ask me to get over it.
Rall also menions the cockpit ERGONOMICS if you can read.
He also mentions the 109 seat in a frustrated tone, using the word "abspeisen". That's sort of like putting up with something...err...NOT best
:D
Maybe some of you german speakers would like to translate this :p

Never heard of the British trying to copy the 109 Uberseat, obviously they didn't. Since practically all allied cockpits were roomier than the 109 one, that should however not have been a problem.
I belive they stepped the rudder though, but got to look into my cockpit pics to see it better. They were also testing pressure suits BTW.
Then to the fuselage. The DB has a slightly smaller front than the Merlin, in both cases the fuselage depending on the engine size to hide behind it. Oh, dear, I have that from you actually.
But I'll buy it anyway.
So, please behave and take your pills Izzy, I'l prefer my beer to them any day:D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Naudet on November 29, 2004, 08:15:28 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
It does about 610kph on the deck with MW 50.

Crumpp


WOW that is not far behind the 2100PS D9 with 612km/h.

I guess the bird than also climbs like 19-20m/s?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 29, 2004, 08:58:10 AM
A wee more BoB input.
Crumpp, I misspelled the date where I was looking for LW losses. It should have been the 24th of JULY 1940.
What's your source anyway? If it's a book with it all, is it available :) ??
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 30, 2004, 10:47:37 AM
Just talked to Gunther Rall.
I asked him about the 109 slats.
He solved the myth about them in 1 sentence.
(The myth of them throwing you about too much, or the myth of some pilots not liking them)
Seems I was before both wrong and right.
Will post the exact text very soon.
Please punt or give a reply, if not in some 2 hrs I'll put it up in a seperate thread.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on November 30, 2004, 11:11:59 AM
Still gathering data for the 24 July 40.  There was action over the convoys but nothing spectacular.  Unless of course you happen to be one of the two 109's I have found that were shot down that day or the two Spitfires.

Have not forgotten your request!

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on November 30, 2004, 03:46:11 PM
OK, back.
24th of July 1940.
JG52 loses as far as I can see 4 109's, at least 3.
I think I have the names.
JG 52 III is sent off front line service after 6 days in the heat, due to tremendous losses and low morale.

Ok, the slats and a wee ;).
Qestion: What was your favourite model of the 109?
Rall: It was the 109F. After that they got overloaded.

Question: I have seen on TV that you did not like the slats. Can you tell me why?
Rall: In combat, in a ROUGH turn, the outboard slat would deploy and that would snap the aircraft.

Question: I have heard that some pilots their slats fixed as shut. Do you know of this?
Rall: No, never heard that.


So, that's some wee input.
Compile at will!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Tony Williams on November 30, 2004, 08:04:32 PM
A couple of comments:

I have a BoB video with some modern footage showing a pilot trying out the cockpits of a 109 and a Spitfire which were parked next to each other. The immediate response was how cramped the 109's cockpit was compared with the Spit. You could SEE the difference; he practically had to be shoehorned into the 109, and commented on how poor visibility was and how difficult it was to get proper leverage on the stick.

One of Eric Brown's gripes about the 109 was the operation of the slats, which opened unevenly and unpredictably in manoeuvres, 'giving rise to aileron snatching and completely ruining sighting on any aircraft being attacked.'

Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website (http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk) and Discussion forum (http://forums.delphiforums.com/autogun/messages/)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 01, 2004, 01:03:33 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
Still gathering data for the 24 July 40.  There was action over the convoys but nothing spectacular.  Unless of course you happen to be one of the two 109's I have found that were shot down that day or the two Spitfires.

Have not forgotten your request!

Crumpp


OK here we go.  July 24, 1940 losses

RAF

46 Squadron Hurricane P2685 crashlanded near base with pilot killed. Cause unknown.

54 Squadron
Spitfire I P9389 returned to base damaged after  attacking Do17s over a convoy.  Aircraft repairable, pilot unhurt.

Spitfire I P9549 Returned to base damaged after attacking Do17s etc.  Aircraft repairable

Spitfire I R6812 Engined damaged in combat with 109Es of Stab III/JG26.  Stalled attempting to land at Manston, crashed and burned.  Pilot killed.

Spitfire I R6710 Damaged by a 109 of Stab III/JG26.  Returned to base.  Pilot unhurt.  aircraft repairable.

Spitfire I N3192  Force landed after running out of fuel.  Pilot slightly injured, aircraft a write off.

74 Squadron

Spitfire I L1001 Landed with undercarriage up while practicing landings.  Aircraft damaged but repairable.

145 Squadron

Hurricane I P3516.  Crashed on take off.  Pilot unhurt. Aircraft repairable.

151 Squadron  

Hurricane I P3316  Crashed on take off.  Pilot killed, aircraft a write off.

Luftwaffe next post

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 01, 2004, 01:15:51 AM
Luftwaffe

July 24, 1940

1(F) 123.  Ju88A.  Crashed on operational mission due to technical fault.  4 crew killed. aircraft a write off

Arado AR66  Crashed on a domestic flight.  Two crew killed.  aircraft a write off

Erprobungs Gruppe 210-Me110 exploded and crashed in the sea attacking shipping. Believed lost to AA fire.  Two killed.

II/JG26-Me109E-1  Pilot wounded in combat over the French coast, crashed on landing and was killed.  Aircraft a write off

Stab III/JG26-Me109E-1 Pilot wounded and force landed in England. Taken POW.  Aircraft lost.

8/JG26-Me109E-4  Shot down in combat over Margate.  Pilot bailed out but chute failed. Pilot killed, aircraft a write off.

Stab II/JG52-Me109E Shot down by a Spitfire of 610 Squadron off Margate. Pilot killed, aircraft lost.

7/JG52-Me109E-Failed to return from combat over Margate.  Pilot killed, aircraft lost.

Me109E-Shot down in combat over Margate. Pilot killed, aircraft lost.

8/JG52-Me109E Shot down by Spitfire of 54 Squadron.  Pilot killed, aircraft lost.

3/KG26-He-111-Shot up by Spits of 603 Squadron.  Returned to base single engined and damaged. Aircraft repairable.

6/KG26-He111-Crash landed on a domestic flight due to engine failure.  Two killed.  Aircraft a write off

1/KG27-He111-Crash landed on a local flight due to engine failure.  1 killed three wounded.  Aircraft a write off.

1/KG40-FW200-Force landed in the sea due to fuel loss.  3 made POW, 2 drowned.  Aircraft lost.

3/LG1-JU88  Shot down by Spits from 92 Squadron.  3 POWs, aircraft a write off.

1/StG2-Ju87 Damaged in crash landing.  Crew unhurt, aircraft repairable.

1/StG77-Ju87 collided with landing beacon.  Crew unhurt, aircraft repairable.


All info from "The Battle of Britain-Then and Now"

More specifics in it, as far as pilots names, serial numbers on aircraft etc if needed.

I'd say the RAF had the upper hand that day anyway, and the Spits got the better of the 109s.

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 01, 2004, 01:24:17 AM
JG52 pilots killed that day:
8/JG52-Staffel Kapitan Ehrlich
7/JG52-Gefr. Frank, Oblt. Fermer
Stab III/JG52-Gruppen Kommandeur Hauptman Von Houwald

JG26 pilots lost:

II/JG26-Gruppen Kommanduer Hauptman Noack killed.
Stab III/JG26-Oblt. Bartels wounded and made a POW
8/JG26-Lt. Schauff killed.

Only one Spit lost to enemy action, which was the 54 Squadron Spit that had the wounded pilot who stalled and crashed on landing, being killed in the process.

Just since I like images :)  Two photos of Oblt. Werner Bartels Bf-109E-1 of Stab III/JG26.  Top obviously shows it after the force landing.  Lower shows it on display for the British public.

Dan/Slack
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/810_1101887264_bartels109.jpg)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: bunch on December 01, 2004, 01:34:54 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Tony Williams
A couple of comments:

I have a BoB video with some modern footage showing a pilot trying out the cockpits of a 109 and a Spitfire which were parked next to each other. The immediate response was how cramped the 109's cockpit was compared with the Spit. You could SEE the difference; he practically had to be shoehorned into the 109, and commented on how poor visibility was and how difficult it was to get proper leverage on the stick.

One of Eric Brown's gripes about the 109 was the operation of the slats, which opened unevenly and unpredictably in manoeuvres, 'giving rise to aileron snatching and completely ruining sighting on any aircraft being attacked.'

Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website (http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk) and Discussion forum (http://forums.delphiforums.com/autogun/messages/)


Jeffrey Quill had similar critcisms about the captured Emil he tried out.  He goes on to say that if he had tried out the 109e before he went on his Spitfire combat trial during the Battle of Britain he would have been much more agressive in combat.   Of course as maybe the #1 "spit dweeb" of all time, he could be a biased source.  Or possibly as a professional test pilot, he is highly reliable...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 01, 2004, 04:51:01 AM
Thanks Dan!

Been really busy with other projects.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 01, 2004, 08:19:16 AM
"I have a BoB video with some modern footage showing a pilot trying out the cockpits of a 109 and a Spitfire which were parked next to each other. The immediate response was how cramped the 109's cockpit was compared with the Spit. You could SEE the difference"
I have seen it, that's why I'm rather confident in it.
However the difference is not huge, more like somewhat.
Jeff Quill didn't like the 109's cockpit and view as well as the roll rate. In other sections he rather liked the 109.
His exact expression was that if he had known those characteristics, he would have treated the 109 with less respect in combat.
Now, some more from Rall ;)
Question: You flew a captured Spitfire once. How did you like it?
RALL: Well, the sitting position was quite different, you sat like in a chair, while in the 109 it was like sitting in a racecar.
I didn't like the stick very much, it felt funny to me.
But the performance was very good. It had very good climb and turn, and climbing turn. There was no way to follow it in a climbing turn.
Queastion: Do you mean the upwards corkscrew, as mentioned as an evasive maneuver by some British pilots like Johnny Johnsson?
RALL: Yes exactly. There was no way to follow a Spitfire in an upwards turn. You would stall out.

Well, that was most of it. Will hopefully be hearing him tomorrow again, - or on Monday. (He's travelling) Any simple pilot's view questions you want to promote?

Then to the 24th of july 1940. Will send some date in a couple of hours, ok?

Regards

Angus
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 01, 2004, 02:29:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus

Ok, I claim this:
1. The Spitfire had a roomier cockpit than the 109.

[/B]

We can go round and round abou this, Angie, but frankly, I have seen Mark Hanna in the Spits cocpit in video, and the fact that this little guy barely fit into it tells me more than anything. Stiegler says the Spit ISN`T any roomier than the 109s, which appears to be correct given the bare dimensions of the fuselage and the engine... the only thing the pilots/reports complained on 109 is the headroom, not the rest of the cocpit, ie. it was not really for the taller pilots. The Spitfire in that regard was better, thanks to the blown malcolm hood. Of course that come at a prize, even British reports admit they`d prefer the straight glass of the 109s cocpit over the Spitfire - much less distortion with it I presume! How much room in the Spit? Hmm, IIRC Quill himself told that he felt "buried within" the Spitfire.

But post that BoB picture you mentioned if you can, if you say it`s so telling.



Quote
Originally posted by Angus
2. The P51 has a much roomier cockpit than a 109.

[/B]

Hmm, everyone knows the P-51s fuselage was very narrow, so was the cocpit. Same engine as in the Spit, remember, Angie, same engine dimensions as in the 109, so how could it be wider, hmm? I am looking forward for you to prove it.

Besides you would really want to read some actual reports on the Mustang. Do you know what they say? Very narrow, cramped, and limited headspace. Yes, Angie, that`s what the actual experts said who had to evaluate the Mustang. You are repeating old urban legends here, but I guess most of realize, that WW2 fighter cocpits weren`t exactly roomy, esp. on inline engined fighters...


Quote
Originally posted by Angus
3. The Spitfire has similar range with the same fuel load as a similarly powered 109.
Quote
[/B]

Well I guess we had already seen ranges for the 109s and Spits, so basically you are arguing those facts. Based on those, your statement only seems to be true in case of the Spit I and 109E, which had 637km and 660km range respectively, w. 85 and 88 gallon main tanks, basically the same fuel load, they are pretty equal in range... the Spit Is lower drag almost making up for the advantage the DB601 had over the Merlin in fuel consumption.

And that`s it. ANY other Spitfire looses waaaaaaay out in absolute range : draggier airframe combined with a thirsty engine, no mister, you wont get good range this way. Think about the Spit XIV, ca450 miles range with 112 gallons vs. ca.700miles range of the 109G with 88 gallons? 150 It`s all written in the reports. 125% the fuel capacity, but only 60% the range... Guess it has something to do with 50% higher fuel consumption of the late Merlins/Griffons, eh?


Quote
Originally posted by Angus
4. P51 should have a longer range on the same fuel load as a similarly powered Spitfire.
[/B]

Yep, and the P-51 had very similiar range to a 109F/G/K - as long as on the same fuel load. Both had much longer range than the Spit.


Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Never heard of the British trying to copy the 109 Uberseat, obviously they didn't. I belive they stepped the rudder though, but got to look into my cockpit pics to see it better. They were also testing pressure suits BTW.
[/B]

Oh, WHAT, how did you say? They COPIED the *very tiresome* etc. seating position of a 109 or 190 pilot sit in his plane? Maybe they realized this was better seating position for a fighter pilot ?

BTW, this one is quite an interesting subject, and on-topic, too : just how many things in the late Spitfire originated from enemy fighters, esp. the 109...


Besides I don`t get your comments on the "comfortable" seats of WW2 fighters. Have you seen those? A few dural plates, crudely formed and welded together, basically. Not much more is required, when you are thickly dressed and sit on your chute, anyway...


Quote

Since practically all allied cockpits were roomier than the 109 one, that should however not have been a problem.
[/B]

Uh, yes, of course, whatever you say Angie. I think you practically making sweeping statements and repeating urban myths - do you think this makes a good arguement?



Quote

Then to the fuselage. The DB has a slightly smaller front than the Merlin, in both cases the fuselage depending on the engine size to hide behind it. Oh, dear, I have that from you actually.[/B]


That is very much doubtful you have such thing from me. But we seen your memory don`t serve you right when it comes what other have said.. maybe you should prefer something other than beer as your mental conditioner. Not that I am against beer in any form. ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 01, 2004, 02:52:24 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Tony Williams

One of Eric Brown's gripes about the 109 was the operation of the slats, which opened unevenly and unpredictably in manoeuvres, 'giving rise to aileron snatching and completely ruining sighting on any aircraft being attacked.'



Funny though that the top WW2 fighter unit happens to be just a LW one, just a 109 one, which alone probably shot down more enemy aircraft than the entire RAF, hmm? I mean the JG 52 guys, well over 10 000 victories in air combat.

To me it only proves that Brown was hardly as a good pilot as many think he was. With less then an hour spent in the Bf 109G he flew, hardly he could been one with that much of 'experience' . Any LW rookie in 1945, with as little as 20-30 hours know more about that plane than he.


Others, like Southwood, who spent a LOT more time in the 109G than Brown, were very positively impressed with the slats. I guess they just flown the plane as it was meant to be flown, and Brown just didn`t. At the minimum, there`s isn`t the slightest indication of what Brown seems to suggest that the "slats opened unevenly and unpredictably in manoeuvres". If they would, they wouldn`t been used. They would not be used today.

Here`s the qoute :



"One interesting feature is the leading edge slats.  When these deploy at low speeds or in a turn, a 'clunk' can be heard and felt, but there is no disturbance to the aircraft about any axis.  I understand that the Bf109E rolled violently as the slats deployed, and I am curious to know the difference to the Gustav that caused this."




Now some on Quill. As said, his, let`s call it subjectiveness is a matter of record. As I recall, Quill claims the Emils rate of roll was 'every bit as bad, if not worse as the Spitfire'.

Well, facts stated in the report on the very same crashlanded 109 E-3 Quill flew tell it very different. Here`s the roll curve :


(http://www.fourthfightergroup.com/eagles/bank45.gif)

What is appearant, that the Spitfire I at most practical combat speeds rolled TWICE AS SLOW as the 109E. At 300-400 mph range they were equally as bad, so Quill has some point in that.

But something is missing from that chart. ;) I linked the curves from the other Mr. Williams site, and it wouldn`t be Mike Williams if he hadn`t cut off half of that roll chart. Namely, the STICK FORCES.

Unfortunately these show, that the Spitfire I requires massively higher forces applied on the stick, and could achieve less deflection with that, especially at high speed.

Just to illustrate the magnitude of problem, at 400 mph it`s so bad, that some 67 lbs(!!!) stickforce would be required just to deflect the ailerons 1/4th the range of their max. deflection to produce the roll speeds you see above.

The 109E requires about 35 lbs, to deflect the ailerons 50% more (1/3), and get the SAME roll rate.

Though luck, that according to the RAE`s/NACA`s reports, neither the Spit or Me 109 pilot can exert more than 40 lbs on the stick. But who should be effected by this, hmm?

Especially, who should be effected if we are well aware that the Merlin`s couldn`t run under negative G load... a 109E pilot only had to put the plane into a dive to loose a Spit.
If a Spit pilot wanted to follow him, he had to make a 180 degree roll first, to avoid negative G-load. A May 1940 Brit report states 8 secs were required for a half roll on the Spit, hmmm.. so if the 109 pilot pushed the stick forward, the Spit`s pilot grabbed the stick with both hands, exerted all the force he could sideways, and after 8 very long seconds, he could follow the 109 in the dive.... but hey, where did the guy disappeared to ?!


BTW, recently an Emil, an E-4 IIRC, was restored in 1999. The article was posted on various boards, and it states that roll rate of the aircraft was outstanding, and the author/pilot claims he felt it at least 50% better than the Spitfire V with the improved metal ailerons...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 01, 2004, 05:25:02 PM
Now Izzie, you are one insulent little twit.
Are you calling Gunther Rall himself in as an urban legend for starters?
He is a LIVING legend, and I had the honor of talking to him yesterday.
Yet, you choose to promote your usual garbage, and highly selectED data, although some of it may be quite authentic.
To be honest, you deserve a bloody spanking lesson :D
OK, first round:
"We can go round and round abou this, Angie, but frankly, I have seen Mark Hanna in the Spits cocpit in video, and the fact that this little guy barely fit into it tells me more than anything. Stiegler says the Spit ISN`T any roomier than the 109s, which appears to be correct "
This is not really going round and round since it is basically broadt times width times height. Total value is cubics.
I have had a walkaround  with a 109 and several Spitfires, along with some cockpit peeking. So I don't need to refer with a video.
You present Stiegler. I asked Rall. Belive what you want, but my final conclusion is from firstly my own eyes and then by asking Rall, that THE SPITFIRE COCKPIT IS DEFINATELY SOMEWHAT ROOMIER THAN THE COCKPIT OF A 109.
BTW, did Stiegler have some flying hours in the Spitfire?
More of cockpits:"
Then to the fuselage. The DB has a slightly smaller front than the Merlin, in both cases the fuselage depending on the engine size to hide behind it. Oh, dear, I have that from you actually"
Yes, you and Niklas actually. I think I have some pictures of the frontal area from you, I will look it up.
OMG, could it have been that the Spitfire had smaller frontal area?????
Next round, P51 cockpit vs 109:
"Hmm, everyone knows the P-51s fuselage was very narrow, so was the cocpit. Same engine as in the Spit, remember, Angie, same engine dimensions as in the 109, so how could it be wider, hmm? I am looking forward for you to prove it. "
The P51 cockpit is narrow and deep, and long. About as wide as the cockpit of a 109. Did you ever have a look at a P51 cockpit up close? nnaaaaa you bloody well didn't!
Why would Rall describe it in comparison of the 109 as a "Saloon" with superb view?
3rd Round. The slats:
Rall liked the slats, except in rough combat. Without the slats, the 109's takeoff and landing speeds would have been very high.
However, as he stated, in a ROUGH turn, the outboard slat would deploy very suddenly, snapping the aircraft. So in rough combat while riding the stall, they could interfere, sending you down into a spin-beginning.
Now I must say that I find the slat idea and design a superb idea. Bear in mind though that leading edge slats create less lift than say the better sorts of flaps. Still quite impressive. But I do NOT challenge Rall's words on that. Come on you avacado, the guy has 275 kills in a 109, so when he tells about both merits and vices of the 109, I honestly take his words as very much more credible than yours.
Now for a round for Quill and his 109 time.
Quill was quite delighted with the 109 low speed handling. As soon as you got fast the roll rate got worse below to the one of the humble Spitfire Mk I.
Here is something to bear in mind, and hence, you true-beliver are probably making your stand, - the leverage of the Spitfire stick would allow the application of much more human force.
The Stick travel of the 109 was much less, - so was the space to apply force. Spitfire pilots had just the room to jab their elbow against the hull and really pull. The "funny" stick would actually promote this. You'd understand what I'm saying if you ever did armwrestling. (which I doubt :D)
So from you
"neither the Spit or Me 109 pilot can exert more than 40 lbs on the stick."
Stuff it up yer less holier end!
By the way,your roll curve does not show any stickforces. It' presumably a max roll graph, pilot vs pilot.
Wonder who had a stronger arm.
Then onwards:
"Especially, who should be effected if we are well aware that the Merlin`s couldn`t run under negative G load... a 109E pilot only had to put the plane into a dive to loose a Spit.
If a Spit pilot wanted to follow him, he had to make a 180 degree roll first, to avoid negative G-load. A May 1940 Brit report states 8 secs were required for a half roll on the Spit, hmmm.. so if the 109 pilot pushed the stick forward, the Spit`s pilot grabbed the stick with both hands, exerted all the force he could sideways, and after 8 very long seconds, he could follow the 109 in the dive.... but hey, where did the guy disappeared to ?! "
Did you see a Spit I in the air?
Did you see a film of Spit I doing aerobatics?
Do you know the Speed at which you would have needed 8 secs for a mere half roll?
I guess you'll say no, for you bloody well don't.
I for myself, don't know about the 8 secs speeds, but I presume it must have been in excess of 300 mph. The two other items I can at least honestly answer with a YES, and they left me gazing.
Well, if I tackle this:
"Oh, WHAT, how did you say? They COPIED the *very tiresome* etc. seating position of a 109 or 190 pilot sit in his plane? Maybe they realized this was better seating position for a fighter pilot ? "
I think you didn't see the text around this.
They DIDN'T copy the 109 seat, which you stated they had been trying to do. They COULD HAVE, BUT DIDN'T.
So and on to the Range.
Typical Babi style is to compare oranges with apples. So you choose the Griffon to the 109G.
Well, there are some hundred horses more under the hood of a XIV, and if you read about flight trials, the XIV outperforms the 109G in all aspects except perhaps the initial stage of a dive?
Dive away from that Spitty on your tail.......
I'm happy however to see that you admit the MkI has a similar range as the 109E....that is progress. Had to be since the operations of the MkI/II extended the operations of the Emil.....
Then as a final, the slats.
Rall solved that for me and I am thankful for it.
Yet I must ask him again.
What was the reason for the snap?
Was it the design, or a maintenance issue?
I have until now thought it was a maintenace thing, - that the mechanics under war conditions would not always be perfect.
Now I must reconsider. The funny side of it, is that I would probably have been on your line with it, i.e. the design is perfect, if there was something wrong it would have to be something else.
But after hearing that WW2 veteran who flew every available sort of the 109 into high success, I have to reconsider.......




;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 01, 2004, 05:54:15 PM
Barbi is stuck on this neg G thingy, still.:rolleyes: :(

The Merlin got injection 'carbs' but he, as usual, forgets this.

Angus, what Barbi forgets, is that the a/c with altitude has the advantage. The 109 running away by diving is out of the fight. This allowed the Spit I and IIs to then attack the bombers without any interference from the LW fighters.

On the 109-51 cockpit Barbi, the 51 was 3-5" wider at the pilot's seat, canopy rail to canopy rail.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 02, 2004, 02:47:40 AM
As for the cockpit of the Spit vs the cockpit of the 109.  I' ve been in the cockpit of the B of B flight Spit II, back in 1986 at Coltishall.  And I got an up close look at the cockpit of a 109/Buchon at the EAA museum.  No doubt from that experience that the Spit was the roomier of the two.  It didn't seem nearly as confining.

For what it's worth

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Tony Williams on December 02, 2004, 02:52:22 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
To me it only proves that Brown was hardly as a good pilot as many think he was. With less then an hour spent in the Bf 109G he flew, hardly he could been one with that much of 'experience' . Any LW rookie in 1945, with as little as 20-30 hours know more about that plane than he.


There's no reason to doubt that Brown was an excellent pilot - he was given the job of trying out many new aircraft and concepts, and you don't keep such a job unless you have proved time and again that you know what you're doing.

The impression I have from all of the contradictory evidence is that the Bf 109, relative to its comparators, was a very difficult plane to learn how to fly well. Once mastered, it proved very effective which accounts for many Experten preferring to stick with it rather than switch to a generally better plane like the Fw 190. They knew all its tricks and foibles and could get the best out of the plane. But even a very good pilot with huge experience, like Brown, at first found it difficult to fly well, and it was lethal to novices.

So in summary, the Bf 109 proved a very effective weapon in the hands of experts who had spent a long time learning how to get the best from it, but it was not the kind of plane you wanted to hand to a new recruit.

Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website (http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk) and discussion
 forum (http://forums.delphiforums.com/autogun/messages/)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 02, 2004, 06:43:39 AM
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1101990317_24july40.jpg)

Quote
II/JG26-Gruppen Kommanduer Hauptman Noack killed.


Noack was killed in a flying accident.  He pulled too high on landing, stalled, and crashed.  He was not shot down by Spitfires.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Tony Williams on December 02, 2004, 07:50:36 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
Noack was killed in a flying accident.  He pulled too high on landing, stalled, and crashed.  He was not shot down by Spitfires.
[/B]


So the evil little beast could get even experienced pilots if their concentration slipped!

Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website (http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk) and discussion
 forum (http://forums.delphiforums.com/autogun/messages/)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 02, 2004, 08:14:55 AM
Ok, here's what I have from that date:
JG52 III, starts off from Coquelles at 13:10 on an escort mission.
It was quite a cloudy day.
Morale is high, or as one pilot puts it: "We know that the RAF flyers are at least equal opponents, however that does not frighten us. On the contrary we are eager for the fight"
Jumped by Spitfires over the Channel. 4 losses:
Lothar Ehrlich, shot down and bailed.
Wolf-Heinrich von Houwald, KIA
Herbert Fermer MIA
Erich Frank KIA
Jg52 makes 2 claims, Jupp Zvernemann claims a Spitfire, as well as his wingman Edmund Rossmann, at Margate.

After 6 days of fighting JG52 III is sent off front line service due to heavy losses and broken morale.
Seems it was anything but cherry picking......
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 02, 2004, 08:31:14 AM
25th of June, JG52 III
Otto decker claims a Spitfire.
Werner Keidel gets shot down. KIA?
Willi Bielefeld - same. KIA?
Hans Schmidt - same, POW
Max Reiss - same, POW

8 pilots from 1 staffel in 2 days. Possibly 1 confirmed victory, since the Spitfires claimed on the 24th did not show as a loss on the RAF side.
Guppy??

Anyway, that's a lot of blood, 2/3rd of the staffel in 2 days.
The pilots shot down were primarily veterans, and on both days the top guy!
No wonder they pulled it out within the week.
Wonder which RAF pilots were at the trigger.
Guppy????? Milo?????
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 02, 2004, 08:39:21 AM
Quote
Jumped by Spitfires over the Channel.


Sounds like they got bounced.  One moment of inattention and 4 guys go down.

Need more information to say for sure.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 02, 2004, 09:32:17 AM
A little note on the stepped rudder pedals. By moving his feet to the upper pedals, the pilot could take at least 1 more G.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 02, 2004, 09:37:25 AM
Quote
So the evil little beast could get even experienced pilots if their concentration slipped!


One of the pilots I am interviewing for my book flew both the 109 and the 190.  He calls the 109 a "Scheissbock".

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 02, 2004, 12:00:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1101990317_24july40.jpg)

 

Noack was killed in a flying accident.  He pulled too high on landing, stalled, and crashed.  He was not shot down by Spitfires.

Crumpp


The stuff I saw, said he was wounded prior to the crash, much like that 54 Squadron Spit driver who stalled out on landing and was killed in the crash.

So in essence the combat contributed to his death.

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 02, 2004, 12:32:13 PM
On the 24th the 109 Pilots got bounced I belive.
They were actually amazed how the Spitfires found them, for it was very cloudy. Radar or luck or both.
THis was an escort missions, Ju87 was the client.
The Spitfires did they unexpected, - they went straight for the 109's and not the Stukas. The results were impressive, a total dogfight where the escorts were completely scattered. The 87's were on their own, all the 109's lost each other, and 4 went down.
Some 87's were downed in the progress as well I belive, but have no more data there.
I have a picture of one after landing with a big hole in the fuselage and the crew wounded.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 02, 2004, 01:02:47 PM
Quote
So in essence the combat contributed to his death.


Really?  Not disputing you just saying my reports do not mention any prior damage.  You have a reference?

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 02, 2004, 01:05:11 PM
Quote
On the 24th the 109 Pilots got bounced I belive.


Sounds like they were able to use the cloud cover to sneak right up on them and  bring down a few in the intitial bounce.  No wonder the escort was scattered.  They got surprised and the engagement began for the escort from a position of inferior position.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 02, 2004, 01:16:27 PM
Actually Crumpp, those 4 did NOT go down at once. They went down in the ensuing dogfight.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 02, 2004, 01:50:39 PM
Quote
Actually Crumpp, those 4 did NOT go down at once. They went down in the ensuing dogfight.


Should be a time on the claim sheet.  You got a copy?

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: HoHun on December 02, 2004, 03:28:30 PM
Hi Tony,

>The impression I have from all of the contradictory evidence is that the Bf 109, relative to its comparators, was a very difficult plane to learn how to fly well.

Actually, the Bf 109 had many good characteristics and probably is among the more "easy-to-fly" WW2 fighters. It has good controllabiliity at medium and low speeds, is fairly spin-resistant, and can be dived to high speeds without much danger of overstressing. Ironically, this description matches the Spitfire pretty well, too, except for the high-speed part where the Spitfire offered better control (albeit at a price).

>So in summary, the Bf 109 proved a very effective weapon in the hands of experts who had spent a long time learning how to get the best from it, but it was not the kind of plane you wanted to hand to a new recruit.

No WW2 fighter is the kind of plane you'd ever want to hand to a new recruit. They were built for performance, and they sacrifice stability for manoeuvrability. It's just that in WW2, no air force had much choice about whether they wanted to hand their planes to new recruits ...

The WW2 fighters combined massive power with light weight, and the power was not just unbiased thrust as with jets, but it was generated by a large propeller which inevitably made flight characteristics far less from perfect. The more power, the better the fighter - and the more difficult to handle.

Additionally, stability was not a desirable attribute in a WW2 fighter. Both the Spitfire and the Me 109 were marginally stable at best in much of their flight envelope, and that made flying them highly demanding and meant they didn't easily forgive pilot mistakes. That's a universal for WW2 fighters - and actually, even the trainer aircraft of the era were picked to have some vices in order to teach the novice pilots never to let their guard down.

The unique vice of the Me 109 probably was its poor ground handling, which was improved only very late in the series. That's not as bad as its often painted - having fighters spin out of the traffic pattern would be much worse, but as long as the Me 109 was airborne, it was quite well-behaved.

(Warbirds today are approached with a lot of respect and caution even by expert pilots. Bf 109G-4 Werk-Nr. 109139, freshly rebuilt in Germany, just shredded its propeller tips on take-off when flown by a highly experienced LTU captain. This sums it all up pretty well - insufficient ground clearance certainly is one of the Me 109's design shortcomings :-)

John Deakin's "Pelican's Perch" column is a great read, especially when John shares some of his Warbirds experiences. It helped me a lot to appreciate just how special the WW2 fighters actually were:

http://www.avweb.com/news/columns/182146-1.html

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 02, 2004, 05:04:41 PM
quote:

No WW2 fighter is the kind of plane you'd ever want to hand to a new recruit. They were built for performance, and they sacrifice stability for manoeuvrability. It's just that in WW2, no air force had much choice about whether they wanted to hand their planes to new recruits ...


But some a/c could be taken off, flown and landed much more easier than others. The 109 was not one that was easy to TO and land. The Spitfire was.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 02, 2004, 05:35:42 PM
I have an excellent account of a RAF Spitfire Pilot's first combat mission.
He lost his squadron,- he was the tail end guy and weaved too much, - lost his squad in the clouds.
This was an offensive mission, 13th (or maybe the 10th) of September in 1941. RAF was milling around over N-France.
Anyway, the guy formed up with what he thought was his squad, then as he was almost in position, he found out he was forming up with a band of 109's.
So, he dived away, and ran as fast as he could.
2 of the 109's caught up with him over the channel.
They overshot, and there began a dogfight, 1 vs 2.
The RAF pilot managed to stay alive and unharmed for quite a while. What he worried about was the fuel status.
The 109's never got a shot, save the first pass.
Eventually, the 109's got jumped by the squadmates of the RAF pilot, one being sent down in flames while the other was last seen running with 4 Spitties on the 6.
The guy,somewhat shaken, landed safely at his base.
The point here that bites me, is that a first-time Newbie gets jumped by 2x109's and yet they never get a shot. He kept his evasives and they could not catch him. They could have gone on untill someone ran out of fuel.
So, 10th or 13th of September 1941, 109 losses over the channel anybody?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 02, 2004, 05:38:15 PM
Oh, Milo.
I belive the 109 was not much harder to land than a Spitty.
The Slats after all helped quite a bit.
I have however seen some text on weering and tipovers.
On the top, the 109 would usually kill the pilot.
Does anyone have something of this?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 02, 2004, 05:50:03 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Oh, Milo.
I belive the 109 was not much harder to land than a Spitty.
The Slats after all helped quite a bit.
I have however seen some text on weering and tipovers.
On the top, the 109 would usually kill the pilot.
Does anyone have something of this?


From entering the circuit to end of roll out is all part of landing.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 03, 2004, 12:18:22 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
Really?  Not disputing you just saying my reports do not mention any prior damage.  You have a reference?

Crumpp


The Battle of Britain Then and Now covers ever loss on both sides from July to October.  THat's where I got the info.  To quote it direct:

"II/JG26  Messerschmitt BF109E-1.  Severely wounded in combat over the French coast and crashed on approach to Marquise-Ost Aerodrome.  Hptmn. Noack(Gruppen Kommandeur) killed.  Aircraft a write off."

I don't know where that info came from, but the book is a heckuva resource :)

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 03, 2004, 12:26:42 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
25th of June, JG52 III
Otto decker claims a Spitfire.
Werner Keidel gets shot down. KIA?
Willi Bielefeld - same. KIA?
Hans Schmidt - same, POW
Max Reiss - same, POW

8 pilots from 1 staffel in 2 days. Possibly 1 confirmed victory, since the Spitfires claimed on the 24th did not show as a loss on the RAF side.
Guppy??

Anyway, that's a lot of blood, 2/3rd of the staffel in 2 days.
The pilots shot down were primarily veterans, and on both days the top guy!
No wonder they pulled it out within the week.
Wonder which RAF pilots were at the trigger.
Guppy????? Milo?????


I show six Spits downed in combat with a number damaged as well.

As for the JG52 birds.

III/JG52  Me109E shot down in combat with 610 Squadron Spitfires.  Lt. Schmidt missing, aircraft lost.

7/JG52  Me109E Shot down in combat with 610 Squadron Spitfires.  Oblt. Keidel missing. (Staffel Kapitan) aircraft lost.

Me109E shot down in combat with 610 squadron Spitfires.  Staffel Fuhrer Obltl. Bielfeld killed, aircraft lost.

8/JG52 Brought down near Elvington following combat with 610 Squadron Spitfires.   Uffz. Riess captured, aircraft lost.

I'd say the boys from 610 had the best of them that day.

610 lost one Spit that crashed on landing killing the pilot after this fight and had one damaged but repairable with the pilot wounded in the arm.

None of the RAF losses are credited to the JG52 guys and the 610 kite didn't go down in the battle but back at base.  The other losses seem to have been during a battle over the convoys with Ju87s and JG26 109s.

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 03, 2004, 07:41:09 AM
610.
I'll have look and see if there were any of the top guns there...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 03, 2004, 09:22:06 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Now Izzie, you are one insulent little twit.
Are you calling Gunther Rall himself in as an urban legend for starters?
He is a LIVING legend, and I had the honor of talking to him yesterday.
Yet, you choose to promote your usual garbage, and highly selectED data, although some of it may be quite authentic.
To be honest, you deserve a bloody spanking lesson :D
[/B]

Angie, you got your period today, right? :rofl



Quote

This is not really going round and round since it is basically broadt times width times height. Total value is cubics.
I have had a walkaround  with a 109 and several Spitfires, along with some cockpit peeking. So I don't need to refer with a video.
You present Stiegler. I asked Rall. Belive what you want, but my final conclusion is from firstly my own eyes and then by asking Rall, that THE SPITFIRE COCKPIT IS DEFINATELY SOMEWHAT ROOMIER THAN THE COCKPIT OF A 109.
[/B]

Ok, so basically your say after making numerous claims of which you backed up none, that no matter what, you are right. Classy!


Quote

BTW, did Stiegler have some flying hours in the Spitfire?
[/B]

Well most likely he did, because it was stated he flew and liked it.


Quote

Yes, you and Niklas actually. I think I have some pictures of the frontal area from you, I will look it up.
OMG, could it have been that the Spitfire had smaller frontal area?????
[/B]

Yeah angie, you will look it up and present it, I am hearing that for the 1000th time...


The P51 cockpit is narrow and deep, and long. About as wide as the cockpit of a 109. Did you ever have a look at a P51 cockpit up close? nnaaaaa you bloody well didn't!


Bloody I did that. Maybe I can even look up the pics I took, about 2 years ago.

Here`s a good picture on how long the 109 cocpit exactly was. A Spitfire cocpit was about half long than that.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1094754865_erlahaube.jpg)


I let you guess what airplane is being described in the following report by RAE :


At low altitudes, even with the hot air shut off completely, the cockpit is uncomfortably warm. This is due to hot air coming from the radiator unit, as the top of the radiator shell is exposed to the interior of the fuselage. Air leaking through the fairing duct and various holes for the coolant pipes, combined with the convection currents from the radiator, sweep upwards striking the pilot in the back of the neck before passing out through the ventilation louvers.

The head room provided is inadequate. Even with the seat fully down, and average sized pilot feels very cramped. No undue noise or vibration was experienced under any conditions of flight.  



But why guess the plane if we can ask the USN too?

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1102083754_p51bcramped.jpg)


You might as well accept these facts.


Why would Rall describe it in comparison of the 109 as a "Saloon" with superb view?

Rall described the P-47s cocpit as a saloon, as did USAAF pilots compared to the P-51.



3rd Round. The slats:
Rall liked the slats, except in rough combat. Without the slats, the 109's takeoff and landing speeds would have been very high.
However, as he stated, in a ROUGH turn, the outboard slat would deploy very suddenly, snapping the aircraft. So in rough combat while riding the stall, they could interfere, sending you down into a spin-beginning.


In rough, sudden turn, the an plane without slats will only stall at a much higher AoA. A plane without slats in a rough turn will tighten up well before that, and probably fall into a spin. The Spit did just that, I have numerous reports from the RAF which deal with that problem. And once a Spit fell into a spin, it was a death trap for novices, it was VERY hard to recover it from a spin. Unlike the 109, which recovered itself just by releasing the controls...




Now I must say that I find the slat idea and design a superb idea. Bear in mind though that leading edge slats create less lift than say the better sorts of flaps. Still quite impressive. But I do NOT challenge Rall's words on that. Come on you avacado, the guy has 275 kills in a 109, so when he tells about both merits and vices of the 109, I honestly take his words as very much more credible than yours.


Leading edge slats give more lift than anything else at high angles of attack, simply because such AoA would not be possible w/o slats, the critical AoA where the plane snap stalls would be much less, regarding of wingloading etc..

Which makes the Spitfire loose out again, since it had neither combat flaps, neither slats. The 109 had them both, and it`s flaps could be lowered at rather high airspeeds.

But if you are so fond of Rall, here`s what he said on the 109 :

"
'The 109? That was a dream, the non plus ultra. Just like the F-14 of today. Of course, everyone wanted to fly it as soon as possible. I was very proud when I converted to it.'

-Major Gunther Rall, 275 victories



But if we are at qouting the 'legends', how what the all time aces said on the Bf 109 G. Yep, let`s see what Hartmann said on the Gustav, which was according to some, 'very hard to handle'...

"Manouvering was easy with it, and it was simple to handle. It accelerated up within moments, if you put into a dive. It proved to be good in aerobatics, with the 109 the corkscrewing was a simple matter, and one could come out of a spin easily."


I also seen just recently a text by a Yugoslavian pilot who flew both the Yak 3 and the 109G. He praised the 109 for it`s simple handling over the Yak 3, too.

Mark Hanna describes the 109s stall characteristics as follows :

"As CL max is reached the leading edge slats deploy - together if the ball is in the middle, slightly asymmetrically if you have any slip on. The aircraft delights in being pulled into hard manuevering turns at these slower speeds. As the slats pop out you feel a slight "notching" on the stick and you can pull more until the whole airframe is buffeting quite hard. A little more and you will drop a wing, but you have to be crass to do it unintentionally."


Southwood describes very much the same, ie. VERY good flying characteristics, plenty of warning for novice pilots, instant recovery from stall.... 'a plane for Experten only, eh?' Pardon me, but there was possibly no other plane that tolerated pilot errors in the air better than the 109.

The idle power stall characteristics of the aircraft are very benign and affected little by undercarriage and flap position.  Stalling warning is a slight wing rock with the stick floating right by about 2 inches.  This occurs 10klph before the stall.  The stall itself is a left wing drop through about 15 degrees with a slight nose drop, accompanied by a light buffet.  All controls are effective up to the stall, and recovery is instant on moving the stick forward.  Stall speeds are 155kph clean and 140kph with gear and flap down.  In a turn at 280kphwith display power set, stall warning is given by light buffet at 3g, and the stall occurs at 3.5g with the inside wing dropping.  Again, recovery is instant on easing the stick forward.  One interesting feature is the leading edge slats.  When these deploy at low speeds or in a turn, a 'clunk' can be heard and felt, but there is no disturbance to the aircraft about any axis.  I understand that the Bf109E rolled violently as the slats deployed, and I am curious to know the difference to the Gustav that caused this.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 03, 2004, 09:23:18 AM

Now for a round for Quill and his 109 time.
Quill was quite delighted with the 109 low speed handling. As soon as you got fast the roll rate got worse below to the one of the humble Spitfire Mk I.


Well then either Quill was a biased Spitdweeb, or it`s just you who, as usual, distorted his words, I think it`s the latter, because the RAE`s measured report above shows very well the Spitfire I was a real sucker at high speeds, not rolling any better than the 109E, but requiring superhuman strenght for it !

As seen below :

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1095082092_spiti_109e_ailerons.jpg)


Here`s more from Quill. He very much agrees with me about the extremely poor roll capabilities of the Spitfires through it`s carrer.


"The metal ailerons solved the immediate problem but the non-repeatability difficulty persisted and I always felt that the lateral control characteristics fell far short of perfect at high indicated airspeeds. Joe Smith believed this too. He began to plan a fundamental change in the aileron design, but it was not possible to introduce this until the arrival of the stronger and stiffer wing in the Mk 21 series."




Supported by the NACA`s report, "Measurements of the flying qualities of a Supermarine Sptitife VA airplane." NACA Advanced Confidental Report, by William  H. Phillips and Joseph R. Vensel, which states :


"The ailerons were sufficiently effective at low speeds, and were relatively light at small deflections in high speed flight. The forces required to obtain high rolling velocities in high-speed flight were considered excessive. With a stick force of 30 lbs, full deflection of the ailerons could be obtained at speeds lower than 110 miles per hour.

The ailerons were relatively light for small deflections, but the slope of the curve of stick force against deflection increased progressively with deflection, so that about five times as much force was required to fully deflect the ailerons as was needed to reach one-half of the maximum travel.

The pilot was able to exert a maximum of about 40 lbs on the stick. With this force, full deflection could be attained only up to about 130 miles per hour. Beyond this speed, the rapid increase in stick force near maximum deflection prevented full motion of the control stick. Only one-half of the available deflection was reached with a 40 lbs stick force at 300 miles per hour, with the result that the pb/2V obtainable at this speed was reduced to 0.04 radian, or one-half that reached at low speeds."



Later they introduced short span ailerons. Instead of making things better, it only become worser.  Tactical trials of Spit VIII vs. Spit IX :

"In rate of roll, however, the Spitfire IX was considerably better especially at low altitude. A number of full rolls through 360 degrees were timed by the same pilot flying each aircraft in turn and although quanitative tests are difficult to produce, it appeared that there was often more than 1.5 seconds superiority for the Mark IX over the Mark VIII. The Mark VIII feels fairly light on the ailerons but at high speeds it becomes very heavy, and so this new combination of extended wing and small aileron cannot be considered satisfactory. "


And I could go on. Even postwar reports on postwar Spitfires tell that the aileron control is just - BAD.





Here is something to bear in mind, and hence, you true-beliver are probably making your stand, - the leverage of the Spitfire stick would allow the application of much more human force.


The higher the stick, the least force a human being can exert on it. A sitting`s human arm can exert about 25% more force in a lower position, than in a high position. Try it yourself, I have a nice grap of that.


The Stick travel of the 109 was much less, - so was the space to apply force. Spitfire pilots had just the room to jab their elbow against the hull and really pull. The "funny" stick would actually promote this. You'd understand what I'm saying if you ever did armwrestling. (which I doubt :D)


The funny stick was required because the control forces were excessive on the Spitfire. On the 109, aileron control forces were relatively light, so it was more advantageous to use a shorter stick, which means better response time, and the human body can also use greater force in this body position.

And regardless what you say - measured roll tests clearly show the 109 doing quicker rolls esp. at low speeds with less force. Chalk up another one for Professor Willy.



Did you see a Spit I in the air?
Did you see a film of Spit I doing aerobatics?


Yep. And you?



Do you know the Speed at which you would have needed 8 secs for a mere half roll?
I guess you'll say no, for you bloody well don't.
I for myself, don't know about the 8 secs speeds, but I presume it must have been in excess of 300 mph.


Pardon me as was wrong. The Spit I did not require 8 secs to do "a mere half roll". It required FAR more than that. 8 secs were actually for a 1/4 roll... :D

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1102086136_spitihighspeedroll.jpg)

So again...

109 pilot pushes the stick forward... the Spit pilot does the same... the Merlin cuts out.. Spit pilot curses, grabs funny stick with both hands, jabs the elbow against the hull and PULLS, PULLS, AAAAARGH bloooody HELL, *PULLLLLLLLLSS*, MOOOOOVE YOU DAMNED STICK. -Keeps cursing-

...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...

Roughly 16 seconds later :D, the pilot is all wet, but the Spit is now in inverted flight, and the 109 - miles away...

The above describes the "manouveribilty" of the 1940 Spitfire Mk I in the rolling plane. :lol



Quote

So and on to the Range.
Typical Babi style is to compare oranges with apples. So you choose the Griffon to the 109G.
Well, there are some hundred horses more under the hood of a XIV, and if you read about flight trials, the XIV outperforms the 109G in all aspects except perhaps the initial stage of a dive?
Dive away from that Spitty on your tail.......[/B]


I can compare whatever 109 vs. Spit mark in the same time frame, angie. The Spit looses out MASSIVELY in range on the same fuel load. I could have compared the XIV`s counterpart the K-4, but then the results would have been even more ugly for the Spitfire, since the 109K was even longer ranged than the 109G.

We can compare the Mk IX with the 109G if you like.

MkIX 434-450 miles on 85 gallons,
109G, 725 miles on 88 gallons.

Yep, the Spitfire probably was the shortest ranged of all WW2 fighters on internal tanks. Like it or not, but it`s was a major shortcoming of it.


Quote

I'm happy however to see that you admit the MkI has a similar range as the 109E....that is progress. Had to be since the operations of the MkI/II extended the operations of the Emil.....
[/B]


Yeah, in Angie world, operating from England over England is farther than operating from France over middle-England. :D :D :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 03, 2004, 09:36:02 AM
And while we are at loss reports....

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1102087573_dunkirklosses.jpg)

From Mike Spick`s, Luftwaffe Fighter Aces.

Could you comment on this one, Angus?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 03, 2004, 09:59:47 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
And while we are at loss reports....

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1102087573_dunkirklosses.jpg)

From Mike Spick`s, Luftwaffe Fighter Aces.

Could you comment on this one, Angus?


Less experienced aircrew with poor tactics with the RAF at that point. The RAF didn't really start to come of age until later that summer.  Operating on the 'other side of the lines' so to speak where a damaged aircraft forced down would be a loss not recoverable as it would be for a Luftwaffe aircraft at the time.  

Think about the 24th losses.  How many of those 109 pilots that were lost over the Channel or were forced down in England to become POWs, end up back in the fight if that battle takes place over their own turf? How many of those 109s get recovered and repaired?  How many of those damaged RAF fighters that got down to be repaired, go down as losses if they were over France?

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 03, 2004, 10:20:50 AM
Oh dear, Izzy here again, it was just about to get comfy....
Range: Spitfires from Mk II onwards operated to middle Belgium roughly without Drop tanks. That would give the 109 a ticket from N-France to Birmingham on the same fuel. But up there they were a rare sight....
Roll: Spit I and 109E are in a similar ballpark, the 109 winning at low speeds. After that the ball goes to Spit V and 109F. Once the Mk V was fixed well, again similar. Once clipped, the ball goes to the Spit.
I saw you picked a Spit VIII with extended wings, well that's what is to be expected of you. Maybe you should pick a Clipped IXLF next time.
And of course it is only in your head that the roll kept going "worser". While Quill lists a typical 400 mph roll for a Spit I at 14 degrees pr sec (hmm, but that's 90 degrees in 6 secs), the ultimate Spit with full span wings rolls at a whooping 68 degrees pr second.
BUNT: POssible from MkV Spitfire onwards. I would not bunt at 400 mph by the way. Wings can only take so-so much neg-G's.  A good countermeasure is an uphill maneuver. Lose the height, loose the fight.
Climb: Same ballpark more or less on the same given power. Sometimes 109 ruled, sometimes the Spitfire.
Turn: Close. Spitfire wins, the difference being least marked between a Mk IX and a 109F, if those met in the air.
Climbing turn: The 109 cannot follow a Spitfire.
Dive: The 109 is markedly fasteruntil the arrival of the Griffon.

And now a cookie from the 109 pilot:
"...die beweglichkeit der Machine um Alle Achsen macht grossen Eindruck auf mich..."
Gunther Rall speaking of the Spitfire Mein Flugbuch, p. 214

Will look into loss numbers later.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 03, 2004, 10:24:14 AM
Looks rather cramped in this pic.

(http://www.flightjournal.com/fj/images/plane_profiles/me109/me109_02lg.jpg)

Barbi stop with this 109 range bs. You give the MOST economical range for the 109 and the normal range, not the Spit's MOST economical range.

Spitfire I

@ 14000', most economical > 3.4 hr
@ 18,500' cruising weak > 1.88 hr
@ 14,500', cruising rich > 1.25 hr
@ 12,000', climbing > 1.05 hr
@ 17,000', all-out level > 0.96 hr


Me109E

@ SL, max economy > 2.20 hr, range 404mi
@ SL, max continuous > 1.05 hr, range 267mi

@ 9842', max economy > 2.05 hr, range 410mi
@ 9842', max continuous > 1.00 hr, range 280mi

@ 16404', max economy > 1.50 hr, range 413mi
@ 16404', max continuous > 0.55 hr, range 286mi

@ 19865', max economy > 1.40 hr, range 395mi
@ 19865', max continuous > 1.10 hr, range 323mi


LOL, a bogus chart.

Damaged 109s could be land safely in France but the RAF a/c had to fly back across the Channel and land in the UK, if they could make it that far. Never mind that the RAF was outnumbered more than 2:1.


quote: The higher the stick, the least force a human being can exert on it. A sitting`s human arm can exert about 25% more force in a lower position, than in a high position.

Never heard of leverage Barbi? A joystick is a Class 1 lever.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 03, 2004, 10:28:18 AM
Guppy, here are the stats for 'exchange rate' when the LW was operating over the enemy area during the Battle of Britain. These statistics come from Hooton, but appearantly they were published by many others as well.

Spitfire vs. Bf 109  : 219 to 180 lost.
Hurricane vs. Bf 109 : 272 to 153 lost.

1.5 to 1 in the 109s favour...


Why I am posting this is just to put Angie back into his place with his tunnel vision on 24th June.. besides the point Angie, much like Nashwan, doesn`t really knows German unit designations, ie. he is mixing up German squadrons and wings.

Regardless, why is that I am completely unable to find any cross-checked loss accounts that would just once show the Spits getting the upper hand in combat in any more lenghty combat period, not just one day or a single small scale engagement. Was it always down the more experience, better tactics on the LW part... oh come on. Not in Dunkirk, where Spitfire pilots were from the more experienced ones, ie. Spit squadrons were not commenced into the fight before Dunkirk, they sustained no severe losses yet, all of their pilots were the ones who got through training in peacetime.

All in all, the Spitfire seem to have a bad combat history against the 109. Looks like the RAF kept underestimating the 109, the 109 kept the upper hand in combat over the RAF. ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 03, 2004, 10:31:40 AM
...And that's why after 4 years of fighting, the LW could mount no more than 200-300 fighters in the air on the western front, largely 190's.......

edited: source is Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 03, 2004, 10:42:06 AM
So nice of you to post that chart that included LW bombers, but then you fail to state how many LW bombers were lost during BoB. A typical Barbi ploy of data manipulation to suit his German is uber mentality. :(  :(
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 03, 2004, 10:51:10 AM
Quote
Originally posted by MiloMorai

Barbi stop with this 109 range bs. You give the MOST economical range for the 109 and the normal range, not the Spit's MOST economical range.


Unsupported claim, but post docs that show the Spit I`s economic range.

But Milo, pray tell me, how could the Spit I having more endurance if the Merlin consumed a lot more?

The British/German equivalent of max. continous is Cruising (Rich) / Dauerleisung.

At this power, the Merlin consumed 68 gallon/h, the DB 601A only 59 gallon/h, 20% lower. Thus endurance was also 20% higher on the 109E.

Of course you can compare apples and oranges as you did.




Damaged 109s could be land safely in France but the RAF a/c had to fly back across the Channel and land in the UK, if they could make it that far. Never mind that the RAF was outnumbered more than 2:1.



Maths isn`t your strong point, Milo. 1652+ RAF single engined fighter sorties vs. 1595 LW single engined fighter sorties. Looks like the RAF had some slight advantage in fighter numbers, yet lost 97 fighters for 27 Bf 109s... Ratio ~4:1 for the 109`s favour again.

Of couse if you want to add bombers like the Stuka... I never knew the Stuka made such horrendous butchering of Spitfires... or maybe it was the Do-17 ? :D

But it`s so funny to see the 'vulnerable' Stuka operating in the same area with 1.2% loss rate despite the heavy flak from ships, whereas the Spits operating with 5 times as severe losses !

Quote


quote: The higher the stick, the least force a human being can exert on it. A sitting`s human arm can exert about 25% more force in a lower position, than in a high position.

Never heard of leverage Barbi? A joystick is a Class 1 lever.


No Milo, I never heard of leverage on Spitfire stick, of which only the top 4 inches or so was moving, the rest was FIXED. Speaking of 'leverage', even the 109 had more leverage than that!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 03, 2004, 10:58:39 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
...And that's why after 4 years of fighting, the LW could mount no more than 200-300 fighters in the air on the western front, largely 190's.......


Quite badly informed and factually wrong.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 03, 2004, 11:20:07 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Oh dear, Izzy here again, it was just about to get comfy....
Range: Spitfires from Mk II onwards operated to middle Belgium roughly without Drop tanks. That would give the 109 a ticket from N-France to Birmingham on the same fuel. But up there they were a rare sight....
[/B]

Typical sweeping statement from Angie, factual value=0, validity factor =0 due to the lack of real facts, and will never backed up by anything, just like he didn`t backed up anything so far.



Roll: Spit I and 109E are in a similar ballpark, the 109 winning at low speeds. After that the ball goes to Spit V and 109F. Once the Mk V was fixed well, again similar. Once clipped, the ball goes to the Spit.


I sense the lack of factuality.



I saw you picked a Spit VIII with extended wings, well that's what is to be expected of you. Maybe you should pick a Clipped IXLF next time.


Which was, according to the RAF, very rare, and it was rare because, according to the RAF, clipping the wings yielded only minimal improvement in roll rate, but considerable decrease in climbing, turning, handling etc.?




And of course it is only in your head that the roll kept going "worser". While Quill lists a typical 400 mph roll for a Spit I at 14 degrees pr sec (hmm, but that's 90 degrees in 6 secs), the ultimate Spit with full span wings rolls at a whooping 68 degrees pr second.


Never heard of that Spitfire Mark Ultimate. I guess I never will, since you won`t back that up neither.


BUNT: POssible from MkV Spitfire onwards. I would not bunt at 400 mph by the way. Wings can only take so-so much neg-G's.  A good countermeasure is an uphill maneuver. Lose the height, loose the fight.


Huh..? You mean if you are already behind an enemy, and he starts to escape by diving, the good countermeasure is to leave him to escape by starting a loop? :confused:



Climb: Same ballpark more or less on the same given power. Sometimes 109 ruled, sometimes the Spitfire.


Very general but OK. Oh well, I guess I should appreciate this as a development from the Spitfire Better In Everything stance..


Turn: Close. Spitfire wins, the difference being least marked between a Mk IX and a 109F, if those met in the air..


Typical sweeping statement from Angie, factual value=0, validity factor =0 due to the lack of facts backing it up, just like he didn`t backed up anything so far.

Climbing turn: The 109 cannot follow a Spitfire.

That depends on the ROC, and as you have admitted, that depends on the actual models...

Stiegler said that absolutely nothing could follow the 109K in climbing turn. ;) And if you read engagement stories, climbing spiral was exactly what was also very much liked by 109 pilots. Obviously it must have worked.



Dive: The 109 is markedly fasteruntil the arrival of the Griffon.

And even after, especially if you compare the 1944 109K w. the 1944 Spit XIV, and not the 1943 109G-6 with gunpods... not to mention how 'common' Griffon Spits were, see Page 1 of this thread.


Quote

And now a cookie from the 109 pilot:
"...die beweglichkeit der Machine um Alle Achsen macht grossen Eindruck auf mich..."
Gunther Rall speaking of the Spitfire Mein Flugbuch, p. 214

Will look into loss numbers later. [/B]



This is from Jeff Ethell on the Spitfire controls :


"The elevator is very light while the rudder is stiff and the ailerons even more so. Every Spitfire I've flown takes a bit more muscle to roll than most fighters. As speed increases both rudder and ailerons get heavier, resulting in a curious mismatch at high speed...one has to handle the almost oversensitive elevators with a light fingertip touch while arm-wrestling the stiff ailerons. Pilots had to keep this in mind during combat, particularly when going against the FW 190 which had a sterling rate of roll and exceptionally well harmonised controls."

I guess high speed barrel roll wasn`t exactly the Spitfire`s strong point. :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 03, 2004, 11:35:26 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
Guppy, here are the stats for 'exchange rate' when the LW was operating over the enemy area during the Battle of Britain. These statistics come from Hooton, but appearantly they were published by many others as well.

Spitfire vs. Bf 109  : 219 to 180 lost.
Hurricane vs. Bf 109 : 272 to 153 lost.

1.5 to 1 in the 109s favour...


Why I am posting this is just to put Angie back into his place with his tunnel vision on 24th June.. besides the point Angie, much like Nashwan, doesn`t really knows German unit designations, ie. he is mixing up German squadrons and wings.

Regardless, why is that I am completely unable to find any cross-checked loss accounts that would just once show the Spits getting the upper hand in combat in any more lenghty combat period, not just one day or a single small scale engagement. Was it always down the more experience, better tactics on the LW part... oh come on. Not in Dunkirk, where Spitfire pilots were from the more experienced ones, ie. Spit squadrons were not commenced into the fight before Dunkirk, they sustained no severe losses yet, all of their pilots were the ones who got through training in peacetime.

All in all, the Spitfire seem to have a bad combat history against the 109. Looks like the RAF kept underestimating the 109, the 109 kept the upper hand in combat over the RAF. ;)



You can use the same argument being used to explain LW losses to USAAF fighters over Europe.  The RAF fighters first priority was to stop the bombers.

The Spit v 109 combats matched essentially equal aircraft.  Often it came down to pilot skill and who had the opportunity to initiate the attack.  Once again the RAF fighters first priority was the bombers meaning the 109s would have been going after fighters who were going after bombers.  

Once again the result is what matters.  Who won?  Seems to me the LW never gained air superiority over England, and England didn't get invaded.

As for experienced Spit pilots at Dunkirk.  They were not experienced at Dunkirk.  The Squadrons based in France had been Hurri Squadrons.  The 109 pilots had been at it since Poland if not those that served in Spain.  Peacetime training wasn't going to help much.  They were still flying line astern, attacking with outmoded tactics and hadn't learned from combat that those things didn't work.  If anything the blooding they took at Dunkirk at least opened their eyes to changing the way things were done so that they were more effective later.

This still comes down to an apparent need on your point to prove that the 109 was better then the Spit.  

I believe they were both great aircraft.  

In the end it comes down to who was still standing when the war was over though doesn't it?  No matter how you twist the statistics and graphs, the answer remains the same.

The Spits were over Berlin in 1945, the 109s were not over London in 45.

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 03, 2004, 11:37:21 AM
Tell me Barbi how those He111s, Ju88s, Do17s and Ju87s were lost. Divine intervention?

The LW flew over TWICE the sorties the RAF flew and JUST barely shot down more a/c. German efficency at its best. :D

As I said your typical data manipulatiing for your German is uber crud.

See your buddy MW's site and ask him where the Spit data came from.

Confused Barbi?

Spit

@ 18,500' cruising weak > 1.88 hr


Me109E

@ 16404', max economy > 1.50 hr, range 413mi

@ 19865', max economy > 1.40 hr, range 395mi

The Spit could stay in the 23 to 29 minutes longer than the 109.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 03, 2004, 11:51:07 AM
The Spits were over Berlin in 1945, the 109s were not over London in 45.

Ah, long time no see !!! The Ultima Ratio. It proves nothing, expect you can`t prove anything.

I do wonder about one thing.

How much credit was due to the 109 in 1940 for being over London, having single handedly clearling the skies over Poland, Norwar, the Benelux, France, Dunkirk, the Channel all up to way to London, kicking a Spit butt in front of itself, and and how credit would it be there for the Spits for being over Berlin - if they were there at all, which I doubt, range, range, range! - following the USAAF in the great shadow it projected, and pounding the chest after all the others made victory a reality. Claiming the victory for yourself that others achieved is a sure sign of hybris.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 03, 2004, 12:10:01 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
The Spits were over Berlin in 1945, the 109s were not over London in 45.

Ah, long time no see !!! The Ultima Ratio. It proves nothing, expect you can`t prove anything.

I do wonder about one thing.

How much credit was due to the 109 in 1940 for being over London, having single handedly clearling the skies over Poland, Norwar, the Benelux, France, Dunkirk, the Channel all up to way to London, kicking a Spit butt in front of itself, and and how credit would it be there for the Spits for being over Berlin - if they were there at all, which I doubt, range, range, range! - following the USAAF in the great shadow it projected, and pounding the chest after all the others made victory a reality. Claiming the victory for yourself that others achieved is a sure sign of hybris.


So much for you having a civil discussion with Dan, Barbi. Another one of your babbling obnoxious rants. Take some of your pills.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 03, 2004, 12:23:52 PM
I guess there`s at least one thing in that I, Angus, Guppy or other can agree is that you can`t be taken seriously, Milo.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 03, 2004, 12:28:13 PM
Ohhhh dear, Barbi, you're floating on a brown cloud again.
First: The BoB.
The BoB was LW's first and only go at an organized airforce, close to their own skills. They outnumbered the RAF at 2 to 1 roughly. The distance was very short, protected by the channel, - down to 30 KM.
Their high command expected this to be over in less than a week, which had been the norm on their victorious campaign throughout Europe.
But that was not to be it. After months of fighting, the LW's losses were quite serious, yet the last 50 RAF fighters always seemed to have a number of some same hundreds as in the beginning.
Eventually, the LW reverted to night Bombing, for which at the time there was hardly any defensive measure.
The Brits also, going the LONG LEG, bombed Berlin at night.
(500 km over enemy territory,,,or was that miles?)
London was after autumn 1940 hardly ever bombed in daylight.
Almost all German capital cities were, a few years later, bombed around the clock.
The result of the BoB was basically a massive LW defeat. The first time they met an organized enemy, they lost at a ratio roughly 1.5 vs 1, half of it being twin engined multy-crew aircraft.
Preparing Britain for an invasion failed.
Cracking Britain into submission by terror bombing, which had succeeded both in Poland and Holland also failed.

Then onto LW losses spring 1940. In the back of my head I remembered it being a more tough time for the LW than most people know. Even their losses in Poland were quite some!
So, off it goes:
From Ultra messages, i.e. the original source is the LW itself!
Losses in may and june 1940: 1100 aircraft, + 145 damaged.
Another 246 in various accidents.
235 Bf 109E
106 Bf 110
113 Ju87
492 Twin bombers, all types.
These total 946 aircraft.
the rest, - other types.

That's it for now.
I have 2 more german-ace evaluation of the Spit, - 1 flew them, 1 fought them. 1 is in German, the other in English.
Will post that into this brewpot soon.....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 03, 2004, 12:59:42 PM
If I am not taken seriously Barbi then where does that place you? Well below seriously.:) Laughing stock would be an appropriate description.


On March 5, 1942, the ORB for 1PRU states that Pilot Officer Gunn took off from Wick a/f at 08.07 hrs, flying Spitfire PR Mk IV AA810 his objective being Trondheim but failed to return. Shot down by a 109.

That is a one way distance of over 500mi.

Unarmed PR Spits routinely flew over Berlin and did so with relative impunity.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 03, 2004, 01:05:14 PM
Quote
Quite badly informed and factually wrong.


No,  An AVERAGE of 200 in 1944 is correct when you count ONLY the aircraft that could fly and not the numbers in service.   This is only for the Western Front/Defense of the Reich.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 03, 2004, 01:12:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
The Spits were over Berlin in 1945, the 109s were not over London in 45.

Ah, long time no see !!! The Ultima Ratio. It proves nothing, expect you can`t prove anything.

I do wonder about one thing.

How much credit was due to the 109 in 1940 for being over London, having single handedly clearling the skies over Poland, Norwar, the Benelux, France, Dunkirk, the Channel all up to way to London, kicking a Spit butt in front of itself, and and how credit would it be there for the Spits for being over Berlin - if they were there at all, which I doubt, range, range, range! - following the USAAF in the great shadow it projected, and pounding the chest after all the others made victory a reality. Claiming the victory for yourself that others achieved is a sure sign of hybris.


You are missing the point.  This always seems to come down to you believing the Spitfire was a disaster and the 109 was a wonder weapon.

I'm of the belief that both were great airplanes.

Based on how you project things Izzy, it's amazing the Spitfire ever flew at all.

And despite what you say, who won makes all the difference.

Dan/Slack
Trying to be civil, but sometimes this gets ludicrous.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 03, 2004, 01:24:36 PM
Angie, thank you for sharing with us your usual revisionist cr@p about allaged "terror bombings", the glory-glory not-so-funnyy stories, how the RAF single handedly won the Battle of France against all evidence we know, and the vivid description of how the Fighter Command crushed the LW over London while it was really the Luftwaffe who was struglling desperately for it`s very existance in 1940. Thank you again, you shared a lot, we learned a lot.

Now, If you have satisfied your needs for the surreal, can you now answer the questions I put to you, list your sources which you utterly failed to do until now, and finally, stop cowardly fleeing and changing subject as soon as you are cornered by the weight and amount evidence I posted?

Thank you Angie.


@Milo, while not underestimating the weight of your problems with your identity, and how it burdens you when replying, may I ask you to tell me what do unarmed PR-Spitfires have to do with that miserable range the fighter-type Spitfires could achieve? I am sure Mr. Gunn would be pleased to have Spitfire escorts - but as those could hope to return from more than 400 miles distance... Is there any evidence of fighter Spitfires ever over Berlin, BTW ?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 03, 2004, 01:36:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Guppy35
You are missing the point.  This always seems to come down to you believing the Spitfire was a disaster and the 109 was a wonder weapon.


It`s certainly no surprise to me if you perceive things this way. Perception gets distorted if emotions are involved. Any rightful and correct criticism, even DISCUSSION of the faults of the Spitfire is taken as a personal attack by you, and you start seeing things black and white.

You work yourself up when it is not displayed as it was longer ranged than anything (but esp. compared to the 109), wasn`t 100% perfect in handling, absolutely no problem with it`s roll rate, and above that, all the rest of it`s qualities were just 100% perrrffect. And if combat records are mentioned, and they don`t show 1000 to 0 kill rates for the Spitfire`s favour, you start pulling out the Ultima Ratio. Well, this thread was opened so to keep the other threads clean from such silly arguments.


Quote

And despite what you say, who won makes all the difference.
[/B]


Yep. Brazil won WW2. :cool:
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 03, 2004, 02:04:22 PM
LOL, more rants by Barbi. The only one with a problem is you. Even though you thought you were describing Dan, it was you, describing yourself.


The Mighty LW, with its superior 109 :rolleyes:, could not stop UNARMED Spitfires from flying over Berlin.

From bases in Holland, Belin was very reachable by ARMED Spitfires.

The point being the Spit was capable of reaching Berlin but because it was part of 2TAF, it was to busy clearing LW a/c from the air in the area assigned to the 2TAF. When I find that an armed Spit was over Berlin you will be the first to know.

Now go take another pill.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 03, 2004, 02:06:50 PM
Great contribution, Milo, we are all thankful.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 03, 2004, 02:18:59 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
Great contribution, Milo, we are all thankful.


Sure is better than your latest series ranting and raving posts Barbi.:)

Have those pills kicked in yet?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 03, 2004, 02:29:29 PM
Oh, dear Izzie.
Revisionist? me?
Paranoid revisionist=you.
Firstly, what questions are you referring to? save me some work of reading through your bull.
Secondly, when did I say anything about the RAF winning the battle of France? They bloody well didn't, to make that clear, and I think I have their loss number at grabs (well in 4 hrs I will), - they were appalling. However I may have stepped on a nerve when I promoted you with the LW losses in that campaign. That however includes the lowlands and interceptions against the Belgians, Dutch, French, RAF and ground support.
Most losses occured over Dunkirk though.
It was just more than you thought.......
Thirdly: I have been listing my sources, and that touches your nerves again. Oh, gooodness, forgot the ISBN for the German losses in may and june 1940,- want it?
Where are your sources?
That one's source from you:
"Spitfire vs. Bf 109 : 219 to 180 lost.
Hurricane vs. Bf 109 : 272 to 153 lost. "
What source? Author, page ISBN, Website?
Fourthly: COWARDLY FLEEING????
Be merry that you're thousands of KM's away from me you avacado!
I'd give you a course in LEVERAGE!
I can not see myself fleeing from a subject, I am staying with you.
So be more specific.
Then on to terror bombing.
What do you call sending up to 1000 bombers, night after night, dropping incendiaries over a city with 6 million inhabitants?
The fires that raged in London in the autumn of 1940 were so fierce, that at a point the fire Brigades EMPTIED THE THAMES!
The interesting part is how low the losses were, but since the Brits expected something like this to come (Learning from Warshaw, learning from Europe) they had actually put a whooping amount of citizens out to the countryside, out of harms way. Then of course, the London Underground...
Want some ISBN numbers on books about it? Would be a healthy read for you.
Anyway, as you yourself have so often stated, London got bombed for months, and there was nothing the RAF could do about it.
My addition to this is: AT NIGHT.
Already in 1940, only a 100 miles flight, London was too costly for daylight bombing.
Semi final. The Stick length and leverage.
I think it's quite obvious that Izzy never dipped his hand into cold water. That means, no sense of physical application.
Ifa shorter stick means better leverage, why bother with a stick at all? A knob would do.
Why do you have a longer shaft for increased leverage?
Seriously Izzy, you are making a confrontation on none less tham Arcimedes himself! I vote for Arcimedes.

Then finally, yet another bone for you all.
Hans-Schmoller-Haldy, 109 Pilot after a ride in a Spitty:
"I was able to fly a captured Spitfire at Jever. My first impression was that it had a beautiful engine. It purred. The engine of the Messerchmitt 109 was very loud. Also, the Spitfire was easier to fly and land, than the Me 109. The 109 was unforgiving of any inattention. I felt familiar from the Spitfire from the very start. That was my first and lasting impression."
Source is from Alfred Price, no less.
Now, why would that 109 pilot have said a thing like that.......
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 03, 2004, 02:36:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
It`s certainly no surprise to me if you perceive things this way. Perception gets distorted if emotions are involved. Any rightful and correct criticism, even DISCUSSION of the faults of the Spitfire is taken as a personal attack by you, and you start seeing things black and white.

You work yourself up when it is not displayed as it was longer ranged than anything (but esp. compared to the 109), wasn`t 100% perfect in handling, absolutely no problem with it`s roll rate, and above that, all the rest of it`s qualities were just 100% perrrffect. And if combat records are mentioned, and they don`t show 1000 to 0 kill rates for the Spitfire`s favour, you start pulling out the Ultima Ratio. Well, this thread was opened so to keep the other threads clean from such silly arguments.




Yep. Brazil won WW2. :cool:


Funny part is you always miss the point.  I don't think the Spit was the greatest fighter ever. Nor do I think the 109 was the greatest fighter ever.  I think they were both great airplanes that did their jobs.

If the Spit was as bad as you like to present it, they'd have stopped production right way.  If the 109 was as great as you make it out to be, they'd never have seen a need for the 190.

Funny I suppose that I was reading 109 stuff for fun last night as I have a fairly decent section of my home library filled with it.  It is possible to like both planes.

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 03, 2004, 03:17:43 PM
Quote
Source is from Alfred Price, no less.


Be careful with Price.  He has some really good information but the timeperiod was just too close to the event to get the whole picture.  Lots of technical information that was:

1. Classified

2.  Sitting at the bottom of 30,000 other documents waiting to be sorted and cataloged.

3.  Veterans were not as willing to talk then as they are now.

4.  Data is much easier to retrieve in the electronic age so you can sift through a lot more raw volume to find a specific.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 03, 2004, 03:51:54 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
Be careful with Price.  He has some really good information but the timeperiod was just too close to the event to get the whole picture.  Lots of technical information that was:

1. Classified

2.  Sitting at the bottom of 30,000 other documents waiting to be sorted and cataloged.

3.  Veterans were not as willing to talk then as they are now.

4.  Data is much easier to retrieve in the electronic age so you can sift through a lot more raw volume to find a specific.

Crumpp


What time period are you speaking of Crumpp?  I've dealt with Price and he's been most helpful.  I was doing most of my Spit veteran correspondance and meeting back in the early-mid 80s and they were more then willing to talk, in particular when they realized I had some idea of what I was asking about :)

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 03, 2004, 04:33:03 PM
Quote
What time period are you speaking of Crumpp? I've dealt with Price and he's been most helpful.


I am talking about published works.  Certainly not meant to degrade or disrespect the man.  In fact I would love to talk to him.  Mainly I was referring to "FW-190 in Combat".  He was missing some key elements when he wrote the book on the later war FW-190A's.  Not a lick on him, I just don't think the information was available in 1977.  Not without several months on your hands to sift through index cards, retrieve microfilms, and hunt and peck through them.  I would have to ask Larry, but I don't even think the Smithsonian had their complete Focke Wulf collection cataloged in 1977.  

The Smithsonian just completed adding the first of the Axis Air Technical Documents section to a searchable electronic data base.  The first set to be cataloged is the Focke Wulf collection.  Of course you have to travel to the Smithsonian and book an appointment in the archives to use it.

Peter Rodeike touches on it and even attempts to bring some depth and scope to the late war FW-190A's.  He does a fantastic job but again more information is available today than when he did his work.

Quote
they were more then willing to talk


They are even more willing to talk today.  Ask any Historian (degreed in History) or Psychologist and they can tell you why. :(

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 03, 2004, 05:25:49 PM
Little back on subject. Franz Stigler on the Bf 109s cocpit, his answer to the statement that it was cramped :

"Uhhh, well… we didn’t need a shoehorn to get in, but pretty close.  But it was comfortable when we were sitting.  Everything is right there.  This one had a big uh…cabin (pointing to a pic of a 262)…was also comfortable…it was bigger, we had to get used to it…there was lots of room in there."


Franz Stigler flew the Bf 109 F, G and K series, a total of 487 combat missions. He also flew the Spitfire Mk V, IX, and XIV, Me 262 and FW 190.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 03, 2004, 05:44:17 PM
On the cockpits:

I think a lot of that is just personal preference.  Some pilots loved the 109's cockpit.

I have seen the same thing with the FW-190.  Some evaluations call it "cramped" and looking at the Flugwerk video it does look cramped!  In fact some of the photos I have it looks more like a helmet than a canopy.  It looks like you did not have to use your neck muscles to support your head when pulling G's, you could lean it on the plexiglass.

Can't wait to get into White 1 and shoot some video.  

However just as many praise it as having the best all around vision they had seen in a fighter.  In 1942 it most likely did especially to guys used to flying the Spitfire.  Looks to me like the reality is that both Luftwaffe fighters were just small dimensionally.  This gave them both advantages and disadvantages.  One of pilots I am interviewing flew for the Luftwaffe's version of the "enemy test flight".  He says he could not imagine spending eight hours in an FW-190 with the canopy closed.  Comparatively a P51 would not be a big deal and USAAF pilots towards the end of the war did spend long hours flying.  He raised a good point though.  When combat begins and your arms suddenly weigh 5 times normal, you do not want to be reaching very far at all to get to your controls.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 03, 2004, 05:50:07 PM
Pretty close to a shoehorn then.
I half-dumped into a Spitty cockpit once. (Camera job). Anyway, It would have roomed me nicely.
Oh, how big am I? Well, not so big, but not so small either.
BTW, post your email swiftly, and I'll email you the picture I took.
It was a MKV from the Eagle squadron as far as I know.
Even Izzie, promote an email an I'll send you a great pic.
BTW, is Stiegler still alive?

Then on to Price.
He has collected a lot of data and published some excellent work.
My quote was from him. It is a direct quote passed on by him, from a German fighter Pilot. Not a complicated issue.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 03, 2004, 06:06:38 PM
Oh, Crumpp lad, nice to see you.
You posted while I was typing.
Curious about the 190 cockpit size. I always thought the layout was very comfortable. It's differently layed out than the 109 of course, and quite modernly. I remember some pilots complaining about how much backwards the seat was. Well, but that was done for G. However, when your backwards tilt extends a certain amount, checking 6 gets worse.
Do you have any info on that sort of ergonomics?

As a sideshow, I work in a tractor cockpit all the time.
There is lots to view backwards, - usually the machinery is being pulled, and the vital parts to view are really on your low six!
So, it's chk 6 like 6 times a minute, up to 12 hrs in a stretch.
I've had to throw up because of this, in the beginning of cropping season. I can also not wear a shirt, because the collar will eventually give me a wound.
I can turn my head much farther to the right than the left. Habit, and also a lot of machinery is on your right.
I have 10.000 hrs+ in the cockpit....
WW2 Pilots often complained from neck wounds from rubbernecking.
Sitting upright gives you better mobility with your neck.
Leaning backwards gives you better tolerance for G, but a more restricted movement for the head.
My from-experience 5 cents
:D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 03, 2004, 06:17:41 PM
Quote
He has collected a lot of data and published some excellent work.


That pretty much sums it up with one small exception:

He has collected a lot of data for the time and published some excellent work based off of the information available.

The only "mistake" he makes is holding up an FW-190G3 which the RAF tried to reconvert to FW-190A5 status as representative of late war FW-190A's vs P51B and prototype Griffon Spitfire.

Quote
Oh, Crumpp lad, nice to see you.


You too Angus.  Been busy lately with stuff for the Foundation.  Speaking of which.....When are you going to join! ;)

On the FW-190 Cockpit.  It was very modern, just look at the side panels.  Everything was designed to be right at the pilots fingertips reducing the amount of movement he needed to make in combat.  It helped him to concentrate on the fight, not the flying.

At the same time the FW-190 is an amazingly simple airplane.

As for the leaning back and rearward vision.  All I can relate is what the evaluations say in that it had excellent rearward vision.  I believe the RAF even said "The all around search vision of the FW-190 being exceptionally good makes it difficult to surprise."
Your feet sit level with the bottom of the seat.  Kind of like sitting on the floor against the wall with your back slightly inclined and your knees slightly bent.  

Our fuselage is coming along nicely.  In about a year and half I will have a completely restored to original FW-190 cockpit to sit in. If you make it over here, I will put you in it.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 03, 2004, 06:20:14 PM
Oh, dear.
Didn't yet read that far in Price's work.
Anyway, you 190 DWEEB  :D :D :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 03, 2004, 06:45:04 PM
Quote
Anyway, you 190 DWEEB  


Yep! :aok

The Dweebfire's have discovered my secret!!



:p

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 03, 2004, 07:16:07 PM
ROFL :D
Well, got it through Ultra.
Anyway, some more of that cockpit.
Correct me if I am wrong, but I belive it is the most ergonomic cockpit of WW2. Yet, 109 veterans found it rather bad.
I wonder if it isn't just the layout. The 109 cockpit was rather much different, and as it is, you rather like your old horse.
(Impresses me how the 109 pilots describe the Spitfire, hehe)
Do you have pic of your project?
Well, you know where to mail them.
BTW, what's your team in AH? I'd wing you in a 190 if you like.

Regards

Angus
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 03, 2004, 08:08:11 PM
Quote
Yet, 109 veterans found it rather bad.


I am sure some did not like the change at all.  Oscar Boesch flew both the Bf-109 and the FW-190.  He loved the FW-190.

Quote
Do you have pic of your project?


Sure!

Here is where you join!  :aok

http://www.white1foundation.org/sponsors.htm

Here is the pilot's seat:

http://www.white1foundation.org/parts/pilotseat.jpg

http://www.white1foundation.org/parts/pilotseat2.jpg

Left side cockpit panel:

http://www.white1foundation.org/parts/console_2a.jpg

http://www.white1foundation.org/parts/console_2b.jpg

Some knick knacks:

http://www.white1foundation.org/parts/artifacts2.jpg

http://www.white1foundation.org/parts/artifacts3.jpg

http://www.white1foundation.org/parts/artifacts6.jpg

http://www.white1foundation.org/parts/sanitatspack1.jpg

History of White 1:

http://www.white1foundation.org/white1_history_main.htm

I fly with JG54 in the Combat Theater.  I would be honored to wing with you, FW-190 or a Spitfire!!

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 04, 2004, 06:06:50 AM
Now, just a last little input on the cocpit thing. Admittedly, the lenght and ferocity of the khmm, discussion on it grow out of proportion, for which I am to be blamed as well... sry guys! I think we can give those cocpits a rest, personally I am rather convinced that most of the WW2 fighter cocpits could be rightfully described as cramped, with a few notable expection of the largest plane like the P-47...

So here`s a picture from a good perspective on a G-10 c/p, taken from the JG300 guys. The cocpit dimensions were the same on all models, anyway.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1102124852_hammme109g10.jpg)

He certainly does not have much of a shoulder room, but I doubt other fighters would be different in this - there was similiarly narrow fuselage on all inline fighters. The headroom doesn`t seem to be bad at all. Enough for the task, spending 1-2 hours in the plane. Hmm, on shoulder room I began to wonder. Maybe it was intended to give the pilot some support in manouvers, the last thing I would want to have in a roll is to bang my head to the sides constantly due to inertia.

As for the FW 190 vs. Bf 109 cocpit. Crumpp is right, the 190`s cocpit was space age for it`s time, and by far the coolest looking. The 109 cocpit is spartan, simple, well arranged, but I don`t think it was bad in this regard. It contained everything the pilot needed to do his task, all the important instruments right in front of him : COMBAT flying. The first reaction I looked on the 190 cocpit in sims was that "WOW, that looks cooler than anything". The second : "But I can`t find the speed gauge along all those cylinder temperature, oxygen pressure gauges". Even Brown, who was rather biased towards the 190 said the 109`s instrument panel was better arranged, or at least, it provided a quicker overview. One thing that made the 190 more popular with pilots I guess was it`s electrical trimming and flaps. On the other hand, this meant weight and possibility of malfunction.. Otherwise, the functionality of engine control was equivalent, both planes had the equal level of automatization, but the existence of the 109`s "Kommandogeraet" it not so well known - yet it was the same single lever system, everything being automatic.

Oh and angie, I would be greatful for that pic (why not post it right here?). The email address, as usual, executor@index.hu .
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 04, 2004, 08:45:10 AM
Quote
"But I can`t find the speed gauge along all those cylinder temperature, oxygen pressure gauges".


The 190's cockpit is a cool looking design IMO.  

As it was explained to me on the instrument arrangement:

1.  The instrument panel is divided into and upper and lower panel

2.  The Upper panel is larger and designed to house the primary instruments to facilitate combat pilots normal IIRC 5 instrument scan.  He does not have to lose peripheral vision to the front while scanning.

3.  The Lower instrument panel contains "amplifying" gauges for the engine in one quadrant and controls for the peripherals (stores release, gear, manual cooling flap controls, Oxygen system/status, etc...)

4. The left side panel has the throttle quadrant and trim controls.  The trim switch could a switch on the panel at the pilot's fingertips or I have seen it as a thumb switch on the throttle itself.  Same thing with the prop and mixture controls on the throttle quadrant.  The right side of the panel has very few flying controls if any.  It is mostly circuit breaker panels, compass deviation guides, map holders, Oxygen systems, etc..

5.  The center column contains the drop ordinance status and arming.

That about covers it.  You're right some of the 109 did not like the FW-190's cockpit.  I think it had more to do with an unwillingness to change what works for them.   There is nothing wrong with the 109's cockpit at all.  

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 04, 2004, 08:51:18 AM
That pilot looks "low".
Wonder how his view over the nose is???
BTW, could you crank the seat up?
Would you sit on the parachute? Maybe he doesn't have one?

Anyway, for Crumpp.
Lets Meet in the CT, grab some 190's or whatever, and kick some mules!
emmm...my time would be like 23:00 in London time..
Izzy: Join in yer 109 ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 04, 2004, 09:05:47 AM
Quote
Anyway, for Crumpp.


Love to meet you in the CT or MA.  The CT is PTO this week.  Tribute to Pearl Harbour.  Next week the 190's are in..te he eh.

Just name your date, time, and arena.  I will shoot you an email and lets link up!

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 04, 2004, 09:19:10 AM
I`d happily, but right now I don`t even have AH on my config. D/Ld it some time ago, but Il-2FBAEPPF is so much better... but maybe some time ahead, certainly not this evening, I`ll be busy. :D ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 04, 2004, 09:59:10 AM
You prefer Il-2 for AH?
That is disgusting
Yeachhh
You Graphics DWEEB!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 04, 2004, 10:54:46 AM
I confess, but on my defense, I can bring up that I was betatester of it from day one.. and it`s the FM, really. The behaviour of planes there.. even if the performance specs bleed from a thousend wounds, but that`s what you get if you have calculated physics in the game, and not just tables etc...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 04, 2004, 02:31:18 PM
Now I understand why the 109 was such an uber a/c in Il-2 before the patches. It had the fm of a Me163 in the vertical.


Lt Fritz Seyffardt (30 'kills') of II./Schl.G. 1 on the 190 vs 109. He flew both a/c.

He says the Fw 's cockpit was roomer and the controls were simpler. It was also easier to fly especially when landing and taking off, as well as being more stable in flight.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 04, 2004, 04:48:54 PM
Hehe, the next I'll bring up is "Uncle" Theo Osterkamp and his view on the Spitfire.
He never flew it, but he fought it.
It will be tomorrow though, gonna wing up with Crumpp tonight ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 04, 2004, 07:03:42 PM
Great Time, Angus!

Thanks for flying with me.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 05, 2004, 09:27:08 AM
Hello again.
Logging on to the MA or the CT now.....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 06, 2004, 06:22:24 AM
I found this just now on another board. Adds some favour to the turning debate, not to mention it agrees well what`s stated by other pilots, ie. Hanna, and reports.

"I tried to fire on a '109' that I spotted in the chaos. Not possible, I couldn't get the correct angle. My plane juddered on the edge of a stall. It was comforting that the Spitfire turned better than the '109'! Certainly at high speed - but not at low speed."

- from Pierre Clostermann's "The Big Show"


BTW, Crumpp, do you have anything on the FW 190 stability? AFAIK, it was stable in all axis, except in the roll axis where it was unstable.

Hope you guys had a good f(l)ight together!! ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 06, 2004, 07:35:33 AM
Quote
BTW, Crumpp, do you have anything on the FW 190 stability? AFAIK, it was stable in all axis, except in the roll axis where it was unstable.


I have a pretty good analysis of the axis stability.  I will clip the article out and post it.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 06, 2004, 08:22:53 AM
Izzy, from what I know, the 109F was known to turnfight Spitfires.
Depending on load and pilot, it would sometimes stay with the Spitfire. 109F should absolutely turn with a clipped Spit V, - Clostermann flew those actually.
Marseilles trick was to clonk the slats and perjaps enen the flaps out, to get an angle.
A very dirty little trick, and quite effective.
However, he needed his squad to cover him while he was at it, since he was almost still in the air.
That is BTW a very bad position for a 109 to be in, for from stall to quite some higher speed it accelerates slower than a Spit. (Wingloading issue, - drag)
However for the 109F, that would not be so marked.
I have seen very little anecdotal evidence of 109's turning with Spitfires. But that was one.
The other way around, whoa....dozens...hundreds...
And very absolute too!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 06, 2004, 08:23:48 AM
Oh, for fun
Try to find Galland's first account of meeting Spitfires over the Channel......interesting engagement.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 06, 2004, 09:43:12 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus

That is BTW a very bad position for a 109 to be in, for from stall to quite some higher speed it accelerates slower than a Spit. (Wingloading issue, - drag)
 


Uhm, the 109`s stall speed wasn`t that much higher, though you are right it was higher. Both planes had very good low speed characteristics.

As for acceleration - the Bf 109 was markedly superior in that to the Spitfire.

First it had lower drag, the airframe being much cleaner.. it required 200 HP less for the same speed.
Second it was lighter. No need to prove that.
Thus it`s power to weight ratio was also superior...

Lower drag, more power for every kg = higher acceleration. I have even some numbers, calculated by Greg Shaw, and it also shows marked advantage for the 109. The ability to keep speed up, determined by level acceleration, is very important in turning ability, such plane can literally hang onto it`s propellor in turns.

Plus I have even a British doc, which specifically states the Spitfire V have very poor acceleration.

As for turning, here`s another anecdotal evidence from Mark Hanna. He flew a 109G airframe, but it was fitted with one of the earlier Merlin engines AFAIK.

"So how does the aeroplane compare with other contemporary fighters ? First, let me say that all my comments are based on operation below 10,000 feet and at power settings not exceeding +12 (54") and 2700 rpm. I like it as an aeroplane, and with familiarity I think it will give most of the allied fighters I have flown a hard time, particularly in a close, hard turning, slow speed dog-fight. It will definitely out-maneuver a P-51 in this type of flight, the roll rate and slow speed characteristics being much better. The Spitfire on the other hand is more of a problem for the '109 and I feel it is a superior close in fighter. Having said that the aircraft are sufficiently closely matched that pilot abilty would probably be the deciding factor."

Of course the 109G was heavier than the F, and the Mk IX was MUCH heavier than the Mk V. In fact I would not be much suprised if late 109s would turn the tables on the late Spits in the turning regime, though probalbly not at high speeds.



@Crumpp,

Do you happen to have Technical Report No. F-TR-1102-ND (US rep on captured 190G-3) ? I have two pages, and somebody is requesting the whole report, I suppose for Flight Model issues + details.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 06, 2004, 09:59:23 AM
Izzy
Acceleration at dead low speed mostly comes down to induced drag, NOT parasite drag.
At a certain speed the tables turn.
(It's that darned V-shaped curve)
And then power, but the 109's and Spitties are usually in the same ballpark.
A Spit I should be able to takeoff quicker and accelerato to approx 200 mph faster than a 109E.
(87 oct, rotol screw, vs 87 oct, variable pitch)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 06, 2004, 11:28:08 AM
Quote
Do you happen to have Technical Report No. F-TR-1102-ND (US rep on captured 190G-3) ? I have two pages, and somebody is requesting the whole report, I suppose for Flight Model issues + details.


I have the written report and the barometric plates.  I don't have the two huge volumes of instrument logs.
I'll jet them too you this evening.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 06, 2004, 04:09:04 PM
Gunther Rall, a memoir”

by Jill Amadio

ISBN: 0971553300

"The American fighter-bombers had the advantage of speed, and the P-38 Lightnings, though lacking the quality of the others were equipped with twin engines that vastly outdistanced our single engine Bf 109s. But the P-51 was truly the star fighter in Europe because of it's long range and maneuverability."

Pg 174


"I could really detect the tactical differences between the German, British and American planes. This gave me the greatest respect for the P-51 Mustang and it's extremely comfortable cockpit, good rear visibility, long-range, maneuverability, and an electrical starting system."

Pg 242


"Unlike earlier versions of the Fw 190, which were powered by BMW air-cooled radial engines, the D-9 version was equipped with a Junkers Jumo 213 liquid-cooled inline engine. It was regarded as among the finest German fighter planes in service at the time."

Pg 244


"The elliptical wings on the Spitfires had fantastic characteristics, great lift. They were very maneuverable. We couldn't catch them in a steep climb"

Pg 53


"I didn't like the slats and our cockpits were very narrow, with restricted rear visibility"

Pg 54


"I was flying at 35,000 feet and was soon able to pinpoint the bombers coming from England by their contrails. As we reached our position we went into battle formation and dropped our external tanks. The FW 190s were at 26,000 feet. It was very unusual for Bf 109s to fly at such a high altitude because they could stall."

Pg 225


"Rall was well aware that a P-47 was much faster in a dive and had much higher structural strength than a Bf 109."

Pg 226
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 06, 2004, 04:57:30 PM
Quote
"Unlike earlier versions of the Fw 190, which were powered by BMW air-cooled radial engines, the D-9 version was equipped with a Junkers Jumo 213 liquid-cooled inline engine. It was regarded as among the finest German fighter planes in service at the time."


That is true.  The later versions of the Dora were the fastest at all altitudes.  

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Furball on December 06, 2004, 06:24:38 PM
Quote
Originally posted by MiloMorai
Gunther Rall, a memoir”

by Jill Amadio
 


Rall knows nothing, i eagerly away mr.kurfurst's correction of rall's blatant, uneducated lies.

Got a copy of 109 pilots notes today, that needs correcting too - as it says the cockpit is uncomfortably small.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 06, 2004, 06:35:47 PM
Furball,

What in the Hell are your little signature dudes taking?  They're moving a warp speed...

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 07, 2004, 04:40:25 AM
More stuff from Rall that need's to be corrected.
He stated that in late 1944 the Germans had nothing in quantity that outperformed the allied fighters except the final Dora (D11?) and the 262.
Why did he not name the 109??????????????????????
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 07, 2004, 04:48:31 AM
Quote
He stated that in late 1944 the Germans had nothing in quantity that outperformed the allied fighters except the final Dora (D11?) and the 262.


Rall flew the Dora 9 which went through several upgrades.  Clarify which version he is refering too.  The late Dora is faster than any allied fighter depending on altitude.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 07, 2004, 05:54:52 AM
Crumpp, Angus' post went over your head.;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Naudet on December 07, 2004, 06:03:27 AM
A D9 with MW50 injection performs as good up to around 6.6km as a D12/13, only at higher alts the D9 falls behind due to its lower full boost alt.

The D12/13 were the fastest pistoned engined fighters the luftwaffe fielded. They got an improved 3,6m diameter airscrew with even broder blades than the VS111 used on the D9 (according to Rechling flightests, a D9 outfittet with a D12/13 airscrew as around 15km/h faster at all altitudes).
And had JUMO213E/F engines with a full boost altitude of around 10km.
Only drawback of D12/13 compared to D9 is a slight increase in weight (around 120-150kg).

If i remember right, Rall was in hospital till November 1944, after that he was assigned Kommodore of JG300. There he may have gotten his D9.

At this time most D9s had MW50 and those that didnt have MW50 had atleast the "Ladedrucksteigerungsrüstsatz" installed.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 07, 2004, 09:25:06 AM
Looked it up.
He mentioned the 190D11.
Flew it at Bad Wörishof.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 07, 2004, 10:28:08 AM
Dan, Angus

A couple of websites (if you don't know of them already) you might be interested in.

http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/hurricane/index.htm
http://www.spitfirerestoration.com/

Angus, I imagine Dan has it already, would you like the Pilot's Notes on the Spit IIa/b?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Naudet on December 07, 2004, 10:48:30 AM
Interesting Info Angus, if Rall only flew the D11, he would have liked the D9 also, it was 100kg lighter and about 10km/h faster on the deck than the D11.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 07, 2004, 02:58:47 PM
Well, Crumpp stated he had flown the D9 also.
I haven't read through the whole book, so I didn't see that yet.
It's a big book, and in German so my reading is rather modestly......... slow.
Anyway, next time I speak to him, I'll ask about 190's.
Best regards

Angus
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 10, 2004, 09:05:15 AM
Something I promised:

Theo Osterkamp in interview with Edward H. Simms.

Die Me 109 was schwerer als die Spitfire und, obwohl unter 6000 meter
richtich gut war und eine bessere dienstgipfelhöhe hatte, konnte sie nicht
mit englische jagdflugzeugen auf einen Kurvenkampf einlassen, weil sie ein
schweren motor hatte und eine neigung zeigte, mit angehobener Nase zu
fliegen. Die Spitfire lag etwas waagrechter in der Luft und konnte enger
kurven. Auf der andere Seite hatten wir mit dem grössten Gewicht einen
Vorteil im Sturzflug - in beiden kriegen.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 15, 2004, 07:42:06 AM
Oh, by the way.
This thread would be excellent to round up performance specs and links to the performance data of 109 and Spitty.
I am particularly interested in 109 data, since it seems harder to find.
Some long time ago, I put something together  for Izzy.
It is a speed comparison between some of the finer Spitfires, as well as the "sad" JL  vs all the 109 data I have basically.
I can't find the link though, but maybe someone can help out?
Here you go:

Mk VIII with 25 boost available
Mk IXLF JL 165 at +18lbs and
Mk IX HF with 18 boost
vs.
Tsagi`s 109 G-2, shall we:

SL speed :
Mk VIII 582 km/h
109G-2 : 530 km/h
Mk IX LF : 515 km/h
Mk IX HF 524 km/h
at altitude :
Mk VIII 651 km/h at 6160. (at 18 boost)
109 G-2 : 665 km/h at 7000 m.
Mk IX LF : 624 km/h 5900 m.
(the other LF fighter does 661 km at 6405 m)
Mk IX HF 664 km/h at 8113 m, or even 654 at 9150 m. The one with the Merlin 66 does 668 km at 8479 m.

at 9100m :

109G-2 : 650 km/h
Mk IX LF : 611 km/h
Mk IX HF 654 km/h

Getting really high, 11895m, the Spitty still does 593 km/h

Well, hope someone pops in with some more candy

Regards

Angus
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: gripen on December 15, 2004, 08:15:48 AM
Hm.. So far no one has come up with the evidence if the "Tsagi" values for the Bf 109G-2 are really tested. Apparently one person has the report but he can't read the text...

gripen
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 15, 2004, 08:56:41 AM
In that case, I may have no data at all for the 109, just anecdotes and registered comparison tests!
(Well, all I have is from Izzy)

Really, well documented 109 performance documentation needed!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 15, 2004, 10:13:15 AM
Quote
Originally posted by gripen
Hm.. So far no one has come up with the evidence if the "Tsagi" values for the Bf 109G-2 are really tested. Apparently one person has the report but he can't read the text...

gripen


Appearantly, one has the test report, and says its 17 pages long, VERY detailed and definietely comes from a flight test. Even the serial number (werknummer) of the tested plane is known, and the results are in ood agreement with flight tests of rechlin on the 109G at 1.3ata.

The only person I know who denies those performance specs are from flight trials is gripen. All alone, and has absolutely no evidence to his claims. Plus we all know how much negative bias gripen hawhen it comes to 109s, and how much positive bias when it comes to spits.

The real reason why gripen sunk into surrationial denial is because the results of this and other tests 100% disprove some of his 'foundation stone' statements.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 15, 2004, 10:36:19 AM
So stop babbling and post it, or a link    ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 15, 2004, 10:43:43 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Oh, by the way.
This thread would be excellent to round up performance specs and links to the performance data of 109 and Spitty
.Angus



From what I gathered I consider the following the representative data for the 109G and MkIX/VIIIs :

109 F-4 :
537 km/h at 0m, 670 km/h at 6200m. (1.42ata, as beginning of 1942). Rechlin flight tests

109G-1/2/3/4 :
525 km/h at 0m, 649 km/h at 7000m. (1.3ata) in 1942. Rechlin flight test
530/540 km/h at 0m, 666 km/h at 7000m. (1.42ata) in 1943. Tsagi`s flight test. + german datasheet for g-2`s sl speed.

The use of GM-1 gives +120 km/h speed boost at higher altitudes, on subvariants which employed (primarly G-1 and G-3). Results in high altitude speeds in exceess of 700 km/h. GLC datacards and other papers.


Mk IX F. (Merlin 61). BF 274 tests.
498 km/h at 0m, 649 km/h at 8350 m. (+15lbs) in 1943.

Mk IX L.F. (Merliin 66) from 1943. BS 310 tests.

541 km/h at 0m, 650 km/h at 5950m. (+18lbs)

570 km/h at 0m, boost effects up to 4400m, above that the same. (+25lbs, with use of 150 grade fuel from mid-1944 in limited use, from 1945 in general use). JL 165 tests.

Mk IX H.F. from 1943.
525 km/h at 0m, 665km/h at 8100m. (+18lbs, 1943) EN 524 tests with correct carburrator settings.

MK VIIIs are essentially similar to the IXLF, expect they most likely never used 150 grade fuel in combat.


Of couse the bottomline text is, the MkIXs only seen combat in pennypocket numbers until 1944, whereas the 109G was very widespread in use. The real counterpart for it was the MkV in reality.. ie. 600 km/h or less (trop variants) max. speed...

As for how good russian reports were... the 100 page+ report on the Emil they made is far the most through I hacve seen yet. In comparision, british reports make quite serious mistakes, like reporting the G-6 with retractable tailwheel etc...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 15, 2004, 11:55:14 AM
Peww.
Finally something to type into excel ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 19, 2004, 10:03:20 AM
Oh, this:
"Of couse the bottomline text is, the MkIXs only seen combat in pennypocket numbers until 1944"

I rather had the impression that the Mk IX production run ended in 1944, and there were already Mk XIV's around there.

And for Penny-pocket, how many IX's were made? 5-6000?

You even had Mk IX's in the med as early as beginning of 1943,and they were already in several squadrons in 1942.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 19, 2004, 10:14:16 AM
Angus, the last IX came of the production line in June 1945. This was from the 17th order.

Don't forget to add the 1053 MkXVIs to the 5663 Mk IXs built
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 19, 2004, 01:27:04 PM
17 batches!
Wonder how many they'd made in 1943.
Then you had the VIII's, the XII's etc.....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: gripen on December 19, 2004, 04:29:47 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
Appearantly, one has the test report, and says its 17 pages long, VERY detailed and definietely comes from a flight test.


So far no one has come up with the evidence that the high altitude values in that report are from the flight tests.

Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
and the results are in ood agreement with flight tests of rechlin on the 109G at 1.3ata.


The problem with that Rechlin paper is that the speeds at high altitude appear to be calculated; claimed FTH is 6,4km while the speed values indicate about 7000m. The russian data has very same problem, in both cases the values are not logical if compared with real tested data for 1,3 ata 2600rpm.

gripen
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 19, 2004, 05:12:48 PM
Yeah Gripen.....


The Luftwaffe never made a flight test...


:rolleyes:

Same old BS you shovel.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 19, 2004, 05:47:49 PM
Well, if you have documented LW flight tests of 109's, not to mention Spitfires, please upload :)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 19, 2004, 07:12:30 PM
Quote
Well, if you have documented LW flight tests of 109's, not to mention Spitfires, please upload


How about I email them to you and Izzy.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 19, 2004, 07:33:03 PM
Absolutely fine.
I'm actually honest about building an Excel doc database.
I'm not the best at that, but I have some good help, so I belive it will be fine.
If data keeps coming, then in time the document will be very nice.
Once I have some (Christmas is a lazy time, hehe) I'll mail it back to you and Izzy and anyone, or if you have his mail, forward it to him.
If you can compile some of the numbers and additional data (such as boost or modifications), breaking it up a bit will help, makes my work easier.
I think Gripen has my mail, if you do still, ping me one short message and I'll give a quick reply.
(got so much dirt in my mailbox)

So, untill next go.

Angus

P.S. Izzy, those Spitfire IX and same quality were indeed supplied in much more than penny-pocket  numbers......
Nice move though :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Dweeb on December 20, 2004, 02:50:03 AM
Quote
Originally posted by gripen
So far no one has come up with the evidence that the high altitude values in that report are from the flight tests.

gripen

Perhaps you better get that 1/6 scale model down from your bedroom ceiling and blow some of your hot air over it, isn’t that how you prefer to get your data :lol

Badboy
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: gripen on December 20, 2004, 03:33:34 AM
It does not matter which type is discused; the Bf 109G, P-38L, P-47or Fw 190. The problem with all these people making wild performance claims is that they never can't post real evidence.

Angus,
The Bf 109G/AS data you allready have contains real and tested datasets for DB 605A too.

Dweeb/Badboy
Finally you use your own name in your post, thanks. Funny thing is that it was actually you who did not understand what Wood wrote.

gripen
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 20, 2004, 03:44:40 AM
RGR, will try to find them and will let you know.
TY

Angus
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 20, 2004, 08:33:04 AM
Quote
Finally you use your own name in your post, thanks. Funny thing is that it was actually you who did not understand what Wood wrote.


That is most definately YOU Gripen that does not understand what Wood wrote.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Badboy on December 20, 2004, 02:23:46 PM
Quote
Originally posted by gripen


Badboy
Funny thing is that it was actually you who did not understand what Wood wrote.

gripen

Really, what part of:

Quote
Originally said by Wood on page 36 of your reference
Glauert gives corrections for tapered wings as a function of the amount of taper, but this refinement is believed to be not justified in practice

don't you understand?

Badboy
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 20, 2004, 02:31:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by gripen
So far no one has come up with the evidence that the high altitude values in that report are from the flight tests.

[/B]

Oh Gripen, guys who have the report say it is a flight tests, they can even name the serial no. of the plane it was done with... that`s something by anyone`s standards... what do you have on the contrary? Flight tests at lower boost, on well worn airplanes, which have their prop blades holed, their thermostat stuck in open positin, and the tailwheel fixed in a down position when it was retractable? And you are surprised those are slower...?

 
Quote

The problem with that Rechlin paper is that the speeds at high altitude appear to be calculated; claimed FTH is 6,4km while the speed values indicate about 7000m. [/B]


"Appear to be"? How is that?

As for the Rechlin`s flight test papers, there`s NO disagreement. These contain both a curve (which also show ca.6.5km FTH), and a speed table. The table goes in 1000m intervals, as usual with these, but there`s absolutely no indication that 7km is the FTH. It`s just where the fastest speed is listed, the next 1km step over 6000m.


Quote

The russian data has very same problem, in both cases the values are not logical if compared with real tested data for 1,3 ata 2600rpm.
gripen [/B]


Expect that it comes in very good agreement with other _flight tests_ of 109F-4 done by rechlin. I expect the 109G-1 to be slightly faster than the F-4 with it`s better high alt prop, slightly more powerful engine (both at 1.42ata), and essentially equal drag characteristics. In fact, the rechlin flight tests of the F-4 at 1.42ata also underline the Rechlin numbers for the G-1 at 1.3ata, considering the DB 601E at 1.42ata was comparable to the 605A at 1.3ata.


Angus&Crumpp,

I have done this excell table some time ago with quite a few a/c loaded into it`s database. That`s from where the nifty graphs come from. ;) You can see things very well in it btw, how they evolved...

I have a part of the Spit I and II report/test by Rechlin, not all of it, but it contains perf results, dimensions, weight distribution etc. Too bad there`s so much fewer of these papers from the German archieves than what we have from English tests from the PRO.. happily mail them over to Angus or you, along with the xls if requested and of course I am interested in 109 stuff as well. executor@index.hu, as you all know.


As for Mk IXs, Nashwan/Hop claims only some 350 were made in 1942 and Q1 of 1943 (vs. ca 3000+ 109Gs...add ca1500 F-4s made, quite comparable to 109G`s performance)... now if I compare that to the fact that 800+ produced MkXIVs by the end of 1944 were not enough for more than 5-6 squadrons, ca. 80-100 planes in service... then pennypocket numbers are the words you want to use. I wonder how many were exactly built in 1943, but all secondary references say the Mk Vs still making up the bulk of the force, at least 50% if not more. I have seen pilots flying MkVs still in 1944 ! Based on that, I seriously doubt the MkIX would make it`s presence felt until 1944 or very late 1944. There`s some pattern in this, while technically RAF/LW fighters were very close, the RAF was always more slow to deploy the new ones onto the battlefield.


Happy christmas to all ! :aok
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Nashwan on December 20, 2004, 03:17:40 PM
Quote
As for Mk IXs, Nashwan/Hop claims only some 350 were made in 1942 and Q1 of 1943


My memory must be worse than I thought, because I don't ever remember saying any such thing.

I did say only around 350 were built with Merlin 61 (afaik), but I think Isegrim has just assumed the Merlin 63, 66 and 70 were not fitted during until at least the second quarter of 43.

A quick glance at Spitfire the History proves that wrong, though, for example EN 478, first flight 17th Feb 43, En 476 13th Feb 43, En 479 24th Feb 43, En 480 19th Feb 43, etc (all with Merlin 63).

I'm not looking through all 5000+ Spitfire IX serials to count how many were delivered before the first quarter of 1943, and you'd have to go through the Spit V serials as well to see which were converted.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 20, 2004, 03:34:35 PM
Takes a ton of work if you don't have the numbers handy.
Cristopher Shore's "Aces High" will give you most of the data about which and when so aircraft were taken into Squadron service by squadron size I mean.
It is however a lot of a job to break it up.
But, reading through it quickly, it seems that the Spit IX was quite well in service late 1942, and almost dominant in 1943

Another well to peek into might be the LW's claims list, - but they don't distinguish the brand most of the time.
A Spitfire is just a Spitfire in their eyes, although in many cases the difference between a Spit IX and V wreck should be analyzable.

Is there yet a comparible LW book to Aces High?

If there is, I'll buy it!!!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: HoHun on December 20, 2004, 04:08:45 PM
Hi Kurfürst,

>Expect that it comes in very good agreement with other _flight tests_ of 109F-4 done by rechlin.

Are you aware of the following site?

http://www.beim-zeugmeister.de/zeugmeister/index.php?id=21&L=1

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 20, 2004, 05:29:40 PM
Very very nice site.
Particularly interesting comparison with the early 190.

Thanks for the link.

Angus.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: gripen on December 21, 2004, 04:31:22 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
Oh Gripen, guys who have the report say it is a flight tests, they can even name the serial no. of the plane it was done with... that`s something by anyone`s standards... what do you have on the contrary?


Just bring in the evidence that the high altitude performance is really flight tested and the results are properly corrected.

Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst

Expect that it comes in very good agreement with other _flight tests_ of 109F-4 done by rechlin.


Well, if that  F-4 dataset is really for a standard service plane and properly corrected, then we have a good evidence that the developement of the Bf 109 reached it's top in the F-4; it was as fast as Bf 109G/AS at 10 km and some 50 km/h faster than Bf 109G-2.

gripen
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 21, 2004, 04:35:04 PM
Don't you all know, The Luftwaffe never flight tested anything.  They just used slide rules and sent those Hitler Yoot's on their way!

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 21, 2004, 05:45:28 PM
Umm, hope you don't mind me asking but what's that Hohun-Henning on your sig?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 21, 2004, 05:49:54 PM
Returning the favour.  He put my name in his so I'm giving him some free advertisement as well.

:)

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 21, 2004, 06:29:34 PM
Lol, my name is there first.
Well, I mortally wounded the guy by suggesting that the 109's situation might not at all times in WW2 have been in perfect condition, and he sentenced me to his list.
Since it's an ignore list, he is not reading???? :D

Anyway, on that quirk document you sent me my slat theory seems to hold. The aircraft had to be calibrated (flown in) properly and regularly to be in perfect order regarding slats and ailerons.
Now, hmm, we had slats causing a thump on the ailerons for instance, untill well set, then there should have been no problem.

So, after all, I guess that my initial assumption that IF the slats of the 109 did have a side-effect such as a snap, it would have been due to war-related problems rather than the design was not so bad after all. And yet, that was enough to set everything on fire and get me the first name on that underline......

What would have happened if I had suggested that the slats were basically a bad design, hehe.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 21, 2004, 06:49:42 PM
Quote
What would have happened if I had suggested that the slats were basically a bad design, hehe.


You would be banned!

If you want to cut out the FW-190 stuff from that document and post it you can.  If your unable to post documents let me know and I can do it for you.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 21, 2004, 06:58:36 PM
Oh, I'd just give a direct quote if it's ok with you.
Would be better to give a full source then?
Just let me know, untill then I will keep a gentleman's word and not quote or copy unless the green light is on.
Regards.

Angus
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 21, 2004, 07:12:32 PM
You can quote or copy the 109 stuff.  My book is not about the 109.  You have the green light!

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 21, 2004, 07:45:49 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Takes a ton of work if you don't have the numbers handy.
Cristopher Shore's "Aces High" will give you most of the data about which and when so aircraft were taken into Squadron service by squadron size I mean.
It is however a lot of a job to break it up.
But, reading through it quickly, it seems that the Spit IX was quite well in service late 1942, and almost dominant in 1943

 


Keep in mind the Spit VI, VII, VIII and XII were also involved at some point in 43.  The XII for example, while in small numbers was active from roughly April 43 and produced the highest scoring Spit Squadron in the Fall of 43.

Certainly Spit Vs were still operating.  Escorting the mediums to LW airfields and targets in France usually involved all types of Spits.  Spit Vs would be close escort.  VIIs or IXs would be high cover with the XIIs involved at medium alts along with LFIXs

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 21, 2004, 08:10:31 PM
Nice input Guppy.

Spit XII= basically a XIV with some quirks?

BTW, what squadron? And Aces there off????
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 21, 2004, 08:23:24 PM
Quote
Certainly Spit Vs were still operating. Escorting the mediums to LW airfields and targets in France usually involved all types of Spits. Spit Vs would be close escort. VIIs or IXs would be high cover with the XIIs involved at medium alts along with LFIXs


Interesting.  According to the Luftwaffe units stationed in the MTO in 1943 they report Spit V's as their major Spitfire opponent.  I am sure the majority of Luftwaffe pilots would not know a Spit V from a XII looking out of the cockpit but the Luftwaffe intelligence reports the DAF fighters as Spit V's.

If all these other Spitfire varients were present, they certainly did not make a huge specific impact on the Luftwaffe pilots.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 21, 2004, 08:58:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Nice input Guppy.

Spit XII= basically a XIV with some quirks?

BTW, what squadron? And Aces there off????


XII, single stage Griffon III or IV.  Built on either a Spit V airframe (those with fixed tail wheels in the EN serial range) or Spit VIII airframe (MB serials with retracting undercarriage)

First time the RAF Spit drivers had encountered the opposite rotation of the Griffon.  Some crazy take offs for those who still trimmed it for the Merlin.

91 Squadron was high scoring Spit Squadron in September 43.  Ray Harries was the WingCo of the Tangmere Wing comprised of the two Spit XII squadrons, 41 and 91.  He'd been CO of 91.  Norman Kynaston was CO at the time and also an Ace.  Others included Grey Stenborg a New Zealander who was KIA in the Fall of 43, Chris Doll, Jaques Andreieux and Jean Maridor, both Free French pilots.

The XII would be great in the MA since the airwar is in the alt ranges that the XII excelled in.  Wishful thinking of course :)  Clipped wing, broad chord rudder and that Griffon out front.  But I'll settle for an LFIX :)

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 21, 2004, 09:01:17 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
Interesting.  According to the Luftwaffe units stationed in the MTO in 1943 they report Spit V's as their major Spitfire opponent.  I am sure the majority of Luftwaffe pilots would not know a Spit V from a XII looking out of the cockpit but the Luftwaffe intelligence reports the DAF fighters as Spit V's.

If all these other Spitfire varients were present, they certainly did not make a huge specific impact on the Luftwaffe pilots.

Crumpp


But you are referring to the MTO where the IX and VIII arrived in smaller numbers later then they did out of England.  XII never made it to the MTO.  

RAF Squadrons often operated a mix of Vs and IXs together.  92 for example had both flying at the same time.  IXs would fly high cover for the Vs.

If there was an impact on the LW it was in that every Spit became potentially a more potent version.  If nothing else it provided some comfort to the Spit V pilots :)

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 21, 2004, 09:14:42 PM
Thanks Guppy for clarifying that.

Quote
If nothing else it provided some comfort to the Spit V pilots


I definately agree that Spits became more potent.  So didn't the Luftwaffe fighters.

Based off of Fabers FW-190A3 performance trials and crossed referenced with the tactical trials I think the Spit IX did provide more comfort to the RAF pilots.  It's appearence is not even noticed in the Jagdwaffe FW 190 units on the Channel.

To the Luftwaffe the Spitfire started out a fighter to be respected and remained so throughout the war.  
Pretty sure the reverse is the same for the 109 and 190.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 21, 2004, 10:47:03 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
Thanks Guppy for clarifying that.

 

I definately agree that Spits became more potent.  So didn't the Luftwaffe fighters.

Based off of Fabers FW-190A3 performance trials and crossed referenced with the tactical trials I think the Spit IX did provide more comfort to the RAF pilots.  It's appearence is not even noticed in the Jagdwaffe FW 190 units on the Channel.

To the Luftwaffe the Spitfire started out a fighter to be respected and remained so throughout the war.  
Pretty sure the reverse is the same for the 109 and 190.

Crumpp


There definately was a time where the Spit pilots felt overmatched when the 190 appeared.

And the confidence came back with the advent of the Spit IX.  Regardless of how the performance numbers played out, the pilots believed they could take on the 190s and 109s with confidence.

The Spit XII drivers I got to know, definately felt like the XII outperformed the 109s and 190s when they went into combat.

Again, not neccesarily based on actual aircraft performance numbers, but the confidence was there, which made a huge difference.

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 22, 2004, 07:26:09 AM
Hey, don't make this into a 190 thread, 190 dweeb :D

Anyway, do you have the performance of the XII at hand?

I remember a tale of Harris. He had 190's jump his squad on purpose, countering with a high break. The 190's could not outzoom that one and had to run, but he could catch them.
Basically, after losing the initiative, the 190's couldn't do anything the XII couldn't.

But in 1941/42, 190 vs normal Spit V's, and perhaps even some Mk II's, now that was the reverse story.
Supermarine was still hairing out the roll rate quirks, and there enters the 190, fast, heavily armed, uber-rolling, and AGGRESSIVE! So, the 190 was the devil in the sky, for a good while.

Oh, speaking of MTO recognition of the Spitfire, there are some things to bear in mind.
1. The IX and V look almost identical, - in the air the difference cannot be seen.
2. The VIII adds a bit to the confusion.
3. There were many mods around. V's with modded exhaust stumps, clipped, chopped, chopped, etc.

So a Spit was not just a Spit if you see what I mean.
But the bulk of the early desert war was the Mk V with the Vokes filter which really created a lot of parasite drag. At times, those got outrun by Ju88's, and they were outperformed by both the 109F and the 190.
A tactical move by one of the RAF commanders was to "stack" his squadron rather than staying at a certain altitude. The top guys provided cover for the others, and it worked quite well.

Anyway, gotta rush. Will bring some stuff into here later on.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 22, 2004, 12:57:33 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Hey, don't make this into a 190 thread, 190 dweeb :D

Anyway, do you have the performance of the XII at hand?

I remember a tale of Harris. He had 190's jump his squad on purpose, countering with a high break. The 190's could not outzoom that one and had to run, but he could catch them.
Basically, after losing the initiative, the 190's couldn't do anything the XII couldn't.

 


Check here for DP845 performance as the prototype Spit XII.  Numbers are similar for the production birds.

http://www.fourthfightergroup.com/eagles/dp845.html

The best day of the Tangmere Spit XII Wing was the October 20, 1943 mission where they were bounced and did as you describe, breaking into the 109s and 190s, claiming 9 for no loss.

The key was to get the LW fighters to come down, which they didn't always do :)

Image taken shortly after the big 10/20/43 flight showing both 41 and 91 Squadrons in front of a Spit XII at Tangmere.  Ray Harries is the little guy in the center.  41 pilots to the left of the photo and 91 to the right, except fof 91 Free French pilot "Jacko" Andrieux 2nd from left who is with the 41 pilots.

Just to give an indication of the multinational feel of the RAF squadrons at the time, the first 5 guys from the left are a South African, Frenchman, Yank in the RAF, Englishman and a Canadian.  And also in there are a Pole, Dutchman, New Zealanders and Aussies

Dan/Slack
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/169_1092544835_tangmere-wing.jpg)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 22, 2004, 01:47:18 PM
Gonna try an image insert.

(http://www.fourthfightergroup.com/eagles/bank45.gif)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 22, 2004, 01:50:00 PM
Yeehahh, worked.
Well, Izzy posted this above somewhere.
Just wondering if there is a graph like this for newermodels?
Anyone??
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 22, 2004, 05:17:26 PM
Quote
I remember a tale of Harris. He had 190's jump his squad on purpose, countering with a high break. The 190's could not outzoom that one and had to run, but he could catch them.


Looking at the performance graphs for sea level performance, it looks like the FW-190A8 with the thin metal prop and 14 bladed Lufterrad is a little faster on the deck and climbs just as good.

With the wood wide chord prop, I think the FW-190A8 will be equal in speed and easily outclimb the Spit XII.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 22, 2004, 05:45:31 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
Looking at the performance graphs for sea level performance, it looks like the FW-190A8 with the thin metal prop and 14 bladed Lufterrad is a little faster on the deck and climbs just as good.

With the wood wide chord prop, I think the FW-190A8 will be equal in speed and easily outclimb the Spit XII.

Crumpp


Yet I've got combat reports where two Spit XII pilots got jumped by a pair of 190s while on a low level recce to France.  In the confusion both Spit XII pilots failed to drop their 30 gallon drop tanks yet they were able to outrun the 190s that had the drop on them.

And I have combat reports where Spit XIIs intercepted the 190s hitting the south coast of England and despite the 190s having a head start on the deck, the Spits were able to catch the 190s.

At the same time you have to take into account individual aircraft as the performance of the 190 and Spit XII were comparable.  One Spit XII pilot is gaining on a 190 while another is barely staying at the same distance.

So who had the better maintained aircraft, the sweeter engine, better pilot, able to take the plane to the limits of it's performance, etc won the day.

It's where the 'walking up the steps' in aircraft performace on both sides comes into play.  It would rise then plateau for a bit where the fight was equal, rise again, plateau and so on.

Looking at the war years you can somewhat see it.

1939  LW on top, RAF catching up
1940-Even
1941-190 shows up LW on top
1942 Spit IX levels the playing field along with the Tiffie
1943-Allies starting to get the edge with the Griffon Spits, Merlin Mustang, Better Merlin Spits, Tiffie, but still things are fairly level in terms of performance.
1944-Back and forth-Mustangs and Jugs improving, Spit XIV, Tempest, 38L etc move the Allies forward.  LW counters with 190D9 late in the year and the Jets which swings the performance ballance to the LW although the numbers of Allied aircraft makes a huge difference.
1945 the same trend continues but Allied Jets are in production and starting to head to Europe but the war ends.

I suppose what it says in terms of AH, is that if you wanted to make the most even MA type arena, you'd fill it with the planes of 1943 and let em duke it
out :)

P38G/Hs, Late model P40s, Early model P47s and P51Bs in small numbers, Spitfire Vs, IXs, and Tiffies vs 109Gs and 190A variants and the Italian 202s and 205s.

Might be a heckuva fight :)

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 22, 2004, 06:09:02 PM
With the CT being almost dead,this is an idea on it's own.
A map, and all planes made in a whole year or so.

Anyway, Guppy, you're so right there with differing  performance between individual aircraft even of the same type.
That's just how it was.
Engine status, trimming, pilot training, fuel quality, subvariant issues, etc etc.
For all it's worth, Harris could have been jumped by derated 190's, he'd never know, and from their cockpit he was perhaps a Mk V?!?!?!?!
(Well, If I belive Izzy, MkV's were still dominant in 1944, but alas, I don't belive Izzy)

See also this here, from another thread:

"I lead the squadron behind the Messerchmitts and blew up their leader with my first burst, before attaching myself to his wingman who must have been a novice as he took little evasive action, and notwithstanding my cannons jamming, I peppered him with my two machine guns from minimal range until my DeWilde set him on fire.
He struggeled into cloud cover where I lost him, and maybe he eventually got home, but I thought more likely, as the boys did, that he joined his leader in the mountains below."
Anthoney Bartley, 29 dec 1942, 111 sqn leader.
One victim is confirmed, Gunther Eggebrecht II Jg51, shot down and wounded.

Makes you wonder. The 109 was at least a 109F while the Spitfire was a Mk V trop, the slowest, possibly slower than the Mk I!!!! The armament was only 2x303's. The German should have been more than a complete novice as well.
Any idea?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 22, 2004, 06:22:56 PM
I would agree with that Guppy and Angus.  The differences are so small that it could go either way in the air.

Maintenance and pilot skill would win the day.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Naudet on December 23, 2004, 11:38:57 AM
Quote
I would agree with that Guppy and Angus. The differences are so small that it could go either way in the air.


Thats right on spot, the performance of the most late war birds was so close together that individual aircraft condition was most times the decisive factor.

i.e. a D9 in "good" condition could do around 610km/h@SL using MW50, but in "bad" shape the speed could well drop too around 580km/h@Sl and in "perfect" condition (when a special engine cooling sealing is aplied) it might even be capable of around 625km/h@SL.

Now just imagine your are an allied pilot flying a P51 in "normal" condition (capable of around 370mph@SL) and you meet a D9.
You would catch the bad condition bird, more or less hold the distance to the good condition plane and would be outrun by the "perfect" one.

Even if only the performance of one plane changes you already have three different "stories" to tell.
Now take into account that the performance of the P51 varies in the same way and that you usually do not know at which power setting the other guy is really flying and you can have all sorts of outcomes.

The problem in flightsims is always that planes are identical, we know excatly the speeds the plane type we use are capable of.
Something you could never be sure of in WW2.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 23, 2004, 03:36:32 PM
I've used this image before, but it proves the point.

The photo was taken in April 44.  MB882 EB-B was delivered to the Squadron at the end of December 27, 1943 and is the A Flight Commander's kite.  This was after the XIIs had fought most of their major air combat.  They scored a kill in January 44 and again in September 44 but nothing in between except the V-1s from the summer of 44.

MB858 EB-D arrived in September 43 at the height of the air battles taking place over France that involved the XII.

Note the difference in finish.  MB882 clearly looking polished with a better paint finish.  MB858 looking a lot more worn.

Both these aircraft survived frontline service and together flew the last operational flight of a Spit XII in September 44.

MB882 remained the A Flight Commander's aircraft and proved to be a good V-1 killer in the hands of A Flight CO Terry Spencer.  He also scored the last air to air kill of a 190 in this bird in September 44.

Knowing it was the Flight CO's bird and knowing it was more pampered then a regular squadron aircraft like MB858, which would you choose as the better performer? :)

MB858 was damaged and repaired twice btw.

Dan/Slack
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/169_1084983552_41spitxiis.jpg)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 24, 2004, 11:54:16 AM
Excellent Example, Guppy35!

In spite of what some on this BBS want to claim,  filled, waxed, and polished was not all that an unusual finish for a front line fighter.  Many a ground crew during the war stayed up burning the midnight oil with putty and polisher.  Some aircraft recieved great benefits from this, like the 109 and I imagine the Spitfire.  Others, like the FW-190 gained only a tiny amount for a lot of effort.

From Willi Reschke's book Jagdgeschwader 301/302 "Wilde Sau":

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1103909906_polished109.jpg)

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 24, 2004, 12:05:53 PM
Spitfire Sqn leader would que up for the improved ailerons.
Some also for different spinners and exhaust stubs, - 5 mph each I think.
All parasite drag issues.

Anyway,,,,,,all thread grudges held aside....


Merry Christmas to you all!!!!!!!   :) :) :)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 24, 2004, 12:07:04 PM
Merry Christmas to you and all on the BBS!

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 28, 2004, 08:42:49 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Nashwan
My memory must be worse than I thought, because I don't ever remember saying any such thing.


Nashwan, you have a history for failing memory. One time you say one thing, a week later - the opposite and deny you ever claim anything else.


Quote

I did say only around 350 were built with Merlin 61 (afaik), but I think Isegrim has just assumed the Merlin 63, 66 and 70 were not fitted during until at least the second quarter of 43.

A quick glance at Spitfire the History proves that wrong, though, for example EN 478, first flight 17th Feb 43, En 476 13th Feb 43, En 479 24th Feb 43, En 480 19th Feb 43, etc (all with Merlin 63).
[/B]


Nice switch about the second quarter Nashwan. But any case you just proved me right.

Because in other words, not a single Merlin 63/66/70 powered Spit IX before February 1943 (Merlin 63s entered service in February, 66 and 70 a month later).

Which leaves only the Merlin 61 powered Mk IXs up to Q1 of 1943. Thats a mere 350 planes produced (and its quite possible they were produced after Feb1943 for some time).

Add to that maybe 1000-1500 Mk IXs produced in 1943.. enough for what, 10 squadrons maybe? 800 XIVs prodced for a year were enough for 5 as shown...  hell I doubt even that many was avaiable; A total ca5000 IXs was made, about 300 in 1943, 1000 were supplied to the Russians, which leaves about 3700 for the RAF, produced in 1943, 1944, 1945. Most were produced in 1944, so say 700 in 1945, 2000-2500 in 1944 (hmm, about 1.5 months of 109G production at that time...). So a better number would be 500-1000 MkIXs produced in 1943. Pennypocket numbers!

No wonder the RAF had to rely on MkVs (the most produced Mark), and even Hurris still in mid-43 !!



Quote

I'm not looking through all 5000+ Spitfire IX serials to count how many were delivered before the first quarter of 1943, and you'd have to go through the Spit V serials as well to see which were converted. [/B]


Of course you dont. This would just prove how rare the Mk IX was until 1944. The poor MkVs had to stand up against the 109F and G, and the 190A. Bad news for 1942/43 RAF pilots!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 28, 2004, 08:49:34 AM
So, anyway, in 1944 the skies were full of 109G10's and there were little pockets of resistance from Spit V's and a handful IX's right?
Most spits were produced after the war.

:D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 28, 2004, 09:19:24 AM
P.S.
I have a complete list of when this and that squadron got re-equipped with this and that.
RAF, that is.
But...it's about 60 pages, so it will take me some time to compile.
I will do so gladly, however, hehe.

A quick glance of mk IX reception (opened a page and went on a bit):

65 aug 43
72 July 42
74 april 1944
80 may 1944
81 jan 43
87 april 1943
92 april-august (the V's lived long I guess)
93 sept

Now, this was just a wee, and just the IX, not the VIII, or XIII, or some other models.

The missing squads were non-Spitfire sqn's
So, I'll make you a list, it will take a couple of days though.
(the list of Spitfire upgrades, ok ;)=)
But it seems that from 5% of RAF sqadrons it's half-half from 1943/44 already, and from the squads I was looking at, most were in the med. So, I'd expect the outcome to be a tad different.

Regards

Angus
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 28, 2004, 09:59:52 AM
Angus, the Germans must have had seconds thoughts on putting their 109s up against the lowly Spit Vs since in Luftflotte 3 (France and the Low Countries) there was only 42 109s versus 326 190s. (17 May 43 OoB) And we all know how the 190 stacked up against the Spit V.;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 28, 2004, 10:28:58 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
So, anyway, in 1944 the skies were full of 109G10's and there were little pockets of resistance from Spit V's and a handful IX's right?
:D


No, I presume the MkIXs were fairly widespread by 1944. There were about 20 squadrons in mid-1944 equipped with them in britain, that makes about 300-400 planes. MkVs were still around in some numbers.

The problem was, the LW was already well in the process of replacing the older Gs to the new high altitude models: G-6/AS, G-14/AS, G-10 and K-4 produced in huge numbers (alone of G-10 and K-4 4200+ were built..) by that time and against these, the MkIX`s performance was lacking a LOT at altitude.

The RAF wasn`t lagging behind the LW in technical development, but it was always one or two phase behind it in deployment...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Nashwan on December 28, 2004, 11:01:41 AM
Quote
Nashwan, you have a history for failing memory. One time you say one thing, a week later - the opposite and deny you ever claim anything else.


Isegrim, I'm not responsible for your poor comprehension.

Quote
Nice switch about the second quarter Nashwan.


What switch?

Here's what you claimed:

Quote
As for Mk IXs, Nashwan/Hop claims only some 350 were made in 1942 and Q1 of 1943


Here's what I said:

Quote
I did say only around 350 were built with Merlin 61 (afaik), but I think Isegrim has just assumed the Merlin 63, 66 and 70 were not fitted during until at least the second quarter of 43.


You said 350 were made in 42 and Q1 43, I said more than that were made before Q2. It's exactly the same thing. Before Q2 = Q1, which is what you said.

Again, poor comprehension.

That's understandable, you being a foreigner and all, but you really shouldn't try to blame me for your misunderstandings. :)

Quote
Because in other words, not a single Merlin 63/66/70 powered Spit IX before February 1943 (Merlin 63s entered service in February, 66 and 70 a month later).

Which leaves only the Merlin 61 powered Mk IXs up to Q1 of 1943.


No, it doesn't.

Again, you said:

Quote
As for Mk IXs, Nashwan/Hop claims only some 350 were made in 1942 and Q1 of 1943


You are including Q1, so you have to include the planes that were produced in Q1. That includes Merlin 63 production.

Quote
Add to that maybe 1000-1500 Mk IXs produced in 1943


Source?

Quote
enough for what, 10 squadrons maybe?


150 aircraft per squadron? Can I have some of what you're smoking?

Approx 1,580 Spitfire Is were made in total (up to spring 1941), they equipped 19 squadrons during the BoB, as well as training units, building up a sizeable reserve, and production after the BoB. And that's during a  period of high losses.

In a similar timeframe to the Spit IX, there were 100 Spitfire XIIs produced, equipped 2 squadrons.

1000 Spitfire IXs in 1943 (plus 300 or so in 1942) would be ample for 25 - 30 squadrons. (not counting Spit VIIs in the UK, VIIIs in the Med etc)

Quote
A total ca5000 IXs was made,


Actually about 5,600.

Quote
about 300 in 1943, 1000 were supplied to the Russians, which leaves about 3700 for the RAF, produced in 1943, 1944, 1945.


Why are you removing the 1942 production?

5,600 Spitfire IXs produced, approx 1,180 sent to Russia. On top of that add 140 Spit VIIs, 1,680 Spit VIIIs, 1050 Spit XVIs.

Essentially 8,000 Merlin 60 series Spitfires.

Quote
Of course you dont. This would just prove how rare the Mk IX was until 1944.


According to the RAF website, "In February [1943], No 72 Squadron arrived in North Africa with Mk IXs.

By this time, most 11 Group squadrons had Mk IXs "
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 28, 2004, 11:14:59 AM
The greater proportion of G-10 and K-4 production was in 1945. Some were produced in late 1944.

On May 31 1944, the LW had in Luftflotte Reich 269 190s and 356 109s (total fighters 634 of which only 330 were servicable). Most of these Luftflotte Reich a/c would be facing the USAAF's 8th AF with P-38s, P-47s and P-51s. In Luftflotte 3, there was 118 190s and 50 109s (total fighters 168 of which only 115 were servicable). http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2072/LW_OBs.html

Stop with the numbers game Izzy. The RAF was not facing the vast numbers of 109s, even your 'super' 109s, you would have us believe.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 28, 2004, 12:25:14 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
No, I presume the MkIXs were fairly widespread by 1944. There were about 20 squadrons in mid-1944 equipped with them in britain, that makes about 300-400 planes. MkVs were still around in some numbers.

The problem was, the LW was already well in the process of replacing the older Gs to the new high altitude models: G-6/AS, G-14/AS, G-10 and K-4 produced in huge numbers (alone of G-10 and K-4 4200+ were built..) by that time and against these, the MkIX`s performance was lacking a LOT at altitude.

The RAF wasn`t lagging behind the LW in technical development, but it was always one or two phase behind it in deployment...



Problem was the war wasn't being fought by the RAF at high altitude and they were the aggressors.

The airwar was being fought at medium to low alts by the RAF and was much more of a Tactical airwar since the LW was not as much in evidence.

If those high alt LW birds were the ones doing the attacking then the Spit may have been at a disadvantage, but no doubt you'd have seen more HFIXs and VIIs.  BUT! since the LW were the defenders the high alt birds made little sense for dealing with LF Spits escorting medium bombers of the 9th AF and 2 TAF to targets flying at medium to low altitude.

Now I suppose you could suggest that th high alt 109s were meant for the USAAF bombers, but then you'd have to say that the 51s, Jugs etc weren't equipped to deal with the 109s, but then again we know how that turned out don't we? :)

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 28, 2004, 01:02:13 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Nashwan
Isegrim, I'm not responsible for your poor comprehension.
[/B]

You are right, you are only responsible for you own reputation as often being in conflict with your previous statements and ad hoc 'facts'. +25lbs griffons, indian XIV squadrons, represnative V-1 chasers that become non-representative the next week`s post, you what I am talking about.


Quote

You said 350 were made in 42 and Q1 43, I said more than that were made before Q2. It's exactly the same thing. Before Q2 = Q1, which is what you said.
[/B]

Quite irrevelant, the point is still that MkIXs were practically non-existent in operational service in `42. Simply not enough of them compared to the hordes of MkVs! Let`s forget Q1 of 1943 when the IX/M61s were still produced. So that leaves less than 350, say, 250-300 for the whole 1942. It`s not even worth speaking about them. Most RAF was flying Spit Vs and Hurris that time.


Quote

You are including Q1, so you have to include the planes that were produced in Q1. That includes Merlin 63 production.
[/B]

OK, Hop, let`s include Q1 of 43. And Merlin 63 production, too.
So how many IXs that would make instead of ca300? 301? 302? 310? Meaningless numbers, it doesn`t change anything.

Quote

150 aircraft per squadron? Can I have some of what you're smoking?
[/B]

Well Hop, the RAF produced some 800 XIVs in 1944, but that was enough only to equip 5 Squadrons or so until the end of the year. Appearantly they needed 160 planes produced to make a squadron operational for a 6-12 months, and they didn`t even see heavy fighting until the fall of the year.

That`s nothing of suprise, 856 K-4s were produced until the end of the year 1944, but only some 200 were at the units by december. Losses, transportation, delays in refit etc.


Quote

In a similar timeframe to the Spit IX, there were 100 Spitfire XIIs produced, equipped 2 squadrons.
[/B]

2 squadrons, wow..


Quote

1000 Spitfire IXs in 1943 (plus 300 or so in 1942) would be ample for 25 - 30 squadrons. (not counting Spit VIIs in the UK, VIIIs in the Med etc)
[/B]

Well 800 Spitfire XIVs in 1944 were enough to equip FIVE squadrons. Maybe you say they needed 800 for the first five squadons, but only 200 more for the rest 25 Squadrons (which would require 500 planes to start with just to be on-strenght w/o sustaining losses. No reserves of course.)

Too bad the production history of the Spitfire is so badly researched. You cannot even tell us how many were produced in a given year, you can`t even give an appx. figure.


Quote

Actually about 5,600.
[/B]

Great, how many of that in 1942, 43, 44, 45?


Quote

Why are you removing the 1942 production?

5,600 Spitfire IXs produced, approx 1,180 sent to Russia. On top of that add 140 Spit VIIs, 1,680 Spit VIIIs, 1050 Spit XVIs.

Essentially 8,000 Merlin 60 series Spitfires.
[/B]

That`s nice, but I don`t see how the bulk of MkIXs/VIIIs/XVIs produced in 44/45 would do anything with 1942/43. MkVIII basically see no service in Europe in numbers, XVIs were not produced until 1944 etc.

The 1942+Q1/43 production gives you some idea about the story. Some 300 MkIXs were made up to that time. And well over 3000 Bf109Gs. Ten times as many. The RAF would be very likely to encounter Gustavs, a LW pilot would probably not see a single MkIX for months.


Quote

According to the RAF website, "In February [1943], No 72 Squadron arrived in North Africa with Mk IXs.
By this time, most 11 Group squadrons had Mk IXs "


Interesting, how many squadrons made up 11 Group at that time? 10-15? How many of that IXs? 6-8?? So that would mean in early 1943, somewhere about 150 MkIXs in service.

How many Mk V squadrons around, 30-40 ?


Pennypocket numbers again. Like with the XIVs. Too little, too late.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 28, 2004, 03:21:12 PM
There was 34 squadrons of MkIXs to support D-Day and another 22 squadrons in ADGB.

A total of 56 squadrons of Spitfire Mk IXs.

Now Izzy, of your thousands of 109s produced up to that time, how many were facing these squadrons?


With only 32 servicable 109s in Luftflotte 3 (Fance, Belgium, Holland), pennypocket numbers of 109s for sure.:aok
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 28, 2004, 04:52:26 PM
Jeeez, to smack a dead pony...
From Izzy, about the massive hoardes of G10's and K's
"against these, the MkIX`s performance was lacking a LOT at altitude."
Are you sure they outperform the 1942 Mk IX (Merlin 61) above 40K or so???????????????????????????????????

Then on to the numbers.

Izzy seems to think that a Spitfire was a rare sight in the skies of WW2, don't know though where all the 109's eventually went.
I remember debating Crumpp about allied air supremacy in 1944, where I actually had the meaning that the LW was still capable of delivering really heavy resistance as late as 1944 autumn.
After some heavy reading, I must confess that Crumpp was more right than I was. After the summer of 1944, the former mighty LW was a well co-ordinated PENNYPOCKET nuicance force.
So, what happened with all the hoardes of 109's?
Waiting silently in the garage while the "should-have-been-shot-down-now" Spitfire Mk V's darted by?

Tell you what...

I'll compile a list of when most Spitfire squads re-equipped, when, and with what. I will scan it and mail it to the ones that want....

However, the final results are known history.
Look at merely September 1944.
The massive para and glider drop in Operation Market Garden.
There were 3 waves of drops, all with a day or more between them.
The size of a wave was 100 miles in the lenght or so, moving at mere 150 mph.
They had to cross the north sea.
1st wave went through unintercepted with minimal losses.
2nd wave went through without being intercepted by the LW, which actually put up quite a show, but allied fighters blocked them all.
3rd wave was worse, some LW aircraft did get there. Yet, most losses were to flak.

Now, this was a massive airlift under the nose of the LW.
This was also a very vulnerable airlift, firstly gliders in ample numbers, then secondly cruising over advanced AA defenced territory.
Yet, it went on, so little disturbed.

Now compare this to the Axis airlift out of Tunisia, which was a Massacre party for humble aircraft such as the P40 all the way to the, cough, hardly existant Spitfire Mk IX


:D :D :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Karnak on December 28, 2004, 05:14:26 PM
Barbi,

You can't have it both ways.

First you claim that 350 Spitfire IXs, all Merlin 61s, were built in '42 and Q1 '43.  Then you concede that some Merlin 63 Spits were built in Q1 of '43, but your total accepted Spit IX production for '42 and Q1 '43 drops to 310?

Your math looks like this: 350 (Merlin 61) + x (Merlin 63) = 310.  That means that -40 Merlin 63 Spitfires were built.  That makes absolutely no sense.

Your self serving definition of "available in force" is of absolutely no consequence to what actually happened.  Look, for example, at your BS Mk XIV arguments.  You take no account of how these units were employed.  You simply make up numbers and do a crude statistical analysis assuming that the units are evenly spread through the RAF.  Then when you look at your vaunted Bf109s and Fw190s you concentrate them all in the spot that best serves your bias.

The fact is that 1943 the Germans face Spitfire Mk IXs in numbers.  Spitfire Mk Vs were still in service, but the likely combat encounter for a Luftwaffe pilot, if encountering Spitfires, was Mk IXs.  You didn't get an Fw190 ace complaining that in 1943 the Spitfire was as good, or better, than his fighter in all ways other than roll rate because of the "awesome" Mk V.

You can try to rewrite history to favor your Fascist heroes all you want, but it doesn't make your view of history anything other than a fantasy.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Nashwan on December 28, 2004, 05:43:06 PM
Quote
Pennypocket numbers again. Like with the XIVs. Too little, too late.


Damn, so that's why we lost the war!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 28, 2004, 06:27:03 PM
Karnak, I could not have said this better :)
And Nash, same. :)

Barbi? TOO LITTLE. TOO LATE????

WHAT?

What was too little, too late? Too late to stop the allied defeat?

Ok, Fact remains that the Mk IX was in service from 1942 onwards in growing numbers being replaced even by Griffon engined Spits as soon as 1943 (?)
The Mk V had it's hayday in 1941, but soldiered on untill 1944.
4 Years of service. Now, would you have seen 109E in the skies by squadron strength in 1943? Would you have seen the 109F in 1944 by sqn strenght.?
Barbi, you just trapped yourself, and you haven't even found out, but by considering these simple questions you may find some way to your senses.

There were 30K+ 109's made, and some 20K Spits
The 109's were mostly killed on the western front. So were the 190's.
By 1944, the combined LW could hardly stop anything the allies wanted to do. Example above, from as early as September 1944.
The LW faced Spits from Mk V to Mk IX/VIII in bundles in the med in 1942/43. They lost more aircraft than in Russia. The LW also lost air supremacy. Then the axis lost the whole game in that theater. To an enemy who had to transport his force like 5 times the distance to begin fighting the battle.
Eventually, the LW was down to penny-pockets. They had some teeth, and they could do damage, but they could not change what was going on. By 1944, many many allied pilots flew a whole TOD without ever sighting a LW aircraft.
Or as General Student promptly put it on that autumn day in 1944, watching slow buzzing convoys of C47's and towed gliders passing slowly overhead for a duration of an hour or so, -
"As usually our fighters were not there"

Where have all the flowers gone Barbi..............
What happened?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 28, 2004, 08:11:28 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Nashwan
Damn, so that's why we lost the war!


Izzy seems to have this impression that the sky was full of 109s.

I well remember talking to a Spit XVI pilot who talked about how they got stuck with all kinds of silly air to ground work because there was no air to air to be found.

High Command had them bombing sub pens with 500 pounders just to keep them busy.

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 29, 2004, 11:38:48 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Karnak

First you claim that 350 Spitfire IXs, all Merlin 61s, were built in '42 and Q1 '43.  Then you concede that some Merlin 63 Spits were built in Q1 of '43, but your total accepted Spit IX production for '42 and Q1 '43 drops to 310?

Your math looks like this: 350 (Merlin 61) + x (Merlin 63) = 310.  That means that -40 Merlin 63 Spitfires were built.  That makes absolutely no sense.


Sorry I am not responsible for you reading comprehension problems, neither for you ignorance, nor of your strange intellectual ways. Nashwan said 350 IXs were built with Merlin 61. Guess what, in 1942 the only engine being fitted in production to the IXs was the Merlin 61.. and in February/March/April 43, aka Q1/Q2 1943, Merlin 63/66/70 began to see service. I guess it`s difficult for you to even grasp that why `43-produced IXs are not counted in `42. Or that a production run that just started won`t produce suddenly thousends of aircraft in just two weeks.


[/QUOTE]
Look, for example, at your BS Mk XIV arguments.  
[/QUOTE]

You mean your verbal diarrhea about them being in vast numbers, then I am beating you into ground with hard facts and RAF-statistics about their actual numbers? Quite funny you are bringing up you own miserable failure! :D

Quote

You take no account of how these units were employed.  You simply make up numbers and do a crude statistical analysis assuming that the units are evenly spread through the RAF.
Then when you look at your vaunted Bf109s and Fw190s you concentrate them all in the spot that best serves your bias. [/B]


Now pray tell me why should I even answer this. It`s nothing else than your own desperate fantasia, made up stories about what I said which I did not say. So deeply primitive, but it can only grow from the soil it`s rooted in.

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The fact is that 1943 the Germans face Spitfire Mk IXs in numbers.  [/B]


Wishful thinking does not make it a fact.

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Spitfire Mk Vs were still in service, but the likely combat encounter for a Luftwaffe pilot, if encountering Spitfires, was Mk IXs. [/B]


Again, more wishful thinking not fact. Got proof for it ? Nah? Then stuck it up.

Quote

You didn't get an Fw190 ace complaining that in 1943 the Spitfire was as good, or better, than his fighter in all ways other than roll rate because of the "awesome" Mk V. [/B]


Geez, another nice fantasy. Can we see details of your "Fw190 ace complaining that in 1943 the Spitfire was as good, or better, than his fighter in all ways other than roll rate"?
Yeah, sure. :rofl


Quote

You can try to rewrite history to favor your Fascist heroes all you want, but it doesn't make your view of history anything other than a fantasy. [/B]


I can best imagine you as a huge fat oscarhole, talking to a mirror, not even realizing you are describing your own behaviour. :aok
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 29, 2004, 11:55:43 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
From Izzy, about the massive hoardes of G10's and K's
"against these, the MkIX`s performance was lacking a LOT at altitude."
Are you sure they outperform the 1942 Mk IX (Merlin 61) above 40K or so???


Quite sure. Just look at at level speeds. Spit IXs looses, utterly.
Oh btw, 350 Merlin 61 IXs produced (Source:Nashwan). 2500 G-10s, 1600 K-4s, 1800 G-14/AS, 700 G-6/AS were produced, plus the change (G-5/AS).




Quote

Then on to the numbers.
Izzy seems to think that a Spitfire was a rare sight in the skies of WW2, don't know though where all the 109's eventually went.


Right, that`s a good start : Angie doesn`t know much.
I agree 100%. :D


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After the summer of 1944, the former mighty LW was a well co-ordinated PENNYPOCKET nuicance force.


With over 8000 aircraft on hand, 3000+ of these fighters, flying 15-20 000 fighter sorties every month. :rofl

Quote
So, what happened with all the hoardes of 109's?


They were well, all 1435 of them in service on 31st January 1945, 933 of them G-10, G-14/AS, K-4; further 527 in reserve.

I can see no mentioning of Spitfires in the unit histories, thoughs; what happened to those ?


Quote

I'll compile a list of when most Spitfire squads re-equipped, when, and with what. I will scan it and mail it to the ones that want....


Promise #4034 from Angus, nothing will happen as in the last 4033 cases...


BTW, here`s a nice anecdotal evidence for you :

Erwin Leykauf:


"Indeed many fresh pilots thought they were pulling very tight turns even when the slots were still closed against the wing. For us, the more experienced pilots, real manouvering only started when the slots were out. For this reason it is possible to find pilots from the period (1940) who will tell you that the Spitfite turned better than the Bf 109. That is not true. I myself had may dogfights with Spitfires and I could always out-turn them.

One had to enter the turn correctly, then open up with the engine. It was a matter of feel. Whem one noticed the speed becoming critical- the aircraft vibrated- one had to ease up a bit, then pull back again, so that in plan the best turn would have looked like an egg or a horizontal ellipse rather tha a circle. In this way one could out-turn the Spitfire - and I shot down 6 of them doing it."
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 29, 2004, 12:15:34 PM
Izzy, you aren't looking at the LW vs Spit IX in 43 bit very well.

I'm sure you know that there were different "Groups" in the RAF that covered certain areas of England.

11 Group was the one involved in the offensive ops over France due to it's location.  This means it was the place to be if you were an RAF Spit pilot in 43.  It also means that the Spit IX squadrons were operating in 11 Group.

So while you could argue that there may have been more Spit Vs overall in Fighter Command at the time, it would be wrong to say the Vs were seeing the majority of combat.

Squadrons coming in and out of the frontline 11 Group squadrons often traded their Vs for IXs as they went into action.  The other squadrons giving up their IXs moved to spots in the north or elsewhere to regroup, train new pilots, get a rest etc.

Does it mean that the LW never encountered Spit Vs in 43?  No.  Spit Vs were often used in close escort to the mediums of the 9th AF or 2 TAF.  But they were escorted by the IXs, XIIs, VIIs.

An example from Ramrod 312, November 11, 1943 to the Todt HQ in the Pas De Calaise:

These were Mitchells and Bostons of 2 TAF the Spits were escorting.

Attack was preceeded by two attacks by Typhoon Squadrons.

Close escort for the Bostons were provided by 5 Squadrons of Spitfire Vs.

The Fighter Umbrella was 4 Squadrons of Spit IXs and a Squadron of Spit VIIs.

Fighter Sweeps to protect the operation were flown by:

2 Spit XII Squadrons and 9 Spitfire IX Squadrons.

So you have 13 Spit IX Squadrons involved, 2 Spit XII and 1 Spit VII to go with the 5 Spit V Squadrons that flew close escort.

That's 16 squadrons of later Mark Spits to go with the 5 Spit V Squadrons.  

The math looks pretty simple.

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 29, 2004, 12:18:25 PM
Oh, oh, at it again.
I won't quote servicability numbers, there are others that have them much more handy than I.
But 2 aircraft over the beaches of Normandy on D-day, 3 waves over Arnhem, only a slight interception in the last one, etc etc shows how thin the once mighty LW had become at the fall of 1944.
Then to turning circles.
Most of both allied and axis pilots agree on the same, - the Spitfire outturns the 109. 109 May win the game if loadouts and pilot skill are in its favour. Simple as that.
BTW, Marseille was cutting the turns, since the Spitfire's defense move was almost always a hard break turn, the 109 could cut in on that one, - he even throttled down. However, this left him almost still in the air, therefor highly vulnerable. So, his squaddies had to cover him while hid did the shooting.
But a sustained turn, say alone a climbing turn, NOPE.
Btw, somewhere in my books, I have Johnny Johnsson's description of escaping a gaggle of 109's in a climbing turn, from low alt unto 20K, where he finally left them in the dust.
I asked Rall about that specific thing and he confirmed that this was the case, you would not catch a Spitfire in a climbing turn.
BTW, he and Johnny knew each other, so I guess they had those things sorted out with much more civil manners than often promoted in this thread.

And for your info, I AM compiling the list. It will however be in XLS format, and I'll perhaps gladly mail it to everybody EXCEPT Izzy, heheheheheheheeheh
:D
(Well, since it's already decided there will be no list)

So,finally, aside, what was the ceiling of the G10 and Kurfurst?
And the 109F and G2-G6?
Title: Math Check
Post by: rshubert on December 29, 2004, 12:26:53 PM
I have read many, many times that there were over 35,000 109s of all marks built.  Izzy says there were "2500 G-10s, 1600 K-4s, 1800 G-14/AS, 700 G-6/AS were produced, plus the change (G-5/AS). "

That equates to 6600 "late model" 109s.  Yet Izzy's figures state that only 1962 of those 6600 were in service or in reserve at the end of January 1945.

What happened to all those planes?  Seems to me that the LW somehow disposed of 4600+ Me 109s from the time the G-10 began production (my sources say early spring 1944) and January 31, 1945.  Call it 10 months.  That's 460 lost per month.

Now, Izzy has taught us that bombers could not have done it, since bomber gunners can't hit their *** with both hands.  American fighters were never seen over the Reich, since we only flew to the German border with our inferior P-47s, and there were so few P-51s that they could have had no effect.

Spitfire Vs were the most advanced British ride, and they couldn't catch an Me 109 even if the Messerschmitt were out of gas, parked on the runway, with a big "kill me" sign painted on the wing.  Spit 9s were a gleam in Fighter Command's eye up to the end of the war.

Most German bases were out of range of artillery, so that couldn't have destroyed the fleets of uberfighters.

I have reached the only conclusion left.  The 109s were improperly painted, and they all suffered from corrosion.  Yup, they sat around on German airfields, waiting for a worthy opponent.  Since none ever appeared, they rusted to death.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 29, 2004, 12:34:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
Quite sure. Just look at at level speeds. Spit IXs looses, utterly.
Oh btw, 350 Merlin 61 IXs produced (Source:Nashwan). 2500 G-10s, 1600 K-4s, 1800 G-14/AS, 700 G-6/AS were produced, plus the change (G-5/AS).
 


You get more hilarious with every post Barbi.

You compare an a/c produced in late 1942 to the production of 109s after the production of the a/c had changed to another engine.:rolleyes:

Yet Barbi dares to say this:

That`s nice, but I don`t see how the bulk of MkIXs/VIIIs/XVIs produced in 44/45 would do anything with 1942/43. :rolleyes:

So his numbers add up to 6600 109s, yet Merlin powered Spitfire production (after the Mk V) was 8470 a/c. To that Spit number must be added the Mk XIIs and Mk XIVs.

Quote
They were well, all 1435 of them in service on 31st January 1945, 933 of them G-10, G-14/AS, K-4; further 527 in reserve.


More number manipulation by Barbi. Facing the Allies in NW Europe there was only 666 109s 'onhand' of which only 463 were servicable.

Source:
Alfred Price. Luftwaffe Data Book, 1997
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 29, 2004, 12:37:30 PM
Spit Squadrons that operated IXs in 1943:

19 Squadron
32 Squadron
43 Squadron
64 Squadron
65 Squadron
66 Squadron
72 Squadron
74 Squadron
81 Squadron
92 Squadron
93 Squadron
111 Squadron
122 Squadron
131 Squadron
132 Squadron
133 (Had them in the Fall of 42)
152 Squadron
165 Squadron
222 Squadron
229 Squadron
232 Squadron
237 Squadron
238 Squadron
241 Squadron
249 Squadron
602 Squadron
611 Squadron
682 Squadron

Allied Squadrons under RAF Fighter Command control.
302 Squadron
303 Squadron
306 Squadron
308 Squadron
310 Squadron
312 Squadron
315 Squadron
316 Squadron
317 Squadron
326 Squadron
331 Squadron
332 Squadron
340 Squadron
341 Squadron
350 Squadron

Commonwealth Squadrons
401 Squadron
402 Squadron
403 Squadron
411 Squadron
412 Squadron
416 Squadron
417 Squadron
421 Squadron
451 Squadron
453 Squadron
457 Squadron
485 Squadron
501 Squadron


I count 56 Squadrons that operated the Spitfire IX during 1943.  Did they all have them on January 1, 1943?  No.  But these squadrons all had them at some point in 1943 which tells you how things must have looked going into 44 as well.

56 x 12 =672 if my math is right.  And generally a Squadron had 18 aircraft minimum to keep 12 operational so that gives you roughly 1008 Spit IXs tied up in those 56 Squadrons.

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 29, 2004, 12:42:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Guppy35
Izzy, you aren't looking at the LW vs Spit IX in 43 bit very well.

I'm sure you know that there were different "Groups" in the RAF that covered certain areas of England.

11 Group was the one involved in the offensive ops over France due to it's location.  This means it was the place to be if you were an RAF Spit pilot in 43.  It also means that the Spit IX squadrons were operating in 11 Group.

Quote

So while you could argue that there may have been more Spit Vs overall in Fighter Command at the time, it would be wrong to say the Vs were seeing the majority of combat.
[/B]

So basically you make an assumption on a single Group, ignoring all others theathres of combat? Was there no combat with Spits over Africa, Sicily, Italy, (+the Far East) ? Or that doesn`t count ?

Most of these theatres were relying on MkVs, or not even Spitfires, obsolate planes like the P-40 and Hurricanes. The problem was, they faced up-to-date 109G there as well. In the end of June 1943, 1100 out of the 1258 Bf 109 type daylight fighters were Gustav, but practically all on the frontlines, for similiar reasons you would find the older planes in rear areas in the RAF.

The RAF however NEVER have enough of the newer planes, and had to fill the ranks with old ones... Hurris in 1940 and 1941... Spit Vs, P-40s in 1942-43... MkIXs in 1944-45.


Quote

An example from Ramrod 312, November 11, 1943 to the Todt HQ in the Pas De Calaise:

...

So you have 13 Spit IX Squadrons involved, 2 Spit XII and 1 Spit VII to go with the 5 Spit V Squadrons that flew close escort.
That's 16 squadrons of later Mark Spits to go with the 5 Spit V Squadrons.  The math looks pretty simple.
 


Indeed it does look simple. Most, if not all IX squadrons in the entire england in the very end of 1944 amounted 13... every squadron has 20 planes maximum on paper, 12 are usable for operations - the rest are reserves. Even in the best case, we have a mere ca 150 MkIXs in the entire British Isles where they were concentrated. Oh, plus the change, 30-40 XIIs and VIIs.

Of course it would be much easier to just take a glance at the OOB of the RAF in say, mid-1943, but sadly none of these are in sight. Until that, the number of aircraft produced clearly shows the MkVs were dominant for most of 1943. Those poor RAF guys flying them...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 29, 2004, 12:50:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Guppy35
Spit Squadrons that operated IXs in 1943:

....

I count 56 Squadrons that operated the Spitfire IX during 1943.  Did they all have them on January 1, 1943?  No.  But these squadrons all had them at some point in 1943 which tells you how things must have looked going into 44 as well.


Hillarious ! Now, the same thing for Mk Vs for 1943 please.


Quote

56 x 12 =672 if my math is right.  And generally a Squadron had 18 aircraft minimum to keep 12 operational so that gives you roughly 1008 Spit IXs tied up in those 56 Squadrons.[/B]


So, on Dec 31st 1943, there may be up to ca 700 Spitfires operating in the entire RAF, it`s commonwealth and Allied squadrons accross the globe, naturally provided that none of them re-equipped with another Mark and dumped their MkIXs in the meantime (quite unlikely for an entire year of operation).

So, 700 Spit IXs maximum, by the end of 1943.
Looks believable to me. Now see those Mk Vs !
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 29, 2004, 01:04:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by MiloMorai

You compare an a/c produced in late 1942 to the production of 109s after the production of the a/c had changed to another engine.:rolleyes:
[/B]

That is because the RAF was still relying on old, obsolate 1942 a/c even in 1945. As you say, my comparision is not 'fair', but so unfair was life, too, MkIXs had to struggle against K-4s which outclassed them greatly.

Quote

Yet Barbi dares to say this:

That`s nice, but I don`t see how the bulk of MkIXs/VIIIs/XVIs produced in 44/45 would do anything with 1942/43. :rolleyes:

So his numbers add up to 6600 109s, yet Merlin powered Spitfire production (after the Mk V) was 8470 a/c. To that Spit number must be added the Mk XIIs and Mk XIVs.
[/B]

I doubt anyone understands what you trouble is, poor Milo. Maybe you need a girlfriend. Or boyfriend. Or just a friend at last. :D


Quote

More number manipulation by Barbi. Facing the Allies in NW Europe there was only 666 109s 'onhand' of which only 463 were servicable.


No manipulation involved on my part, poor Milo, I just showed how many 109s were in the LW in 1945.

Facing the LW in NW Europe was the 2nd TAF, made up by 30 Squadrons of MKIX/XVI, and 5 MKXIVs. These had maximum 420 planes on hand, +180 in reserve.

75% of the Bf 109s were of the newest type, with superior altitude performance.
85% of the Spitfires were of old types.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 29, 2004, 01:11:12 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Oh, oh, at it again.
I won't quote servicability numbers, there are others that have them much more handy than I.
But 2 aircraft over the beaches of Normandy on D-day, 3 waves over Arnhem, only a slight interception in the last one, etc etc shows how thin the once mighty LW had become at the fall of 1944.
[/B]

Appearantly the above monologe only show Angus can`t see the forest from a tree. You claim the LW was non existent, this being based on nothing else than your own belief.

I showed, based directly on 1945 strenght reports of the LW, that they had over 8000 planes, twice as many as in 1940.


Quote

Then to turning circles.
Most of both allied and axis pilots agree on the same, - the Spitfire outturns the 109. 109 May win the game if loadouts and pilot skill are in its favour. Simple as that.
[/B]

Dreaming is always simple.


Quote

And for your info, I AM compiling the list. It will however be in XLS format, and I'll perhaps gladly mail it to everybody EXCEPT Izzy, heheheheheheheeheh
:D
(Well, since it's already decided there will be no list)
[/B]

Well Angie, what loss would it be not seeing a list that does not exist, probably never will be (see your previous promises), and which you will hide from me because it will just prove you wrong anyway?


Quote

So,finally, aside, what was the ceiling of the G10 and Kurfurst?
And the 109F and G2-G6?


ca.42 500 ft (without GM-1).

And one question for you, Angie. Over 20 000 Spitfires were produced. Yet in the end of 1944 we see only 35 Squadrons of the 2nd TAF... that`s a maximum of 700 planes.

What happened to those 19 300 Spitfires during 6 years? Ended up as tailmarks on 109s? :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 29, 2004, 01:21:48 PM
You just don't get it  Izzy.

You going to forget the 1600 or so VIIIs produced too?  The parent company at Supermarine was focused solely on VIII production by June of 43 and had phased out IX production there.  VIII were going to the Med, Far East and Australia as they were tropicalized.

You want to throw all these numbers around but you don't really want to listen as you've decided that somehow all that the RAF was flying well into 44 was the Spit V.

Somehow the numbers are all you focus on not how the Spits were used.

The premiere Spit Wings flying out of England in late 42 into 43 were flying Spit IXs.  Tangmere had the XIIs, Kenley, Biggen Hill, Hornchurch, etc all were operating IX Wings.

These were the guys seeking out the LW over France.

Since you are so big on numbers, lets go back to that November 11,1943 raid where I detailed the operation.

They were not intercepted at all.  None of the flights.


Where were all these thousands of 109s that day?  Where were they that entire month?  190s tried to intercept a raid on the 25th.  That's it.  2 TAF didn't see LW fighters at all outside of the 1 time in November.

I go through the logbooks of these Spit pilots from 43 and they rarely see enemy aircraft?  Why is that if there are all these 1000s of 109s lurking about?

I have the logbook of a RCAF Spit driver who started Ops in December 41 and finished in August 44.  He saw enemy planes exactly 7 times in 289 combat sorties.  Only five of these times were they fighters and they only engaged 1 time.

Where were all those 109s?

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 29, 2004, 01:27:59 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst


That is because the RAF was still relying on old, obsolate 1942 a/c even in 1945. As you say, my comparision is not 'fair', but so unfair was life, too, MkIXs had to struggle against K-4s which outclassed them greatly.

 [/B]

I doubt anyone understands what you trouble is, poor Milo. Maybe you need a girlfriend. Or boyfriend. Or just a friend at last. :D


 

No manipulation involved on my part, poor Milo, I just showed how many 109s were in the LW in 1945.

Facing the LW in NW Europe was the 2nd TAF, made up by 30 Squadrons of MKIX/XVI, and 5 MKXIVs. These had maximum 420 planes on hand, +180 in reserve.

75% of the Bf 109s were of the newest type, with superior altitude performance.
85% of the Spitfires were of old types. [/B]



LOL no manipulation.  That's why the IXs and XVI pilots were flying ground attack to hide from the 109s.  No Tempests, Typhoons, Mustangs, Thunderbolts, Lightnings involved of course.

And here I thought it's because they couldn't find any 109s to fight with.

You are absolutely blinded by your 109 obsession.  

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 29, 2004, 01:41:53 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Guppy35
You just don't get it  Izzy.
You going to forget the 1600 or so VIIIs produced too?  The parent company at Supermarine was focused solely on VIII production by June of 43 and had phased out IX production there.  VIII were going to the Med, Far East and Australia as they were tropicalized.
[/B]

So what, 1600 planes, 90% going to 5000 mile away from europe?

Guppy, if you like numbers, why don`t you post here how many Vs and IXs were produced?

6500 Mk Vs vs.  5600 Mk IXs as I recall ? What does this shows to you?


Quote

You want to throw all these numbers around but you don't really want to listen as you've decided that somehow all that the RAF was flying well into 44 was the Spit V.


Nope, I say all that the RAF was flying most of the time well into 43 the Spit V. Disagree?


Quote

Somehow the numbers are all you focus on not how the Spits were used.[/B]


And that would, extremely short ranged nuisance raids over France, targetting nothing important, the LW doesn`t even needs to be bothered about them, not being their land, not being anything important there that would worth even the avgas spent ?

You are right, if we look on how Spits were used, the whole discussion about how rare the Spits is irrevelant. They didn`t even existed as a threat for LW planners.


Quote

The premiere Spit Wings flying out of England in late 42 into 43 were flying Spit IXs.  Tangmere had the XIIs, Kenley, Biggen Hill, Hornchurch, etc all were operating IX Wings.[/B]


Again, how about the big picture ?


Quote
These were the guys seeking out the LW over France.[/B]


Why did they seek the LW in a place they knew it doesn`t needs to fight for? If they really wanted to find them, wouldn`t it be more logical to seek, say over Germany?


Quote

Since you are so big on numbers, lets go back to that November 11,1943 raid where I detailed the operation.
They were not intercepted at all.  None of the flights.[/B]


Guppy tell me why would they needed to be intercepted.

Quote

Where were all these thousands of 109s that day?  Where were they that entire month?  190s tried to intercept a raid on the 25th.  That's it.  2 TAF didn't see LW fighters at all outside of the 1 time in November.[/B]


I guess they were on the airfields, the crew drinking beer and playing cards. They probably laughed about the silly tommies  bombing the sand on the beaches again. Churchill is crazy, they said.


Quote

I go through the logbooks of these Spit pilots from 43 and they rarely see enemy aircraft?  Why is that if there are all these 1000s of 109s lurking about?
[/B]


Well those 1000 109s were there, regardless if you like it or not. Facts are such, objective things.

One thing I cannot understand, Guppy. 109s found Spits, because we know they shot them down. Spits didn`t find the 109s, how is that?



Quote

I have the logbook of a RCAF Spit driver who started Ops in December 41 and finished in August 44.  He saw enemy planes exactly 7 times in 289 combat sorties.  Only five of these times were they fighters and they only engaged 1 time.

Where were all those 109s?
 [/B]


Well where did this Spitty pilot was looking for those 109s? Over scotland? The Channel? France? England? Bottom of a mug?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 29, 2004, 01:48:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Guppy35
LOL no manipulation.  That's why the IXs and XVI pilots were flying ground attack to hide from the 109s.  
[/B]

109s found IXs, IXs did not found 109s, how is that?
Well the IXs pilot`s could not tell about it !! :rofl


Quote

And here I thought it's because they couldn't find any 109s to fight with.[/B]



If you don`t really look for the oppunity, you won`t find any.
The RAF looked for 109s where they knew they won`t find any. Very wise decision for survival.

The USAAF had no problem finding those 109s, Guppy. They were more willing it seems.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 29, 2004, 02:16:29 PM
You really are something else Barbi.:rolleyes: You want to include all 109s ('42 onwards) but sluff off other Spit Mks besides the IX.

Luftwaffe Orders of Battle
 31 December 1943, for the JGs

note: these are 'onhand' not servicable numbers

G-6 - 875
G-5 - 57
G-4 - 20
G-3 - 6
G-2 - 83
G-1 - 3
F-4 - 3

total - 1047

http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2072/LW43.html



One can only conclude the 109 pilots in the West were afraid to take on the Spitfire, for JG26 and JG2 flying Fw190s sure did. Must be because their 109s were not up to the task, eh Barbi. :eek:

Then there is the question asked by the German soldier of where was the LW as Spitfires and other Allied a/c pounded their positions unopposed by any 109s.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Karnak on December 29, 2004, 02:33:53 PM
Barbi,

Not one of your claims is backed up by anything other than your assumptions of what the numbers mean, and you accuse us of lacking proof?:rolleyes:

You ignore squadron postings.  You ignore pilot logs.  You ignore the historical outcome.

Why?

Because it doesn't paint your pet side in the best possible light?  I don't know, but there is some serious issues in your "logic" and something that blocks you from being able to step back and look at what you are claiming.

You are making claims that are blatantly wrong, as shown by the historical records, and  in some cases even contradictory.  You do all of this in order, apparently, to denigrate the Allies, in particularly the British.

You have no records backing up your claims and yet you persist in taking an absolutist stance on the subject.

You are utterly hopeless.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: rshubert on December 29, 2004, 02:39:46 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Karnak
Barbi,

You have no records backing up your claims and yet you persist in taking an absolutist stance on the subject.

You are utterly hopeless.


Concur.  There is no logic to be found in Izzy's argument, only blind adherence to a set of conclusions.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 29, 2004, 02:57:07 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Karnak
Barbi,

Not one of your claims is backed up by anything other than your assumptions of what the numbers mean, and you accuse us of lacking proof?:rolleyes:  


Name those claims I did not back up. Oh you can`t....

What you do here is barking at the moon, and repeating the same stupid mantra of lies


"You are making claims that are blatantly wrong, as shown by the historical records, and  in some cases even contradictory. "

"You have no records backing up your claims and yet you persist in taking an absolutist stance on the subject."

"Not one of your claims is backed up by anything other than your assumptions of what the numbers mean"

"You ignore squadron postings.  You ignore pilot logs.  You ignore the historical outcome."



Is that all that you can do, bark and repeat, bark and repeat,
bark and repeat?

Your post lack any kind factuality, either it is about the historical events, or about my posts.

Kinda pathetic, like Milo, you probably come from the same stock of idiots.


And where did Guppy suddenly go, after I asked for the same list for the MkV squadrons?

Maybe the list would show there were 2-3 times as many squadrons flying the old MkVs in 1943 than Mk IXs, eh?
Suddenly obtaining this information from the same source become something impossibly hard to do !!!

Tells the whole story, isn`t it? Nashwan suddenly can`t tell how many MkIXs were produced in 1943, Guppy suddenly can`t tell how many squadrons were operating MkVs in 1943, and both went missing!

Like Spits can`t find 109s, but 109s finding the Spits... curious!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Karnak on December 29, 2004, 03:33:12 PM
Barbi,

Who cares how many Mk V squads there were?  It is irrelevant.

11 Group was chock full of Mk IX squads.  That 10 Group and 12 Group, as well as the Med. and Far East had vastly more Mk Vs doesn't alter the fact that large numbers of 11 Group Mk IXs were being employed over the continent.

You are making up data and claiming it as fact simply becuase the number of Mk Vs still in service was greater than the number of Mk IXs.  Just because that was true, and it was, does not mean that the RAF blindly assigned squads to duties without considering which aircraft they were equipped with.

It is you who are insisting that 12 Group and 10 Group must have had an even dispersion of Mk IXs as 11 Group did.  It is you who are insisting that the RAF held back it's frontline squads in 11 Group so they could use the abundant Mk Vs instead.  It is you who are insisting that Guppy's list of Mk IX squads is an exageration because some of them "probably" re-equipped with other fighters, though what they'd re-equip with in your mind, given that you are arguing that the RAF lacked any concurrent fighters to speak of, is beyond me.

You are making absolutely senseless claims.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on December 29, 2004, 04:11:23 PM
Guppy was running errands and away from his computer if you really want to know Izzy.

I don't recall saying the Spit V was no longer in use.  I don't have a list of Spit V users in 43.  There were all of 4 that flew combat ops in England in the summer of 44.  234, 345, 350 and 501.  These were of course LFVs that operated at lower alts and could compete with the 109G and 190 in that environment.  The Spit Vs were gone by July 44.  501 as an example converted to Tempests.  The last Spit V kill was a 501 Spit V that shot down a 109G and damaged another on June 8, 1944

Must have been an older model 109G no doubt :)

You still miss the essential point.  Now you imply the RAF was avoiding combat with their Spits.  When you make comments like that, it's clear there is no talking to you.

With that in mind a couple of questions you might answer.

Since the 109 is clearly the greatest propeller driven fighter ever built why did the LW build the 190?

Since the Spits were hiding and the LW was dominant, why did the Allies win the war?

Based on your conclusions,  I should assume that the Spitfire, or any Allied fighter for that matter, was a design abortion that should never have flown and clearly was utterly outclassed by the 109.

Isn't that it in a nutshell?


No need to reply btw.  I know you are a last word kind of person.  I don't expect a rational response and at this point I'll be joining the ranks of those who ignore you.


Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MANDO on December 29, 2004, 04:29:27 PM
Let me write my point of view.

Since the 109 is clearly the greatest propeller driven fighter ever built why did the LW build the 190?

Because Fw190 was a far far better design than any 109.

Since the Spits were hiding and the LW was dominant, why did the Allies win the war?

The aportation of spits compared with the combination of B-bombers and P-fighters was really small. It is very clear why the aerial war was lost in the West front.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 29, 2004, 06:04:25 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
No manipulation involved on my part, poor Milo, I just showed how many 109s were in the LW in 1945.

Facing the LW in NW Europe was the 2nd TAF, made up by 30 Squadrons of MKIX/XVI, and 5 MKXIVs. These had maximum 420 planes on hand, +180 in reserve.

 


Yes Barbi manipulation on your part to further your agenda of the superiority of Nazi Germany. You are comparing all the 109s in the LW to just the number of Spitfires the Western Allies had in NW Europe.

The number of 109s for 3 dates:

- 17 May 43 OoB of Luftflotte 3 (France and the Low Countries) there was only 42 109s versus 326 190s. (109 numbers being equally split between G-3/4 and G-6)

- May 31 1944, the LW had in Luftflotte Reich 269 190s and 356 109s (total fighters 634 of which only 330 were servicable). Most of these Luftflotte Reich a/c would be facing the USAAF's 8th AF with P-38s, P-47s and P-51s. In Luftflotte 3, there was 118 190s and 50 109s (total fighters 168 of which only 115 were servicable).

-  OoB Battle 10 January 1945 has 666 109s 'onhand' of which only 463 were servicable. (425 in Luftwaffe 3 (now forced back into Germany) of which 317 were servicable)

As all can see, the number of 109s in Luftwaffe 3 barely increased in quantity from 43 to 44.  The better a/c, the 190, was used instead, due the only conclussion that can be reached, is that the 109 was not capable of dealing with any Mk number of Spitfire.

Now Barbi, a Spit IX of the RCAF shot down a Me262 in Oct 1944. You see, being fast does not help you.


Dan, don't leave and let Barbi pollute the board with his Nazi Germany supremicy garbage. There are those out there that will believe his dillusional rantings. :rolleyes:
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 29, 2004, 06:43:30 PM
Most in here have better figures of numbers of the LW than I. I miss the precence of Crumpp, he has a very good library. Guppy and Milo also.
But I havemost of the raw data of the RAF, and compiling it into as good XLS doc will take some days. It's after all the base info for more than 600 squadrons.
Guppy & Milo, I will keep my word and mail it to you if you like.
For Izzy I will post it, oh yes.

Now, to Izzy.......

Where were the thousands of 109's in September of 1944 when the allies launced thousands of c47's and tugs with gliders into the Netherlands, 100 miles long was the convoy, cruising at mere 150 mph. WHERE WERE THEY???????????
Where were the same thousands when the allied landed at 5 beaches in Normandy, outsidethe coast there were 500 vessels or more?
Oh, 2 aircraft made a pass, I think they may have been 190's....

Could you answer this?
Would you like to compare this with the RAF interceptions of V-1's in that same autumn?

Do respond and not twist this one ye avacado!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: HoHun on December 29, 2004, 07:03:33 PM
Hi Mando,

>Because Fw190 was a far far better design than any 109.

Well, it wasn't quite as simple as that.

The Fw 190, while being the more advanced design, also was a ton heavier than the Me 109. Coupled with the non-availability of high-altitude engines due to the failure of the German industry to produce turbo-supercharged or two-stage supercharged engines, this made the Me 109 the better performer up high.

As so often, it really depended on the engine and not on the airframe which aircraft was the better performer. (If performance is equal, I'd take the Focke-Wulf anytime ;-)

>It is very clear why the aerial war was lost in the West front.

Hm, I thought the aerial war was lost on all fronts ;-)

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MANDO on December 29, 2004, 08:33:00 PM
HoHun,

Fw190 was a far far more advanced design in every single aspect, not a far far more advanced final product. IMO, the design was simply superb for its time.

If we consider also D and 152 series, we have a clearly better final product too.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: HoHun on December 29, 2004, 08:48:25 PM
Hi Mando,

>Fw190 was a far far more advanced design in every single aspect, not a far far more advanced final product. IMO, the design was simply superb for its time.

Certainly! But it should be, as it could benefit from the lessons learned with the Me 109 (as well as with the Spitfire :-)

>If we consider also D and 152 series, we have a clearly better final product too.

Yes, I was about to point that out. The Me 109 could not take the next-generation engines like the DB603 or the Jumo 213, but the Fw 190 could. That meant the Fw 190 line had all options for further development, while the Me 109 was stuck with the DB605 which had reached the end of its development potential in 1945.

(And while Messerschmitt experimented with the Me 309 and the Me 209, these designs weren't up to the Fw 190 line either.)

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 30, 2004, 06:11:18 AM
oh, more for Izzy
Spit IX's (merlin 61) could cruise at 43K already in 1942. That was way above the 109's ceiling in that time.
Since you like the extended-wing mk VIII so much in roll-rate comparisons,  bear in mind that those outperform the others in the high alt category.
Wonder how high that leaves you.....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on December 30, 2004, 07:00:03 AM
You ... are ... all ... re ... tard ... ed.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 30, 2004, 07:46:38 AM
Negative sir!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 30, 2004, 08:01:45 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Guppy35
You still miss the essential point.  Now you imply the RAF was avoiding combat with their Spits.  When you make comments like that, it's clear there is no talking to you.
[/B]

Now well that`s funny. It was you who claimed the RAF pilot`s couldn`t find any LW plane for entire ToDs, the LW was non-existant etc. etc.

The fun thing is, the USAAF had absolutely no problem finding the LW in 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945. Only the RAF had such "problems". Why? (Hint : Senseless strategy of raids over France, short range of the Spitfire)

I think it`s logical to assume that if the USAAF did find it, the LW was very much in existance. So if the RAF couldn`t find it, it was the fault of the RAF, wasn`t it?




Quote
Originally posted by Guppy35
Since the 109 is clearly the greatest propeller driven fighter ever built why did the LW build the 190?
[/B]

To have another great fighter, which was more versatile than the pure interceptor 109, and also to cure some of the flaws in the former design - and to introduce new ones (lacking of high alt performance and stall characterisitcs).

But above all, because Daimler Benz was seen in 1930s that it would possibly not be able to produce enough engines for all fighters required by the LW. BMW on the other hand had a lot of free capacity, and great new radial engine..
So I guess it was more about engine production capacity than anything else, Crumpp can probably tell the details or correct this.

As for 109 vs. 190, the 109F was tested in Rechlin vs. the 190A-2, and despite the latter being the newer design, the German basically found the 109 in almost every way superior in combat performance. Things like landings, warload were in the 190s favour. That is a fact, the opinion of the German air force - which was against Messerschmitt`s person from day 1 btw (Milch etc.) - not the ill-informed opinion of some British authors like Price/Spick.



Quote
Originally posted by Guppy35
Since the Spits were hiding and the LW was dominant, why did the Allies win the war?
[/B]

Three letters, U.S.A...
With what exactly exactly Spitfires contributing to Allied victory?
Escorting nuisance raids over France, to the very edge of the range, about which the German didn`t even bother?


Quote
Originally posted by Guppy35
Based on your conclusions,  I should assume that the Spitfire, or any Allied fighter for that matter, was a design abortion that should never have flown and clearly was utterly outclassed by the 109.

Isn't that it in a nutshell?
[/B]

You assume wrong, altough with this level of tunnel vision, I am not surprised. Whenever the RAF/Spits are described in any way other than 100000% perfect, such histerical reactions rise from you. One just has to look at some Allied designs, such as the Tempest, Yak-3, La-7 or P-51 to see good and adoptive concepts and successfull career as warplanes.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 30, 2004, 08:19:30 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
oh, more for Izzy
Spit IX's (merlin 61) could cruise at 43K already in 1942. That was
way above the 109's ceiling in that time.


From real life tests of MkIXs w. Merlin 61, BF 274 :

Service ceiling (100 ft/min.) at 3000 r.p.m. 42,400 Estimated absolute ceiling at 3000 r.p.m. 43,000 ft.
Greatest height reached 41,000


So hardly could it "cruise" at 43k. It was the absolute end altitude for it, to be at 43k required to plane to run at maximum 5-min power, and had to be flown on the edge of stall..

In real life tests, Bf 109G-1 WrNr. 10 308 reached 41 300 feet altitude. This however on 30-min military power. With full WEP it would reach even higher altitude at 2800 rpm.
NOW this is without GM-1. :D That would add further 1500m,
so the absolute ceiling was something like 46 200 ft for the Bf 109G.

Way higher than the HF MKIX. Higher than the Mk XIV!
In 1942, and still not even using full power. :p
Bf 109 F-4/Z could also reach 42 650 ft w. 30-min military power. In 1941.

No life signs of Spitfires at 46 000 ft ! :aok
One primary reason for that, regardless of theoretical absolute ceiling, the MkIXs or XIVs were not equipped with pressurized cocpit, making high altitude flying even below 40k ft so much of a tiresome experience for pilots that it was ruled out as a practical possibility.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 30, 2004, 08:30:35 AM
Quote
Originally posted by HoHun

Yes, I was about to point that out. The Me 109 could not take the next-generation engines like the DB603 or the Jumo 213, but the Fw 190 could. That meant the Fw 190 line had all options for further development, while the Me 109 was stuck with the DB605 which had reached the end of its development potential in 1945.


Disagree. Both the Jumo 213 and DB 603 was considered for the 109 as an engine upgrade. The size of these engines was very similiar to the DB 605s, and weight was not really greater either (ca100-150kg plus). Fitting these would not cause any greater difficulty as fitting the larger Griffon to the Spitfires instead of the Merlin.

In September 1944, Bf 109G Werknummer 410 528 was built with a Jumo 213 E (same as in Ta-152H), four blade porpellor, being a prototype for an unarmed, high alt photo recce. It was tested 12th October 1944 at Berlin Staaken, takoff weight being 3700 kg. Expected max. speed was 755 km/h at 10 800 meters. No further info is available however.

So I guess fitting goodies like the 603N was indeed a possibility. Mtt would probably not proceed with those, I think, the jets were there, and in view of those "P-thousend" projects, further development of the 109 just didn`t make sense, not to say the date was 1945.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 30, 2004, 08:34:50 AM
From : RL2III/1158 (microfilm)


On 31 January 1945 the combat units of the Luftwaffe and their associated Erganzungs Einheiten, had the following strength in Bf109 types.
These are on hand totals, they include both 'frontline' and 'other' units. Included are all aircraft operational and non-operational at the time.

(Combat units / Erganzungs units ):

Bf109G1/5 (0/1)
Bf109G12 (0/5)
Bf109G6 (71/328)
Bf109G14 and G14U4 (431/190)
Bf109G10, G10/U4 and G14/AS (568/3)
Bf109K4 (314/0)
Bf109G10/R6 (51/0)
Total (1435/527)

Other Jagd types totaled (1058/359)

Schlacht types totaled (680/375)
Nachtschlacht types totaled (422/95)
Zerstorer types totaled (42/0)
Nachtjagd types totaled (1241, no breakdown between the two)
Kampf types totaled (543/158)
Nahaufklarer totaled (407/27)
Fernaufklarer totaled (195/81)
See types totaled (78/17)
Transport types totaled (496/9)

Grand total (6597/1631)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Naudet on December 30, 2004, 08:43:54 AM
Quote
As for 109 vs. 190, the 109F was tested in Rechlin vs. the 190A-2, and despite the latter being the newer design, the German basically found the 109 in almost every way superior in combat performance.


I am sure you mean the combat trial report of JG26. It is funny that i know that thing very well and the drawbacks mentioned for the FW190 are the lower climbrate and the unreliable engine.
In maneuverability, handling, visibility and dive the FW190 is marked as the clearly superior airplane.
Speed is considered as equal for combat performance.
Normal cruise speed of the FW190A2 is btw higher than that of BF109F.

Based on this report the RLM decided too keep the FW190 in production, accelerate the developement of the BMW801 to make it more reliable and replace the Bf109s of the west front JGs (JG26 & JG2) as fast as possible with the new airplane.

I doubt the RLM would have taken the above action if they found the 109 in almost every way superior in combat performance.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 30, 2004, 09:11:56 AM
Again you manipulate the 109 numbers Barbi. How many of those 109s were facing the Allies in NW Europe?

On hand and what were capable of combat (servicable) is another of your dis-information tactics.

Luftwaffe Order of Battle
10 January 1945

Serviceable Aircraft Strengths

Single-engined fighters - 1462
Night fighters   - 808
Ground-attack aircraft   - 613
Night harassment aircraft - 302
Multi-engined bombers   - 294
Anti-shipping aircraft   - 83
Long-range reconaissance aircraft - 176
Short-range and army cooperation aircraft - 293
Coastal aircraft - 60
Transport aircraft - 269
Misc. aircraft (KG 200) - 206

Total   4566

http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2072/LWOB45.html


Western Germany, Luftflotte 3 - single engine types

Unit   Aircraft   Total/Svcble

Stab/JG 1   5/4
I/JG 1   27/22
II/JG 1   40/30
III/JG 1 40/35
Stab/JG 2 4/3
I/JG 2   28/23
II/JG 2   3/2
III/JG 2 19/6
I/JG 3   31/22
III/JG 3 32/26
IV (Sturm)/JG 3   35/24
Stab/JG 4 2/1
I/JG 4 41/33
II (Sturm)/JG 4 25/18
III/JG 4   13/10
IV/JG 4    26/17
Stab/JG 11 7/6
I/JG 11   23/20
II/JG 11   37/31
III/JG 11 42/26
Stab/JG 26 3/3
I/JG 26 60/36
II/JG 26 64/26
III/JG 26 56/28
Stab/JG 27 2/2
I/JG 27 33/24
I/JG 27   25/20
III/JG 27 28/23
IV/JG 27   24/22
Stab/JG 53 4/1
II/JG 53   46/29
III/JG 53 39/25
IV/JG 53   46/34
III/JG 54 47/31
IV/JG 54 50/39
Stab/JG 77 2/1
I/JG 77   43/24
II/JG 77   32/20
III/JG 77 10/7


So the LW had 452 109s 'onhand' BUT only 332 (73%) were servicable (combat capable).

109 units in bold
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 30, 2004, 09:19:04 AM
I am sure you mean the combat trial report of JG26.

No, I am qouting a paper which I am quite certain to be originated from Rechlin test center.

It is funny that i know that thing very well and the drawbacks mentioned for the FW190 are the lower climbrate and the unreliable engine.

Do you have the entire originial, or just what the JG26 book qoutes?


In maneuverability, handling, visibility and dive the FW190 is marked as the clearly superior airplane.


Claiming the 190A is superior in manouverbility and especially handling to the best handling 109 is quite ridiculus imho, unless manouveribility equals only roll rate... Heinrich beuvious mentions in his book that in manouveribility trials the 109F was clearly superior, but the guy who created the final report didn`t like Messerscmitt too much and made the results nicer, sayint "it`s impossible to choose from". I doubt any serious 190 fan would claim the Anton would outturn the Friedrich, really...

Visibility was noted to be better to the rear. In dive it was noted the FW 190 gains distance over the 109 F, but "jedoch zeigt sich auch hierbei, das die FW 190 A 2 langsamer auf ihre Hochstgeschwindichkeit kommt, als die Bf 109." The Fw190 reached it`s max. dive speeds slower than the Bf 109.

Speed is considered as equal for combat performance.

Which mean there was not too serious difference, but "die unterlegenheit der FW ist in grosser Hohe merbarer und betragt etwa 15 bis 20 kph." The inferiority of the FW in greater heights is more noticable, ca15-20kph.

After 3 mins of level run made at Kampfleistung, the 109F took the lead and extended distance at altitude :

at 2000m : 1-200m ahead
at 4000m : 50-100m ahead
at 6000m : 2-250m ahead
at 8000m : 250-300m ahead
at 10000m : 4-600m ahead of FW 190A.
only at 50m altitude was the 190A 0-500m ahead.

Normal cruise speed of the FW190A2 is btw higher than that of BF109F.

Normal cruise speed for the 109F was 605 kph, I don`t know for the 190A-2, doubt it would be higher.

Quote

Based on this report the RLM decided too keep the FW190 in production, accelerate the developement of the BMW801 to make it more reliable and replace the Bf109s of the west front JGs (JG26 & JG2) as fast as possible with the new airplane.[/B]


They faced bombers on the Western front, against which the FW 190 was better suited. Besides it`s just two JGs, the ones at the Eastern Front kept the 109s, they faced more manouverable opposition, ie. fighters and light bombers.


Quote

I doubt the RLM would have taken the above action if they found the 109 in almost every way superior in combat performance. [/B]


Perhaps not every way, but in most things the 109F was superior to the early Antons. The stong points of the 190 : roll rate, good cocpit view, ease of landing, firepower and ruggedness, versatality was the reason it was kept alongside the 109, but never replaced it. The two designs supplemented each other well and made a very good combination. But that the 190 was superior in every way... ridiculus.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 30, 2004, 09:28:13 AM
Quote
Originally posted by MiloMorai

Again you manipulate the 109 numbers Barbi. How many of those 109s were facing the Allies in NW Europe?
[/B]

Why is that relevant Milo?
Bark and repeat, bark and repeat, bark and repeat.

Quote

On hand and what were capable of combat (servicable) is another of your dis-information tactics.
[/B]

If you say so. :D How many Spitfires were servicable in January 1945? You shouldn`t count squadron reserves or planes that were non servicable. I only see you being concerned about servicibility of LW planes (and you use the word "only" as a watermark:D) , it`s never an interests with RAF planes. even though we know their servicibilty rates (something like 10% for Typhoon squadrons late `44) left something to be desired.
 


[/QUOTE]
So the LW had 452 109s 'onhand' BUT only 332 (73%) were servicable (combat capable).
[/QUOTE]

False. The LW had 1435 Bf 109s on hand (nice switch Milo, since when the single Luftflotte 3 equal the entire LW? Even on the West there was the Reichsverteidigung too etc.), further 527 in immidiate reserves, not counting aircraft storage facilities.


"only 73% servicalbe" LOL. I though the LW was non-existent by then. Now we find it had a very high servicibilty rate even in the last year of the war.

What was the servicibilty rate of FW 190 units, Milo? :D
I ask because I checked this a while ago, and guess what, 190 units on avarage had LOWER servicibilty rate than 109 units.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 30, 2004, 10:39:30 AM
Quote
Why is that relevant Milo?


You were the one going on, and on, and on, .........., about the few numbers of Spitfires in NW Europe Barbi.

Quote
How many Spitfires were servicable in January 1945? You shouldn`t count squadron reserves or planes that were non servicable.


A/c assigned to the squadron should be counted. If 20 a/c was the compliment and all were servicable then it would be 20/20, unlike II/JG 77 for which it was 32/20. II./JG 77 could not even reach the number of a/c that a Gruppe was suppose to be comprised of.

Why would 'non-servicable' a/c be included with 'servicable' a/c numbers?

I would not mention reserves Barbi, for the Allies had a/c parks filled with a/c to replace any combat losses. All the losses from Bodenplatte, for example, were replaced and operational within a couple of days.

Quote
nice switch Milo, since when the single Luftflotte 3 equal the entire LW?


So sorry, :rolleyes:, should included Luftflotte 3 in the statement, but then any brain dead idiot should have been able to sumise that it was understood to be Luftflotte 3.

What does Typhoon servicable rates have to with the 'discussion'? Spitfire rates would be more appropriate. It was very rare that a Spitfire squadron took off without its full 12 a/c on a mission unlike the LW Staffels that always flew at less than their full compliment of a/c.


Here are the numbers for Luftflotte Reich

Central Germany, Luftflotte Reich (single engine a/c)

Unit   Aircraft   Total   Svcble

Stab/JG 300 6/4
I/JG 300   57/37
II (Sturm)/JG 300 41/28
III/JG 300 44/38
IV/JG 300 53/39
Stab/JG 301 5/   5
I/JG 301 38/26
II/JG 301 40/38
III/JG 301 26/20

So 154 109s of which only 114 (74%) were servicable(combat capable).

109 units in bold
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 30, 2004, 11:48:51 AM
From : RL2III/1158 (microfilm)


On 31 January 1945 the combat units of the Luftwaffe and their associated Erganzungs Einheiten, had the following strength in Bf109 types.
These are on hand totals, they include both 'frontline' and 'other' units. Included are all aircraft operational and non-operational at the time.


(Combat units / Erganzungs units ):

Bf109G1/5 (0/1)
Bf109G12 (0/5)
Bf109G6 (71/328)
Bf109G14 and G14U4 (431/190)
Bf109G10, G10/U4 and G14/AS (568/3)
Bf109K4 (314/0)
Bf109G10/R6 (51/0)
Total Bf 109s (1435/527)

Other Jagd types totaled (1058/359)

Grand total (6597/1631)


NOTE : This information was originally posted by someone to correct Milo Morai, who then claimed less than 100 Bf 109s were service in 1945. :D

Now Milo, either compare like with the like, servicable a/c of the LW on West vs. servicable aircraft of the RAF in NW europe.. or just stuck it up and shut up.

Even you numbers, if they have any connection to real life, show 154 Bf 109s of the Reichsverteidigung, plus 452 with the Luftflotte 3. That`s 606 Bf 109s on the West, and don`t include any of the reserves.

The 2nd TAF opposing the LW on the West had 35 Squadrons of Spitfires. Even with the squadrons being taken at their full 12 plane strenght, that`s not possibly more than 420 planes. Of course because of heavy losses this was far less in reality.
(we can count RAF squadrons at their nominal 20 plane strenght, but then we should also count LW reserves which Milo`s number`s don`t include).  The USAAF employed sometimes a thousend fighter in a single sortie, and it was no rare to see many hundred LW fighters engaging these formations. The RAF could not afford that, with so few fighters available to them. No wonder why the RAF played the underdog beneath the USAAF, and it`s absolutely rare to see engagements with them in the German records;
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Furball on December 30, 2004, 12:25:26 PM
Quote
31 May 1945
The strength of the Royal Air Force (RAF) stands at some 55,469 aircraft as at this date, of which 9,200 were first-line machines.


http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/milestones-of-flight/british_military/1945_3.html
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 30, 2004, 12:40:04 PM
I guess 9200 is the correct number for combat types, this what Groehler also gives. 50000+ is surreal, unless everything with wings is qouted, gliders and stuff. Even the USAAF had 'just' planes 32 000 planes in service. Have no doubt about Angie will work himself up on the 50k figure. :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 30, 2004, 02:05:30 PM
Well, I guess the LW forgot to train navigation.
How else can thousands of planes miss something 100 miles long, travelling at low to medium alt at 150 miles, 3 days within a week........in DAYLIGHT ....

Oh, maybe it didn't happen except in the angieworld.....:D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 30, 2004, 02:05:38 PM
Quote
Now Milo, either compare like with the like, servicable a/c of the LW on West vs. servicable aircraft of the RAF in NW europe.. or just stuck it up and shut up.

Even you numbers, if they have any connection to real life, show 154 Bf 109s of the Reichsverteidigung, plus 452 with the Luftflotte 3. That`s 606 Bf 109s on the West, and don`t include any of the reserves.

Your the one Barbi that is not comparing like with like > front line a/c to front line a/c in combat units. The RAF's MU, OCU and OTU can be added in if you so desire.

What reserves? The JG Gruppes could not even equipe themselves with enough sevicable a/c to bring their numbers up to their theoretical full compliment of a/c.

Quote
we can count RAF squadrons at their nominal 20 plane strenght, but then we should also count LW reserves

Nope you can't because they were not on the books of front line units.

'Onhand' is not much use if they can't get into the air Barbi by sitting on the ground waiting for maintainance to make them servicable for combat.

Luft 3 - 452
Luft Reich - 154

front line total - 606 on hand of which only 446 were combat capable.


Proof required for your fantasy claim that I said 'less than 100 Bf 109s were service in 1945'.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 30, 2004, 02:21:03 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Well, I guess the LW forgot to train navigation.
How else can thousands of planes miss something 100 miles long, travelling at low to medium alt at 150 miles, 3 days within a week........in DAYLIGHT ....

Oh, maybe it didn't happen except in the angieworld.....:D


Oh of course it did happen Angie. Just count the crosses around arheim. Thousends of them...  As you said LW fighters turned up and shot down a number of aircraft. Most of the LW concentrated in Germany, against the USAAF bombing raids at that time. Ask the USAAF bomber crews about their experiences... they lost 241 aircraft to enemy fighters in September, compared to 150-160 in July and August.

The rest is history. Units of the W-SS and heavy tanks encircled British paratroopers (hmm, where was ULTRA, they expected 2nd line troops..), and practically wiped them out to the last men. wehrmacht soldiers with pistols, rifles and mgs were playing turkey shot at the transports freely. Where was the RAF to save them? They didn`t even have supplies! Why were they not evacuated by air?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: HoHun on December 30, 2004, 02:29:30 PM
Hi Kurfürst,

>Both the Jumo 213 and DB 603 was considered for the 109 as an engine upgrade. The size of these engines was very similiar to the DB 605s, and weight was not really greater either (ca100-150kg plus). Fitting these would not cause any greater difficulty as fitting the larger Griffon to the Spitfires instead of the Merlin.

Well, I don't know how much effort went into redesigning the Spitfire for the Griffon. The RLM considered the effort to redesign the Me 109 prohibitive, but I've got to admit I haven't the full story but read only one protocol.

>In September 1944, Bf 109G Werknummer 410 528 was built with a Jumo 213 E (same as in Ta-152H), four blade porpellor, being a prototype for an unarmed, high alt photo recce.

Thanks, I hadn't been aware of that.

>So I guess fitting goodies like the 603N was indeed a possibility. Mtt would probably not proceed with those, I think, the jets were there, and in view of those "P-thousend" projects, further development of the 109 just didn`t make sense, not to say the date was 1945.

Yes, the development of the Fw 190 line made more sense at the time. It wasn't only the larger engine, but also the increased fuel load out, the armament etc. that made a larger (though heavier :-) airframe more sensible. The Ta 152 was even envisioned to take the Jumo 222, but I suspect that wouldn't have been a simple bolt-on job either :-)

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 30, 2004, 02:35:27 PM
Quote
Originally posted by MiloMorai
Your the one Barbi that is not comparing like with like > front line a/c to front line a/c in combat units. The RAF's MU, OCU and OTU can be added in if you so desire.
[/B]

I am comparing like with like, poor Milo. Frontline units, at their combat strenght. This gives 600 Bf 109s on the Western frontline against about 300 Spitfires.

Quote

What reserves? The JG Gruppes could not even equipe themselves with enough sevicable a/c to bring their numbers up to their theoretical full compliment of a/c.

[/B]

That`s BS.They had plenty of reserves, you just don`t want to count them. The LW had the reserves with the Erganzungs units, and these were stationed near the frontlines.

Even looking at Bf 109 units shows you are wrong :

I/JG 300 57/37
III/JG 300 44/38
IV/JG 300 53/39

Each of these Gruppes were expected to send 3 Staffels (Squadrons) with 12-12-12 planes into combat. That`s 36. They had 50 aircraft on hand, 37-39 servicable. Each of them were capable of doing what was expected 110-120%.

The RAF had only 1-2 operational a/c in many of it`s fighter squadrons instead of 20 in late 1944. They were far less capable of bringing their numbers up to their theoretical full compliment of a/c it seems. One would understand 1-2 aircraft missing, but 90% of the squadron?!


Quote

Nope you can't because they were not on the books of front line units.
[/B]

They were, Erganzungsgeschwaders were frontline units, and of course you play the dirty trick of not listing them.

"(Combat units / Erganzungs units ):

Bf109G1/5 (0/1)
Bf109G12 (0/5)
Bf109G6 (71/328)
Bf109G14 and G14U4 (431/190)
Bf109G10, G10/U4 and G14/AS (568/3)
Bf109K4 (314/0)
Bf109G10/R6 (51/0)
Total Bf 109s (1435/527)
Other Jagd types totaled (1058/359) "

One can see the LW held about 1/3 of it`s fighters in reserve. They could be brought up on the day the losses occured to replace them.




Quote

'Onhand' is not much use if they can't get into the air Barbi by sitting on the ground waiting for maintainance to make them servicable for combat.

[/B]

That`s why we should not count un-servicable or reserve RAF aircraft. Neither could get into the air. All servicable frontline LW fighters could.

Quote

[/B]
Luft 3 - 452
Luft Reich - 154

front line total - 606 on hand of which only 446 were combat capable.

[/B]

Yes, and that`s way more than the 2nd TAF had Spitfires.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 30, 2004, 02:54:59 PM
Quote
Originally posted by HoHun

Well, I don't know how much effort went into redesigning the Spitfire for the Griffon. The RLM considered the effort to redesign the Me 109 prohibitive, but I've got to admit I haven't the full story but read only one protocol.


Hi Henning! Which protocol is that ? AFAIK, Milch kept the 109 developments "in fire", in case of the Ta152 projects fail. Ie. 109K w. the 605L was supposed to step in, provided the armament remains aduequate for 1945 (I see no reason why it wouldn`t) if problems occcur with the Tank project. I disagree though about the 605 reaching the end of it`s development, 2.3ata was planned for the 605D which would mean about 2300 HP, and from what I gathered an equivalent of the 605L (two staged 605D) was most likely put in production and saw operation. Considering the 605L`s altitude performance supprassed even the 213E`s...


Quote

>In September 1944, Bf 109G Werknummer 410 528 was built with a Jumo 213 E (same as in Ta-152H), four blade porpellor, being a prototype for an unarmed, high alt photo recce.

Thanks, I hadn't been aware of that.[/B]


Details in Radinger/Otto! There are also some DB 603 projects in that projected 109 curves PDF.

Looking on the 603L`s dimension vs 605`s, I can easily imagine it. 2.7m lenght vs. 2.3, height 1.2 vs 1050mm , 1m vs. 930 width of the 605L (even the AS/D cowling was designed to take the 605L). Though putting the 603N with all that power sounds a little pervert - it might rip itself out of the fuselage! ;)


Quote

>So I guess fitting goodies like the 603N was indeed a possibility. Mtt would probably not proceed with those, I think, the jets were there, and in view of those "P-thousend" projects, further development of the 109 just didn`t make sense, not to say the date was 1945.

Yes, the development of the Fw 190 line made more sense at the time. It wasn't only the larger engine, but also the increased fuel load out, the armament etc. that made a larger (though heavier :-) airframe more sensible. The Ta 152 was even envisioned to take the Jumo 222, but I suspect that wouldn't have been a simple bolt-on job either :-)

Regards,

Henning (HoHun) [/B]


Agree! Still I cannot imagine how would they do w/o the 109. It was a proven, cheap and easily producable airframe, with good development potential in it`s original role. More importantly, compatitive to anything the enemy had to offer. I guess there was still potential left in it, with another little facelift (Mk103m, two staged 605D, increased boost, new prop)...

Yet they would probably go for the jets, supplemented by prop-job Ta projects. Early jets couldn`t do w/o those props, that`s a fact!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Karnak on December 30, 2004, 03:41:04 PM
We're the only ones that are keeping subjects like this alive.  Nobody else is interested in pro-Spit and pro-109 posturing BS.

Just put Barbi on your ignore list and let all threads like this one die.

This is the last post I will make in this thread, and hopefully any Barbi poisoned threads hereafter.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on December 30, 2004, 03:54:06 PM
LOL more of Barbi's selectivety to support his superior nazi Germany agenda. And he accuses me of playing dirty tricks.

Lets look at some other 109 units, shall we.

I/JG 3 31/22
III/JG 4 13/10
I/JG 27 33/24
I/JG 27 25/20
III/JG 27 28/23
IV/JG 27 24/22
Stab/JG 77 2/1
II/JG 77 32/20
III/JG 77 10/7

So do you still want to claim that the units could be brought up to strength Barbi?

Quote
The RAF had only 1-2 operational a/c in many of it`s fighter squadrons instead of 20 in late 1944. They were far less capable of bringing their numbers up to their theoretical full compliment of a/c it seems. One would understand 1-2 aircraft missing, but 90% of the squadron?!


And Barbi says BS. Tell me Barbi how were the losses from Bodenplatte so quickly replaced? Do you have a list for RAF squadrons as has been posted for LW units?


Karnak, I don't see any pro Spit posturing BS. Only see Barbi's pro 109 posturing and anti Spit BS.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 30, 2004, 06:51:28 PM
OOOO, September 1944 and Izzy in the pitch, Nice.
FYI, the first wave went unintercepted.
By the time of the second wave, the LW tried to intercept, but was completely screened off by allied fighters. LW losses were quite some.
By the third wave, as far as I know, the LW managed 1 intercept with some success. Most losses were to flak though.
On the second and third drop it was quite cloudy BTW.
Of course the ground fightings were quite brutal.
FYI, the Germans were actually moving their Tank units away, and if some comanders had not "tweaked" their situation status, the tanks would have been gone. But they weren't, and in 6 hrs or so the Germans were able to mount panzers and later on artillery against lightly armed paratroopers.
Still took them days to get that darned bridge back, and all other river crossings were to fall in allied hands.
Wonder how they screwed that up with thousands of Messerchmitts ready at hand...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 30, 2004, 10:16:15 PM
Quote
They were, Erganzungsgeschwaders were frontline units, and of course you play the dirty trick of not listing them.


Yes they were operational training units.  However by this stage in the war very little training was conducted in them.  

The Erganzungsgeschwaders were filled with the 98% of the Luftwaffe pilots that were just pure cannon fodder.

They had an even worse ratio of pre-1943 pilots to post-1943 trained pilots than the JG's.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Oldman731 on December 30, 2004, 11:53:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
Oh of course it did happen Angie. Just count the crosses around arheim. Thousends of them...  As you said LW fighters turned up and shot down a number of aircraft. Most of the LW concentrated in Germany, against the USAAF bombing raids at that time. Ask the USAAF bomber crews about their experiences... they lost 241 aircraft to enemy fighters in September, compared to 150-160 in July and August.

The rest is history. Units of the W-SS and heavy tanks encircled British paratroopers (hmm, where was ULTRA, they expected 2nd line troops..), and practically wiped them out to the last men. wehrmacht soldiers with pistols, rifles and mgs were playing turkey shot at the transports freely. Where was the RAF to save them? They didn`t even have supplies! Why were they not evacuated by air?

Having kept my mouth shut to this point, I am finally moved to ask:

Kurfurst....are you happy with who won the war, or do you wish it had turned out otherwise?

- oldman
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Seeker on December 31, 2004, 01:31:39 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Oldman731
Having kept my mouth shut to this point, I am finally moved to ask:

Kurfurst....are you happy with who won the war, or do you wish it had turned out otherwise?

- oldman


I think a better question would be if he knows who won the war.....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Naudet on December 31, 2004, 06:33:20 AM
Kurfürst, we speak of the same report and yes i own the entire document.

I find it pretty funny that you say the FW190 was choosen because the LW in the West faced mostly bombers, which for 1941 (and this is the time of the report) werer the LW almost only battled RAF fighters is really not true.

I also highly doubt that the report was "biased" towards the FW190 in case of maneuverability.
You seem  reduce maneuverability to pure horizontal turning, which is wrong, but for horizontal turns the report states "Ob die FW190 enger kurvt als die Bf109 konnte noch nicht eindeutig festgestellt werden" (It could not be cleared yet if the the FW190 turns tighter as the Bf109).

For the dive it is important to know that the FW190 had several hundred meters margin over the Bf109 after dives of only 2000 meters.

That the FW190 doesn't accel as fast as the Bf109F is not surprising, because it climbs at a lower rate and therefore one can expect it to accelerate slower as well.
Also the lacking high alt performances is not surprising.
This is what btw became more important when the USAAF bombers appeared in the west.

But even for this Focke Wulf found a solution. Both the FW190A3 & A4 could be outfitted with external intake strokes which improved the "critical" altittude were the plane got "floaty" from 8km to 9,5km.

And the most important thing is that the trial was between a fully developed Bf109 variant, were all teething problems had long been solved with a variant of the FW190 which was heavily suffering from engine reliability probs.


If the Bf109 would have been clearly superior to the FW190 it also puzzles me that the RLM in 1945 decided to disband all Bf109s and as sole porpeller driven fighter keep the FW190D9/D12/D13 & TA152 in production?

The Bf109 was an very good design when it appeared and until 1941, but after that it was becominh more and more outdated by more modern designs.
I like the Bf109, especially the Bf109F - not as much as the FW190 though -  but i don't try to make it better than it was.

Quote
In September 1944, Bf 109G Werknummer 410 528 was built with a Jumo 213 E (same as in Ta-152H), four blade porpellor, being a prototype for an unarmed, high alt photo recce


I somewhere have a couple of performance graphs for a JUMO213A Bf109. Will check that next year. ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 31, 2004, 07:32:41 AM
To add to Naudets post:

It was a BMW 801C powered FW-190A.  A very different airplane from the much more powerful BMW801D2.  Around 150 801C powered FW-190's were built and within a few short months of the FW-190's introduction the 801D's were on the scene.

The BMW801C FW-190's did have some disadvantages against the Bf-109.

Once the BMW-801D2 powered FW-190's came on the scene the Bf-109 at low altitude was outperformed by it's FW-190 contemporary for the rest of the war.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: HoHun on December 31, 2004, 07:56:06 AM
Hi Kurfürst,

>Hi Henning! Which protocol is that ? AFAIK, Milch kept the 109 developments "in fire", in case of the Ta152 projects fail.

The protocol is one of many quoted in Petrick/Mankau's Zerstörer book mentioned here:

http://www.hitechcreations.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=137686

I'm relying on my memory though as I don't own that book and - after reading it with a focus on the tactical aspects of the destroyer concept - already returned it to its owner.

>I disagree though about the 605 reaching the end of it`s development, 2.3ata was planned for the 605D which would mean about 2300 HP, and from what I gathered an equivalent of the 605L (two staged 605D) was most likely put in production and saw operation.

Hm, the 2300 HP would have been only available at low altitude, so it might not have helped that much in the tactical situation the Luftwaffe found itself in.

The DB605L on the other hand was specialized on high-altitude performance and about equivalent to the Jumo 213E there, but the Jumo offered high power throughout the entire altitude range. (From what I've read, the Jumo gave higher exhaust thrust than the DB engines, and that might have made it a better engine than the shaft power parity suggests.)

I won't say there wasn't any potential left in the DB605 and accordingly, in the Me 109, too, but the reserves weren't affluent any more.

>Details in Radinger/Otto! There are also some DB 603 projects in that projected 109 curves PDF.

I got that book - seems it's in the Anton to Emil volume as I couldn't find it in the Gustav to Konrad one!

>Though putting the 603N with all that power sounds a little pervert - it might rip itself out of the fuselage! ;)

Actually, the protocols I mentioned talk repeatedly about strengthening the airframe structure against torsional stresses when re-engining an aircraft, so fear is probably realistic :-)

>Agree! Still I cannot imagine how would they do w/o the 109.

Griehl quotes some conversion plans of the late-war Luftwaffe.

8.2.1945: All Bf 109 units were planned for conversion to the Bf 109K-4, except those with the G-10/R6 which were to convert to the K-4/R6. (I've heard the Konrad's R6 is not the same as the Gustav's R6, but from the context it's clear that the plan refers to gondola cannon.)

20.03.1945: Conversion to/continued use of:

He 162A-1/A-2
Bf 109G-10/R6 (JG300)
Bf 109K-4/K-6 (K-6 apparently with internal wing cannon, replacing the /R6)
Bf 109K-4/R6 (apparently already in service with KG(J)30?!)
Fw 190A-8/A-9/D-9/D-11/D-12/D-13
Ta 152H-10
Me 262A-1a

(Standardization within a Geschwader was an important goal. Often Bf 109 fighter groups were combined with Fw 190 Sturm groups, but the opposite combination was possible as well. There were more Bf 109G/R6 groups than Fw 190 Sturm groups, by the way!)

In 1944, the plan had been (figures for production per month):


Type        1944/7   1944/12    1945/7    1946/3
Bf 109G/AS     100         0         0         0
Bf 109G       1700       150         0         0
Bf 109H          0      1200       210        50
Fw 190A        750       560       150       150
Fw 190D-9        0       700       280         0
Ta 152A          0         0       470       750
Ta 152H          0         0       700       700
Me 262A         60       220      1200      1500
Me 163B         15        50         0         0
Me 163C          0         0        50        50


Of course, the RLM plans never were met and changed erratically anyway, but it shows the thinking at the time: The Bf 109H appeared like an easy conversion from the Bf 109G so that entire production lines could be switched over easily, Fw 190A production was reduced quickly, probably probably as fighter bomber, the Fw 190D with Jumo 213A (for brevity I called it D-9 above) was a stopgap until the fully developed Ta 152 could be introduced as a high altitude fighter primarily, and the Me 262 was scheduled for massive production in late 1945. The Me 163 was kept in small scale production probably because the RLM lacked the determination to kill it entirely :-)

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 31, 2004, 08:21:45 AM
Quote
Fw 190 Sturm groups


There is a tendancy to view all FW-190's on the Western Front as "Sturm".  In fact the entire Luftwaffe only had three Gruppes of Sturmjager FW-190's.  The majority of FW's were employed in the air superiority role.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 31, 2004, 10:02:42 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Naudet
Kurfürst, we speak of the same report and yes i own the entire document.
[/B]

I collect such reports, esp. as it`s now being discussed at butch`s. Could you send it over to my email at executor@index.hu ? I am sure Crumpp would be interested too!


Quote

I find it pretty funny that you say the FW190 was choosen because the LW in the West faced mostly bombers, which for 1941 (and this is the time of the report) werer the LW almost only battled RAF fighters is really not true..
[/B]

Hmm, the British were mounting bomber raids over France right from the start of 1941, the USAAF appeared in 1942 when the FW 190 actually come into operation in real numbers, so that`s the best reason I can think of. If it would have been just superior to the 109, it would simply replace it. It never did, more like it supported it. Also if you look at the effectiveness of 109 unit.. JG 52, enough said.



I also highly doubt that the report was "biased" towards the FW190 in case of maneuverability.
You seem  reduce maneuverability to pure horizontal turning, which is wrong, but for horizontal turns the report states "Ob die FW190 enger kurvt als die Bf109 konnte noch nicht eindeutig festgestellt werden" (It could not be cleared yet if the the FW190 turns tighter as the Bf109).


Turning of course does not equal manouveribility, but by all sense the 109 was clearly better in this - wingloading, powerloading, handling, slats etc.. And appearantly the 109`s roll rate was not exactly lacking either. ;)

Niklas posted this on butch`s board recently. Appearantly it`s always worth to rely on several sources!

Beauvais, the german chief test pilot in Rechin, wrote in a text about the 109:

"
Comparison flight tests:
...
Me109F against fw190A2. In autumn 41 Gollob came to rechlin with the order to compare the BF 109 to the FW 190. He and his fellows prefered instincivly the 190. Their control forces were lower, the roll rate approx 1/4 higher, the view backward better. The 801 engine was considered less vulnerable to hits. One was happy with the larger gear (wheel distance) and considered the cell of the 190 more robust for emergency landings (without gear out). So Gollob and his men didn´t really wanted to accept that the 109 turned with lower turn times, which was already clear at the first afternoon Gollob evased in his report and wrote: Whether the fw190 turned tighter than the 109 couldn´t be clarified definitly" () "




For the dive it is important to know that the FW190 had several hundred meters margin over the Bf109 after dives of only 2000 meters.

It`s quite logical with it`s higher mass and wingloading, it would loose height more quickly. On the other hand it picked up speed more slowly, which would turn the tables if the dives are followed by zoom climbs.

That the FW190 doesn't accel as fast as the Bf109F is not surprising, because it climbs at a lower rate and therefore one can expect it to accelerate slower as well.

Yep, I guess overall drag was also higher on the radial airframe. Powerloading can also mean a lot.



Also the lacking high alt performances is not surprising.
This is what btw became more important when the USAAF bombers appeared in the west.
But even for this Focke Wulf found a solution. Both the FW190A3 & A4 could be outfitted with external intake strokes which improved the "critical" altittude were the plane got "floaty" from 8km to 9,5km.


?? I am not aware of that. Don`t you refer to GM-1? The 1.5km altitude change points to that..

And the most important thing is that the trial was between a fully developed Bf109 variant, were all teething problems had long been solved with a variant of the FW190 which was heavily suffering from engine reliability probs.

It may be a reason, but I don`t think it would change much in this regard; both types were improved later.


If the Bf109 would have been clearly superior to the FW190 it also puzzles me that the RLM in 1945 decided to disband all Bf109s and as sole porpeller driven fighter keep the FW190D9/D12/D13 & TA152 in production?

Hmm, I didn`t say it was clearly superior in all and every respects. I do hold it superior as a pure fighter though, but not by much. In most other roles, the 190 was better. And regarding that "RLM decision in 1945", HoHun just posted Feb1945 plans which not exactly show this trend (K-4s to the People)... ;) Not to mention production of the 109 was kept up at a high pace through the war, and they always outnumbered 190s in service (something like 3:2).


The Bf109 was an very good design when it appeared and until 1941, but after that it was becominh more and more outdated by more modern designs.


Like? This '1941 clausule' sounds 'carsonish'. I think the 109 was quite competitive until the wars end, and it`s not an exxegeration to say it was better than most it faced. Let`s face it, in it as tradiationally strong points, the 190 could not compete with it, not even the latest variants (and this is also true vica versa).


I like the Bf109, especially the Bf109F - not as much as the FW190 though -  but i don't try to make it better than it was.


Neither I, but I think it`s very much underrated, at least in anglo-saxon literature.
 

I somewhere have a couple of performance graphs for a JUMO213A Bf109. Will check that next year. ;)


LOL!! :lol :aok
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 31, 2004, 10:21:31 AM
Originally posted by HoHun


>Details in Radinger/Otto! There are also some DB 603 projects in that projected 109 curves PDF.

I got that book - seems it's in the Anton to Emil volume as I couldn't find it in the Gustav to Konrad one!


Page 32 in the F-K! ;)


>Though putting the 603N with all that power sounds a little pervert - it might rip itself out of the fuselage! ;)

Actually, the protocols I mentioned talk repeatedly about strengthening the airframe structure against torsional stresses when re-engining an aircraft, so fear is probably realistic :-)


It would be the fastest aero engine of the world then! :rofl



Griehl quotes some conversion plans of the late-war Luftwaffe.

8.2.1945: All Bf 109 units were planned for conversion to the Bf 109K-4, except those with the G-10/R6 which were to convert to the K-4/R6. (I've heard the Konrad's R6 is not the same as the Gustav's R6, but from the context it's clear that the plan refers to gondola cannon.)

20.03.1945: Conversion to/continued use of:

He 162A-1/A-2
Bf 109G-10/R6 (JG300)
Bf 109K-4/K-6 (K-6 apparently with internal wing cannon, replacing the /R6)
Bf 109K-4/R6 (apparently already in service with KG(J)30?!)
Fw 190A-8/A-9/D-9/D-11/D-12/D-13
Ta 152H-10
Me 262A-1a

(Standardization within a Geschwader was an important goal. Often Bf 109 fighter groups were combined with Fw 190 Sturm groups, but the opposite combination was possible as well. There were more Bf 109G/R6 groups than Fw 190 Sturm groups, by the way!)


The /R6 was not gondola guns on either the G or K! Rustsatz VI. (IV. on the K) was the gondolas, but this doesn`t show up in the desination.

Rustzustand 6, the /R6 was the installation of bad weather equipment on the G-10 and K-4, an autopilot stabilizing the a/c. Think about the role of JG 300 (day/night)!

Otherwise highly interesting, thanks!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 31, 2004, 11:04:04 AM
Quote
Beauvais, the german chief test pilot in Rechin, wrote in a text about the 109:


That is interesting because Beauvais clearly states in the report that Gollob was prejudicial to the 109.  In fact Gollob selected the call sign's for the aircraft.  

For the 109 - "Adler"
For the 190 - "Otto"

All before the first flight took place.  Gollob's report reads:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104509691_pt1ctrllforce.jpg)

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104509778_pt2ctrlforce.jpg)

Here is the 109F series:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104509174_109ftable.jpg)

And it's FW-190A 801D2 powered contemporary:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104509616_fw190a3graph.jpg)

You can see from the production of 801C-powered FW-190A's that there were not very many of them produced.  Only the initial production run of FW-190A2's had the BMW801C as the one in this test, AFAIK.  The majority were produced with the BMW801D2:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104511601_fw-190production.jpg)

For the 109G14:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104509246_bf109k4-performances-chart1.jpg)

Even the older model FW-190A5 is faster on the deck and I will wager, just as Willi Reschke claims, the FW-190A climbs better at lower altitudes.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104509468_fw190_a5_speed.gif)

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104509540_fw190_a5_climb_s.gif)

The FW-190A8 is even faster with the BMW801D2Q and even faster with the BMW801TS.

Now as I understand it.  The 109K4 was not cleared for 1.98ata with MW50 until the last months of the war.  At that point, it is equal to the FW-190A8/801TS or FW-190A9 on the deck.  The FW-190D series is much faster by this time than either of them.

At high altitudes the 109 was superior but at lower altitudes the FW-190 was hands down the better fighter for air-to-air combat.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 31, 2004, 11:54:07 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
That is interesting because Beauvais clearly states in the report that Gollob was prejudicial to the 109.  

That`s a highly subjective understanding of what Beauvais "clearly states" :


"In autumn 41 Gollob came to rechlin with the order to compare the BF 109 to the FW 190. He and his fellows prefered instincivly the 190."



In fact Gollob selected the call sign's for the aircraft.
For the 109 - "Adler"
For the 190 - "Otto"


And...?

All before the first flight took place.  Gollob's report reads:

Can I see the full report?



Here is the 109F series:
And it's FW-190A 801D2 powered contemporary:


Hmm, the 801D2 power FWs were contemporary to the F-4 and G-2 in 1942. At that time, the D-2 engine was restricted to 1.32ata, the F-4 already run at 1.42ata, the G-2 at 1.3ata.

At these boost, sl speeds were the following :

190 A-3/4 : 540 kph (from crummps curves)
109 F-4 : 537 kph
109 G-2 : 525 kph

ROC of the FW190 is ~15.5. ROC of the G-2 was 21m/sec - at Kampfleistung! I guess the F-4 was similiar on full power.

I don`t see the advantage you are talking about. The superiority at altitude for the 109 is, however, clear.

The below is from flight tests in Rechlin, F-4 vs. A-2 :


(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1104514716_vergleich_me109_-_fw190_03.jpg)

The performance data for the Bf 109 F-4 and the FW 190 A-1 or A-2 (FW 190 with engine BMW 801 C) were flown, the data for the modified FW 190 A-2 (FW 190 with engine BMW 801 D) and the Me 109 G project however only calculated.

The tests show the clear advantage of the 109F-4 over the contemporary FW 190A-2 in both speed and climb at ALL altitudes.



For the 109G14 and 109K4:

Even the older model FW-190A5 is faster on the deck and I will wager, just as Willi Reschke claims, the FW-190A climbs better at lower altitudes.


Huh? SL speeds :

A-5 : 565 kph
G-14 : 568 kph
G-14/AS : 560 km/
K-4 :
-580 kph with DM (early engine, replaced by DB/DC after a few intial aircraft)
-593 w. DB 1.8
-607 kph w. DC/1.98

All 1944 109s are just as fast as the 190As, the K is considerably faster, even at low levels.


As for climb rates, even the claim is ridiculus that the 190 would compete w the 109. :D The lowest climb rate you would find for an 1944 109 was 22-23 m/sec at full power. Even the best climbing D-9, after equipped w. MW50 in 1945, was good for no more than ca. 22m/sec. The other As could do about 17-18 m/sec at best...



Now as I understand it.  The 109K4 was not cleared for 1.98ata with MW50 until the last months of the war.  At that point, it is equal to the FW-190A8/801TS or FW-190A9 on the deck.  The FW-190D series is much faster by this time than either of them.


As for 1.98ata, I have seen evidence that DB was supplying the frontline with the engines set to 1.98ata already in 1944.
Dec 5 handbook of the DB/DC notes the use of 1.98ata, and no restrictions mentioned. If you know any evidence to the contrary, please let me know. I haven`t seen any.

I`d like to see evidence of the A8/TS and the A-9 ever coming near 600kph on the deck. The D-9s did not receive serially built in MW 50 until early 1945, even with which their speed was only marginally higher than the 109K`s at 1.98ata (615kph vs. 607 kph).



At high altitudes the 109 was superior but at lower altitudes the FW-190 was hands down the better fighter for air-to-air combat.


Actually the FW 190`s only advantage over the 109 was roll rate, and 2-30 kph speed at the deck in 1943. In all other respects, turn rate, acceleration, and especially climb rate, the 109 was superior. The 190A was not really mature until 1943...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on December 31, 2004, 12:08:39 PM
Here is something for the cake.
I am not sure of Gollob's situation, but Milch (Who was one bloody Bastard) had some thorn in Willy Messerchmitt's side.
Some however may not have liked Tank & co.
Nazi-Time Germany was quite special in these things. Be on the wrong side of some high figure, and you would find yourself dead or at the red front before you knew what hit you.
Even Hugo Junkers himself got caught up in the political mincer.
Genius tacticians like Galland were imprisoned, with the subtle suggestion of taiking poison. Which some did, as Rommel, - he had to choose between dishonorable execution or taking cyanide.
Anyway, when viewing old documents from Germany,comparing those 2 fine aircraft, keep this in mind.

Now to one angle comparing the 190 and 109.
Those who fought them on the western front usually had one meaning.
The 190 was faster and better armed.It was a more dangerous opponent.
I've seen this in countless anecdotes, again and again. The 190 was almost always considered faster and more dangerous.
So, I guess there must be a foot to that,,,


Anyway, friends and foes alike on these threads, I basically popped in to wish you a good new year.
Crumpp, Milo, Nash, Hohun, Izzy, Guppy, Naudet, Karnak, Mando, Scholzie, Furbie and all ye others.....


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



:) :) :)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 31, 2004, 12:22:29 PM
Izzy that climb graph for the FW-190A5 represents a FW-190 with cooling gills open.  Just like any aircraft drop the drag and it climb better.  Got the graphs and it improves the climb.  

It also does not show climb rate at higher boost pressures.

According to Willi Reschke:

"Below 5000 meters the FW-190A8 was superior in the climb.  It's manuverability was much better due to it's lower stick forces."


The FW 190A3 chart shows 1 minute to  1000 meters cooling gills open.  The 109's climbed standard at radiators half open IIRC.

Quote
Hmm, the 801D2 power FWs were contemporary to the F-4 and G-2 in 1942. At that time, the D-2 engine was restricted to 1.32ata, the F-4 already run at 1.42ata, the G-2 at 1.3ata.


The FW-190's were not restricted to 1.32ata.  1.42ata @ 2700U/min was Emergency Power.   They were faster than the 109's.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 31, 2004, 12:34:24 PM
Izzy that climb graph for the FW-190A5 represents a FW-190 with cooling gills open. Just like any aircraft drop the drag and it climb better. Got the graphs and it improves the climb.

True for all aircraft, so pretty much irrevelant. Besides I think the 109 would gain more from closing the radiators, they created far more drag when open the gills on fw.

It also does not show climb rate at higher boost pressures.

Yep, but even at higher boost it would be inferior to the 109 at lower boost. I don`t know any FW 190A that would manage over 4000 fpm. Even the 109G-2 at lower boost pressures could manage 4800...


According to Willi Reschke:

"Below 5000 meters the FW-190A8 was superior in the climb. It's manuverability was much better due to it's lower stick forces."


Given the evidence of flight tests, he is wrong.


The FW 190A3 chart shows 1 minute to 1000 meters cooling gills open. The 109's climbed standard at radiators half open IIRC.


The 109`s radiators were set automatically to maintain 85 degrees. They could be closed manually. The engine was allowed to run w 115 Celsius for 10 minutes...



The FW-190's were not restricted to 1.32ata. 1.42ata @ 2700U/min was Emergency Power.


No, they were, for a time, to 1.35iirc, they had cooling problems (rear cylinder banks).


They were faster than the 109's.

Not according to Rechlin. ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MANDO on December 31, 2004, 02:02:14 PM
Kurfürst, you seem to focus the advantages and dissadvantages of 190 and 109 in something like 1 vs 1 engangements, but aerial war does not work this way.

For many vs many, I will bet for 190s always, even including 109K. Firepower, visibility, armour and high speed control count much more than turn rate at low speeds or substained climb rate.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on December 31, 2004, 06:11:14 PM
Quote
rue for all aircraft, so pretty much irrevelant. Besides I think the 109 would gain more from closing the radiators, they created far more drag when open the gills on fw.


The FW-190 does make some pretty good gains and given the design of the aircraft I have to disagree on this one.  The largest gains in climb for the FW-190, though come from the prop changes.

Quote
No, they were, for a time, to 1.35iirc, they had cooling problems (rear cylinder banks).


That problems was solved before they left the test staffle and was something for the FW-190A0 not FW-190A1,2 or 3.

Quote
Not according to Rechlin.


According to the Rechlin test's I have.  In fact even the Messerschmitt factory test's of an FW-190A5 vs Bf-109G1 say the FW-190 is faster.  Now there is data out there you can compare from different non-comparative flight tests that agrees with what your saying Izzy.  Problem comes from every flight test in which the 109 and 190 (801D2) were flown together, the FW-190 is faster.

Quote
Given the evidence of flight tests, he is wrong.


No he is not.   Gotta do a little more research and I will post the documents and graphsto prove it.  Gotta dig them out and scan them in.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on December 31, 2004, 10:59:48 PM
Originally posted by Crumpp
The FW-190 does make some pretty good gains and given the design of the aircraft I have to disagree on this one.  The largest gains in climb for the FW-190, though come from the prop changes.


Hmm, to my knowladge the cooling grills only effected the amount of airflow through the engine, not much extra drag with their operation..I have some data for 109s on that, the radiators when open effectively work as DIVE BREAKS : min. 50-60 kph worth of drag! I doubt the 190s cooling grills would be THAT serious.
 

That problems was solved before they left the test staffle and was something for the FW-190A0 not FW-190A1,2 or 3.


I am absolutely open to hear more on that, as I was always told that the A-3 and (early?) A-4 were derated to 1.35ata. The A-5 certainly lifted this, the lenghtened engine bay solved the overheating of rear cylinders. You should keep in mind the A-3`s more powerful D-2 engine made more heat, than in the A-2s..



According to the Rechlin test's I have.  In fact even the Messerschmitt factory test's of an FW-190A5 vs Bf-109G1 say the FW-190 is faster.


What boost, what model, what altitude? At full power, the 190A5 should be faster at low levels by about 30 kph from what I have seen. At high altitude...by 4km, the A-5 does 608, the G-1 602 (however at only 1.3ata!), F-4 does 620.. At 10km, A-5 does 582 on your FW chart, the F-4 does 620.. G-1 : 640 kph... K-4, 680+ iirc. but I`d love to see that test! Especially as it concerns the 109, too. ;)

Now there is data out there you can compare from different non-comparative flight tests that agrees with what your saying Izzy.  Problem comes from every flight test in which the 109 and 190 (801D2) were flown together, the FW-190 is faster.

To me the problem comes from I have never seen any such test, crumpp, expect the Rechlin one I just posted. And I am distrustful for other`s interpretation for a good reason, we are all victims of our own subjectiveness. ;)



No he is not.   Gotta do a little more research and I will post the documents and graphsto prove it.  Gotta dig them out and scan them in.


Well I am absolutely open to anything new, but still, for the 190A to outclimb any 109, even at Kampleistung, should do at least 18-20 m/sec. Only the D-9/152 was capable of that, in 1945. But prove me wrong! ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: HoHun on December 31, 2004, 11:09:52 PM
Hi Kurfürst,

>Page 32 in the F-K! ;)

Ah, now it's in the book again ;-) OK, the Jumo 213E was mounted in the Me 109, and the plane flew. I wonder whether there were any structural limitations (like reduced G loads) or whether it was cleared for the entire envelope, but as it seems no data has survived, it's impossible to tell :-(

>It would be the fastest aero engine of the world then! :rofl

LOL! Duck and cover!

>The /R6 was not gondola guns on either the G or K! Rustsatz VI. (IV. on the K) was the gondolas, but this doesn`t show up in the desination.

>Rustzustand 6, the /R6 was the installation of bad weather equipment on the G-10 and K-4, an autopilot stabilizing the a/c. Think about the role of JG 300 (day/night)!

Hm, I didn't initially believe that, but I think you may actually be right. The /R6 were used by: JG300, JG301, KG(J)6, KG(J)27, KG(J)30. Was the Fw 190A-9/R11 the all-weather version as well? JG301 had one group of these, to be replaced with the Bf 109K-4/R6.

Since JG300 was also pioneering the Sturmjäger concept, I assumed it was all about the cannon gondolas, but it seems I was wrong.

So forget what I said about the Sturmgruppen!

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Naudet on January 01, 2005, 08:57:24 AM
First i like to ask about Butch's Board, does he have opened a new one or put the old back on?
If yes, please give me a link to it, because that board was always a source of exellent discussions and informations.

Quote
I doubt the 190s cooling grills would be THAT serious.


I have numbers for the effect of the cooling flaps of the D9 at Steig-&Kampfleistung.
The difference between fully open and most streamlined position 2.6 (Way of the cooling flaps marked from 0-10, with 10 being fully open, 0 fully closed) is 20km/h per hour.


And i found the climb & speed charts for the JUMO213A powered Bf109.
Saddly they are only calculations and no real flight test data.
And i don't have them scanned, so i just can post a few things here.

Plane data:
Bf109 with JUMO213A
with gunpods and "Restabdeckungen"
Weight: 3600 kg

Estimated speed at SL was around 585km/h@1750PS and climb at SL is given as 19m/s@1750PS.

I also remember to have read somewhere that the Israelis used JUMO213 powered Bf109s in war of 1948.

Btw the report on that JUMO213 powered Bf109 includes alot of reference flight data for all kinds of Bf109s powerd by DB605s.
But there is no info if this reference data comes from flight tests or calculations.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 01, 2005, 09:49:19 AM
Here is what I think is going on.

Willi Reschke is not lying or distorting the truth.  

He is flying a FW-190A8/R11, all weather version of the FW-190A8.  Makes sense.  He is in JG301, one of the two JG's designated all weather daylight units after  being transferred from single engine night fighter duty.

The FW-190A8/R11 was not produced with any other engine except the BMW-801TS.

So we know Willi is flying a more powerful motor than the BMW801D2.

Add in the wide chord prop and their is no doubt the FW-190A8/R11 he flew represented a increase in climb performance over the Bf-109G6/AS he transitioned from.

Here we can estabilish a base of climb performance for the 801F motor:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104588952_translated-fwchart.jpg)

Now we can cross reference that base and check out the influence of prop width on climb:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104589951_propwidthclimb.jpg)

Since I don't have a Bf-109G6 climb chart we can use this 109K chart.  The 109K is the best climbing 109 and it looks to me like the FW-190 enters the same ballpark below 5000 meters.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104590079_109kclimb.jpg)

So the FW-190A's were faster at low altitudes, more manuverable, better armed, possed a similar sustained climb and outzoomed the 109, could reverse faster and accellerate better.  

Quote
JG301 had one group of these, to be replaced with the Bf 109K-4/R6.


Yes IIRC these went to the one gruppe that still retained the single engine night fighter mission.  The FW-190A8/R11's were needed in the daylight all-weather gruppes.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: HoHun on January 01, 2005, 10:11:51 AM
Hi Naudet,

>I also remember to have read somewhere that the Israelis used JUMO213 powered Bf109s in war of 1948.

That was the Jumo 211, unfortunately. The aircraft reportedly had poor performance and terrible handling.

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Meyer on January 01, 2005, 10:51:02 AM
Here's one picture of an israelian S-199:

(http://www.skywriters.net/images/Reviews/arbas15.gif)


A closer look of the Avia:

http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/s199ng_1.html
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 01, 2005, 12:29:03 PM
Originally posted by Crumpp
Here is what I think is going on.
Willi Reschke is not lying or distorting the truth.  
He is flying a FW-190A8/R11, all weather version of the FW-190A8.  Makes sense.  He is in JG301, one of the two JG's designated all weather daylight units after  being transferred from single engine night fighter duty.
The FW-190A8/R11 was not produced with any other engine except the BMW-801TS. So we know Willi is flying a more powerful motor than the BMW801D2.
Add in the wide chord prop and their is no doubt the FW-190A8/R11 he flew represented a increase in climb performance over the Bf-109G6/AS he transitioned from.


That explains why 109`s Gruppen were assigned for high cover of FW 190s and not vica versa. :D




Here we can estabilish a base of climb performance for the 801F motor:
http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104588952_translated-fwchart.jpg


It says 11.7 m/sec at 5.7km height.
Vs. 17.8 m/sec for the K-4 (not using MW50), and 13 m/sec at Kampfleistung.
G-2 did 17.4 m/sec at 5km w. Kampfleistung.

The FW 190A is massively inferior in ROC.

Now we can cross reference that base and check out the influence of prop width on climb:

http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104589951_propwidthclimb.jpg
[/b]

Hmm, maybe you can, but it doesn`t give any clue about the ROC curve for the "190A" - at what weight, what power ? I see a number of unlabeled curves, no indication of what they refer to, with 3 different scales for every curve..




Since I don't have a Bf-109G6 climb chart we can use this 109K chart.  The 109K is the best climbing 109 and it looks to me like the FW-190 enters the same ballpark below 5000 meters.


Hmm, 17 m/s is in the same ballpark as 11, then I think your perception is *highly subjective*. As for ROC, the 109K wasn`t the best, that prize probably goes to some earlier G; it was the fastest, however.

http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104590079_109kclimb.jpg



So the FW-190A's were faster at low altitudes,

The fastest 190A in you chart can do 578 kph. That`s definietely slower than the 109K at 593/607, and not much of a difference to the G-14`s 568kph, also slower than the G-10/DC.

more manuverable,

That`s laughable. German test of LA-5FN notes :

"Turning times at ground level are better than of those of the 8-190, and worser than of those of the 8-109."
Stall characteristics were simply uncomparable of the two, the 190 was known to be one of, if not the most vicious,  the 109 was known to be one of, if not the most benign.


better armed,

False. Depends on what variant. The *lightened* FW 190 you prefer in you comparisions wasn`t, 2xMG151/20 doesn`t worth the MK 108 on the 109.


possed a similar sustained climb

False (and quite ridiculus)
You chart shows 19.6 minutes required for 10km altitude for the best FW. The 109K/G required ~13.7 mins to do that. G-2 could do in 11:54", at 1.3ata.


and outzoomed the 109,

False, in the AFDU tests the Mustang outzoomed the FW 190. But it was found equal with the 109G.

Tempest Tactical Trials, zoom climb :

vs. FW 190A
"Because of the Tempest V's speed and clean lines however, the Tempest has a markedly better zoom climb, where the speed is kept high. "

vs. Mustang III
"At similar performance height the Tempest has a better zoom climb. "

vs Me 109G
"The Tempest is only slightly better in a zoom climb if the two aircraft start at the same speed, but if the Tempest has an initial advantage, it will hold this advantage easily providing the speed is kept over 250 mph. "


Conclusion :
109G easily outzoomed the FW 190A.


could reverse faster

True.


and accellerate better.

False. The Bf 109G/K had MARKEDLY better powerloading and much lower drag, therefore it will accelerate better than the FW 190A or D. This is also proven by calculations and tests.

German test of LA-5FN notes :

"[the Bf109`s] Acceleration is probably comparable [to the La-5]".
and
"Because of it`s higher weight, the 8-190 accelerates less well".


So advantage (1944):

Speed :
Low alt : undecided
High alt : 109
Manouveribilty :
Turning : 109
Roll rate : 190
Handling : 109
Armament :
light 190 : undecided
norm.190 : 190
Climb : 109, hands down
Zoom : 109
Acceleration : 109

Hmm, out ten categories, the 109s wins 6, gets parity in 2.. :p
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 01, 2005, 01:00:33 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Naudet
First i like to ask about Butch's Board, does he have opened a new one or put the old back on?
If yes, please give me a link to it, because that board was always a source of exellent discussions and informations.


Drop me a mail ! Executor@index.hu !

As for the projected datasets, I think I have those, iirc they`re from niklas`s site, in PDF format, right?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 01, 2005, 01:28:17 PM
Happy new year Izzy.
This here:
"Hmm, 17 m/s is in the same ballpark as 11, then I think your perception is *highly subjective*. As for ROC, the 109K wasn`t the best, that prize probably goes to some earlier G; it was the fastest, however. "

Do you have some data of this? From memory I had 109K as the finest climber, going to 20K within 5 minutes, and the fastest of the 109 series.
But that's just me, - on new years day,,,,,

Then on to the 109 and 190 comparison.....
Both series promote a very wide range of loadouts and power, so be wary, well, actually if someone has a lot of source, it would be very interesting to see a performance comparison where wheight and power is similar.
There is a ton of graphs on this thread, but a parallel comparison could be looked at with only 2 or 4.
(I'd fix that up if I had endless time and an Excel hobby)

Oh, as a final, the English word WORSE goes BAD-WORSE-WORST.
(Nein, nicht WURST)
There is no WORSER.........:D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 01, 2005, 04:33:33 PM
You need to reread those charts Izzy.

Your wearing your 109 blinders.  The dotted line is emergency power and the scale raps arounds.  The FW-190 climbs at 21-22 M/sec for the first few kilometers.  It's comparable with the solid emergency power setting on the 109K chart.  After about 3 km's the 109K outlcimbs it.

It's not undecided on the speed.  EVERY comparison of an BMW801D2 or later powered 190 and a 109 where the planes are compared side by side in level speed the FW-190 is significantly faster.  

I have a letter from a mixed 109G6/FW-190A8 JG complaining about the difficulty of joint operations.  The 109's have to be allowed time to climb to altitude so they can keep up with the 190's.

You seem to want to diminish the importance of roll rate.  I suggest you read Shaw's book and study up on agility.  It is only unimportant in sims that artificially over emphasize turn ability.  

The documents are there.  If you compare FW-190 contemparies with their 109 counterpart, the 190 was the better fighter.

Will Reschke is telling the truth about his experience flying both the 109 and the 190.

As for accelleration you need to get the whole report.  

This report represent a fledgling design BMW801C2 powered 190 vs what most consider the pinacle of 109 development.  

The BMW801C2's "Emergency Power" rating is 1.32 ata @ 2700U/min for just 2 minutes.  

It's climb and combat rating is 1.27ata @ 2400U/min.  

Add in the hundreds of horsepower the 801D series gains and this situation changes dramatically.  When the 801TS/TU/TH series begin showing up the 109 is left further behind.  The Dora simply eliminates the 109 from the running for all practical purposes.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104616805_190vs109.jpg)

What you are saying Izzy is contrary to Luftwaffe flight test comparisions, Luftwaffe veteran testimony, and Allied pilot anecdotes.  

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 01, 2005, 04:48:34 PM
Crumpp, AFAIK in AH the 190A-8 is faster than the 109G-6 down low.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 01, 2005, 05:19:40 PM
Well, in AH the 109G2 climbs to 20 as fast as the perked Spitfire XIV,,,,,,,
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 01, 2005, 05:27:41 PM
Quote
Crumpp, AFAIK in AH the 190A-8 is faster than the 109G-6 down low.


It is and it should be that way.  Problem is in AH we don't have the 801TS powered 190A8's that appeared at the same time as the G10.

Quote
That explains why 109`s Gruppen were assigned for high cover of FW 190s and not vica versa.


Izzy,  You need to read some Luftwaffe Doctrine.  The only units of FW-190's that required escort where the Sturmstaffles.  The JG's flying air superiority versions of the FW-190A did not use escorts.  The "high" cover may or may not have been 109's.  In fact when the 109's used gondies you can find 190's escorting them!

Facts are:

The Bf-109 did not have the punch for an average Luftwaffe pilot to have ANY chance of bringing down a single bomber with the 109's entire ammo load.

Put the Gondies on a 109 and it barely has the required punch but loses the performance to survive against the escorting allied fighters.

The FW-190 carried the punch to deal with the bombers and the performance to fight the escorting allied fighters.  

Add in the fact the 109 did have better high altitude performance without the gondies than the FW-190A and it makes sense.  

Rather than leave the 109's on the field or waste them in useless attacks that have no chance of succeding for the average pilot, it only makes sense to put them in the high cover staffle.  Then your punch can deal with just bombers and not both fighters and bombers.

Least they can help out with the defense.  So you do see 109's used for that purpose.  Certainly not for the reason's you make it out to be.  

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 01, 2005, 05:31:16 PM
Originally posted by Crumpp

Your wearing your 109 blinders.  The dotted line is emergency power and the scale raps arounds.  The FW-190 climbs at 21-22 M/sec for the first few kilometers.  It's comparable with the solid emergency power setting on the 109K chart.  After about 3 km's the 109K outlcimbs it.


Hmm, I am not wearing any blinders, Crummp.
I don`t see the weight of that plane in the first place, second, I don`t make ridiculus claims about the 190 beating the 109 in climb, turning, acceleration, zoom climb etc..

Besides, you chart says : "o. MW". Ohne MW Crummp. The 109K`s doing an easy ride w/o full WEP on the chart. :D



It's not undecided on the speed.  EVERY comparison of an BMW801D2 or later powered 190 and a 109 where the planes are compared side by side in level speed the FW-190 is significantly faster.


If there are so many around, why couldn`t you show just one..?

The one you showed, shows the FW 190A being slower at ALL altitudes, expect near SL.
The one I showed, shows the FW 190A slower at ALL altitudes.

In fact the only time the 190 ever enjoyed any speed advantage (and strictly at near SL) over the 109 was in 1943, when 109s not yet had MW50, but 190s were cleared to full power.



I have a letter from a mixed 109G6/FW-190A8 JG complaining about the difficulty of joint operations.  The 109's have to be allowed time to climb to altitude so they can keep up with the 190's.


Irrevelant, as we know from flightspecs the 190A couldn`t even hope to catch up with the 109G. I can put up the A-8 for you, but it will be ugly...what, the A-8 could do 14.5 m/sec on Kampleistung, don`t make me laugh about this being as good as the 20m/sec on the 109Gs..

Crumpp, why were 109G groups assigned to provide high cover for 190 groups? Maybe because of the latter`s climb rate and altitude performance? Nah!




You seem to want to diminish the importance of roll rate.  I suggest you read Shaw's book and study up on agility.  It is only unimportant in sims that artificially over emphasize turn ability.


Roll rate is just ONE aspect, Crummp. You attempt to show it as the ONLY aspect, the only reason for this being that is the ONLY advantage in manouveribilty the 190 has over the 109. In ALL other respects of manouveribilty, the 109 is superior. Sad but true.


The documents are there.  If you compare FW-190 contemparies with their 109 counterpart, the 190 was the better fighter.

That`s nothing else than just parrotting the same crumpp, and it`s utterly unconvincing.

But OK.
JG 52 vs. what FW 190 Jagdgeschwader?
Erich Hartmann vs. what FW 190 ace?
And don`t start the blahblah about 109s longer service time. Hartmann started scoring 2 years after the 190s were there.
In 1944, 109s had to escort 190s, this should tell you something about their anti fighter capabilities!


Will Reschke is telling the truth about his experience flying both the 109 and the 190.

Probably, but his view is just one, and is subjective. Anecdotes can be used to show anything. Tobak Tibor on the other hand describes how a 190 took his G-10 for a rumanian one and jumped on him. He started climbing, left the 190 in the dust, outmanouvered him with a spiral climb, and when he was on the other`s six he come next to the other plane and showed with international sign what he thinks about the 190 pilots mental ability... right after turning the tables!


As for accelleration you need to get the whole report.

The report shows the FW 190 is significantly behind of the Bf 109 at all but the lowest altitudes after 3 mins, Crummp.
The Rechlin La-5 report also states the FW 190`s acceleration is inferior to the Bf 109G`s.
Calculations also shows the FW 190`s acceleration is inferior to the Bf 109G`s.
Even pure reason tells the FW 190`s acceleration is inferior to the Bf 109G`s.

And you can`t show anything that would disprove it.



This report represent a fledgling design BMW801C2 powered 190 vs what most consider the pinacle of 109 development.  


Show another Crummp, I`m open to new things, but appearantly you have nothing up your sleeves..


Add in the hundreds of horsepower the 801D series gains and this situation changes dramatically.

Right, if you compare a late 1944 190 to a `41 109...
Put the 605D in the 109 and Anton will beg for mercy. :p



When the 801TS/TU/TH series begin showing up the 109 is left further behind.

You know I wonder, Crummp, how could the 4300kg+ 190A w. 2000 HP 801TS even hope to catch up with the 3300kg 109G/K w. 2000 HP...? Physics thrown out of the window?

That`s your wishful thinking. But I asked for specs of the TS/TU/TH, an you couldn`t even provide.. actually it seems you claim superiority based on an engine that`s capabilities you don`t even know..


The Dora simply eliminates the 109 from the running for all practical purposes.

Really, let`s see :

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1104621296_roc_190vs109.gif)

190 honor in the dust !

Basically the 1942 109G at minimum boost matches/exceeds the late 1944 190D at maximum boost... and the 109K just runs it over.


http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104616805_190vs109.jpg

I have this page in German original, Crumpp, I already qouted it.


What you are saying Izzy is contrary to Luftwaffe flight test comparisions, Luftwaffe veteran testimony, and Allied pilot anecdotes.


= Blahblahblah.  I don`t have that much time, Crumpp, so spare me of this, and show what facts you have to offer.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 01, 2005, 05:36:08 PM
Yeah, I'd like to see the 190's redone as well, however I don't think we can expect a game designer to put as many hours into research as you have done. It is not unreasonable for HTC to model the 190 series the way they have done since the current performance is the general impression people have of these planes. Would be nice to see them redone, but I'd expect a lot of whining from Allied fans ignorant of the true nature of the 190.

(Btw. it's staffel, not staffle. Common misspelling I know, just make sure it doesn't make it into your book ;))
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 01, 2005, 05:43:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
Facts are:

The Bf-109 did not have the punch for an average Luftwaffe pilot to have ANY chance of bringing down a single bomber with the 109's entire ammo load.
[/B]

Good thing you tell me it`s a fact, because at the first read, I was convinced it`s a joke.

I have no idea about the 109`s punch to bring down a bomber, really. We should ask those B-24 crews who survived Ploeisti.. and the 109G. Or the ones that met the 101st Puma`s 109Gs.

Not to mention this... http://www.pbase.com/isegrim/image/5496306


Quote

Put the Gondies on a 109 and it barely has the required punch but loses the performance to survive against the escorting allied fighters.
[/B]

With gondies on, it had 3x20mm cannons. That`s comparable to the 190`s 2 or 4 cannons.

Put to Gondies on, and it will lose 10-15 kph speed (still faster than the 190A at altitude), and ca. 2 m/sec (still climbs as good as the 190A).
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 01, 2005, 06:14:09 PM
Quote
You know I wonder, Crummp, how could the 4300kg+ 190A w. 2000 HP 801TS even hope to catch up with the 3300kg 109G/K w. 2000 HP...? Physics thrown out of the window?



Check out Perkins & Hage because it more than fits the physics.
109G6's did not have 2000 hp.  Only the 109K and the 109G10 had that power.

The FW-190 equals the sustained climb of the 109 only at low altitudes and only in a few models.  

Willi Reschke's statement holds true as I pointed out for his time period.  I never stated it was a constant.

Lets see for speeds at sea level which are a constant after the 801C powered 190's:

Bf-109G14 at emergency power:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104593038_bf109k4-performances-chart1.jpg)

FW-190A8:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104588952_translated-fwchart.jpg)

Or we can look at some graphs:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104622742_doraspeed3.3.jpg)

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104623407_bf-109start.jpg)

All which show that only Bf-109K was in the FW-190's ball park at Take-off and Emergency power.

At low altitudes the 109s only real advantage is in SUSTAINED turn.  Any high speed manuvering the 190 is much better.  
Level accelleration, zoom climb, Dive accelleration/Speed, Agility, and level speed belong to the FW-190.

Proof is above.

Nice Chart BTW.  You have some skills on Power Point.  Do you own the full version of Office 2000?

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 01, 2005, 06:22:17 PM
Quote
Yeah, I'd like to see the 190's redone as well, however I don't think we can expect a game designer to put as many hours into research as you have done. It is not unreasonable for HTC to model the 190 series the way they have done since the current performance is the general impression people have of these planes. Would be nice to see them redone, but I'd expect a lot of whining from Allied fans ignorant of the true nature of the 190.


Yeah Pyro is redoing them soon.  And yes I expect some whining from all sides.  The Allies because the FW-190 will be much more willing to lock horns and dogfight.

From the Luftwaffe guys because the FW-190A5 will change some.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 01, 2005, 06:33:42 PM
At low altitudes the 109s only real advantage is in SUSTAINED turn.

Why?

Any high speed manuvering the 190 is much better.

Agreed, but depends on the definition of 'high speed'.


Level accelleration, zoom climb, Dive accelleration/Speed, Agility, and level speed belong to the FW-190.


Crumpp that`s boring. Prove it, don`t just talk. I already proved the opposite. :rolleyes:

The above graph w. the A-9 is interesting. Do you have the pair for climbs? If so, could you post it? I can make a graph out of it, but not today.

How many A-9`s were made w. TS? What was the SL power of the engine, it doesn`t make much sense compared to the boosted D-2 results... What`s the * for the TS, I can`t read out...

See ya tomorrow. :aok
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 01, 2005, 07:15:31 PM
Quote
I already proved the opposite.


No you have not Izzy.  

Quote
Why?


At low altitudes:

Level accelleration:

While climb does factor into level accelleration an aircrafts top level speed does as well.  At altitudes the FW-190 is faster it accellerates better than the 109.

Zoom climb:

The FW-190 was not a draggy airplane especially for a radial.  With greater mass (more inertia), comparable drag, and better TW (accelleration) it outzooms the 109 at altitudes it is faster.

Dive Accelleration:

The same factors that make it zoom better than the 109 combine with gravity to leave the 109 behind at all altitudes.

Dive Speed:

Just as the FW-190 always had better high speed manuverability it maintained this in the dive.  It was able to achieve higher speeds because it could control the speeds.  Pilot anecdotes claim as high as 1000kph.  Not suprising.  The book limit was 900kph.
The FW-190 could enter a 2 degree dive and gain substantial speed.

Level speed:

Again I would say TW.

Although I have not really examined the Bf-109 performance in relation the to the FW-190's scientifically like I have the Spitfires offhand it seems that:

Unlike the Spitfire the FW-190 vs 109 the FW-190 is superior only when it generates more horsepower.  When they are equal the 109 is superior.

When the FW-190 and spitfire are equal, the FW-190 is superior due to less overall drag.

Might do some calculations and post them.  I will certainly compare the drag polars.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MANDO on January 01, 2005, 07:30:21 PM
Quote
Originally posted by GScholz
It is not unreasonable for HTC to model the 190 series the way they have done since the current performance is the general impression people have of these planes.


My general impression of Typh is something that cant climb, cant turn, cant roll and breaks with small g loads. Now what? I hope 190s have not been modeled by any general impression of the people. BTW, how many months since Pyro post indicating the intention of remodeling 190 series?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 01, 2005, 07:37:23 PM
He was going to redo them earlier, IIRC.  I asked him to wait until after a research trip I am making in January.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 01, 2005, 07:47:11 PM
Quote
How many A-9`s were made w. TS?


I posted the production figures for FW-190A9's.  IIRC, it's 710 FW-190A9's.  This does not include as many FW-190F9's, and the FW-190A8's that were re-engined with the BMW801TS/TU (Jul '44 directive) or the FW-190A8/R11 production.

As for Horsepower.  The chart I have says almost 2300PS at FTH.  The FW-190A was definately hitting the drag wall by this time.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 01, 2005, 08:10:56 PM
Crumpp:
"I asked him to wait until after a research trip I am making in January.

Crumpp"

If you are hopping over the pond, you're welcome to stop by ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 01, 2005, 08:20:17 PM
Wish I was hoping over the pond on this one.  Soon Angus, Soon!

Interesting.

Just check the drag polars.  If I am reading them correctly (double check my P&H) then it looks like:

CDp = .024 for the Bf-109G2

CDp= .025 for the FW-190A4

+ or - 1 margin of error for both due to fuzzy chart.

Anyway looks like the parasitic drag was extremely close.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 02, 2005, 01:47:32 AM
Quote
As for 1.98ata, I have seen evidence that DB was supplying the frontline with the engines set to 1.98ata already in 1944.
Dec 5 handbook of the DB/DC notes the use of 1.98ata, and no restrictions mentioned. If you know any evidence to the contrary, please let me know. I haven`t seen any.


Olivier Lefebvre, noted authority on the BF 109, has stated:

    The DB605DM was cleared up to 1.75ata, the DB605DB pushed the limit up to 1.8ata, both could be sustained with use of either B4+MW-50 (as mentionned in various documents, even if it was an afterthought in the DM case) or C3-MW-50. However the DB605DC max boost at 1.98ata could be achieved with use of C3+MW-50 only.

    As for the fuel supply, I own copies showing detailed stockpile status for February-April 1945... But yes the C3 was definitely scarce.

    As of March 1945 only a handful of 109 gruppen were using C3 for their mounts, one of the few being the II/JG11 which were responsible for testing the 605DB/DC over January-March 1945. According to a document dated late January 1945 coming from DB the 1.80 had just been cleared following serious troubles (pre-ignition) reported by the unit testing the 1.80 ata boost. It is also noted that following the clearance of the 1.8ata boost the 1.98ata operational tests could now begin but with concern about the sparkplugs thermal resistance IIRC. C3 was not used by 109 units until the 1.98ata boost was cleared, they relied on B4+MW-50 so that C3 could go to the 190 units. And even after the clearance only few gruppen got it because of shortages due not only to C3 production but also to C3 delivery to the units.

    AFAIK 1.98ata boost was cleared late February but it seems to have been slowly introduced into service, I suspect the adjustments needed on the engine and the change of sparkplugs type (supply problems ???) took longer than expected. From other documents I know that C3 and B4 had severe quality problems beginning in late 1944. While it was not much of a problem with low boost, it had some serious effect on higher boost, so it might also have slowed down the introduction of 1.98ata boost. At least DB documents underlined the need for cleaner fuels than those in use at that time. You can safely assume that by March 1945 1.98 ata boost was being introduced, unfortunately I do not have much details for April 1945, but I doubt it would have changed much, given the situation.


Olivier is Butch2k.


On other boost restrictions for the 109.

   *Flugzeugmuster BF 109 G-1 mit motor DB 605A Kennblatt:

          The figures indicated refer to combat and climbing power. n - 2600 U/min:Plade - 1,3 ata. Take-off and emergency power are not as yet approved for the 605/A. Die angegebenen Leistungen beziehen sich auf kampf und steigleistung. n - 2600 U/min :Plade - 1.3 ata. Start und notleistung ist für 605/A zurzeit noch nicht freigegeben

    *R.L.M. message GL/C-TT No.1374/42 of 12.6.42 as translated by British Air Intellegence.

          A number of cases of breakdown in the DB 605 engine as a result of pistons burning through have occured. The following must therefore be observed.

          The Take-off and emergency output with a boost pressure of 1.42 atm. and 2800 revs. may not at present by used. The climbing and combat output with 1.3 atm. and 2600 revs. may in the case of the older engines (for works numbers see below), be used only when operationally essential.

    *Bf109 G-2 Bedienungsvorschrift-F1 Ausgabe Juli 1942

          *Note! "start and emergency power" is blocked and may not be used. *Achtung! Die "Start und notleistung" darf nicht benutzt werden, sie ist deshalb blockiert.

    *DB 605 Moteren-Karte 9 October 1942

          Take-off and emergency power is closed up to revocation , thus 2650 U/min (2600 U/min +2%) may not be exceeded in any flight attitude. Die Start und Notleistung ist bis auf Widerruf gesperrt, es dürfen somit 2650 U/min (2600 U/min +2%) in keiner Fluglage überschritten werden.

    * From 109 G1, G2 and G6 Meßrief - 1942 and 1943

          Take off and emergency power: Provisionally closed after VT instruction Nr.2206. Start und Notleistung: Vorläufig gesperrt nach VT-Anweisung Nr.2206

    *Bf109 G-2, G-4, G-6 Bedienungsvorschrift-F1 Ausgabe Juni 1943

          "Take-off and emergency power" may not be used; this stage is blocked in order to prevent over pressure. Die Leistungsstufe 'Start -und Notleistung' darf nicht benutzt werden; um Überdrücken zu verhindern, ist diese Stufe blockiert.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 02, 2005, 07:42:36 AM
Good stuff, Milo.

I remember reading that on the LEMB.  Thanks for posting it.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 02, 2005, 10:24:41 AM
The stuff Milo has posted comes from the Spit Partisan site. It`s hardly relevant. The author produced a number of miserable articles to "prove" the Spitfire is the perfect, flawless airplane, the 109 being only an abolition. Hardly can it be taken seriously, it`s so pathetic as he has to do heavy selective qouting to push the agenda. He also goes hard into rewriting history claiming the one and only fuel used by Spits during BoB was 100 octane, he even gets as low as using white, thin yellow lines on white base for 1.98ata so even by accident one cannot see how much faster the 109K than the MkXIV. :lol For example, some of the restrictions noted for the 605A come from a Rechlin testpaper of the 109G-1; the restriction qouted, but the given performance specs (too good for the agenda) were ignored. The site also claims 1.42ata was not cleared for the "better part of 1943". Than it goes further and it claims that "evidence points to it was not cleared until 1944". The site fails to give any evidence of the either claims...Pathetic is the only word.

So far there`s no real evidence, except of course there are records of meetings which note :

This was given early February 1945.

"...General (Engineer) Paul critized in this meeting, that the Sondernotleistung with 1.98ata on behalf The Company [Daimler Benz] was handed over directly to General Galland, before a through test was completed. He was also extremely critical about on behalf of the Technischen Aussenddienst, this power setting was given directly to the troops/units, and the engines were set to it..."

"Apart from the individual men the Chief Engineer has suggested, it is possible to set single fighter-recons with 1.98ata. Decision has not been taken on this yet. Delayed ignition is to be used with engines at 1.9ata and 1.98ata setups, as a result of the termal load that had been observed with them. Therefore all engines, that are flwon with the abovementioned Sondernotleistungs, are to be set with delayed ignition."



Daimler Benz DB 605 DB/DC manual issued on Dec 5 1944 notes the use of 1.98ata as possible.

Also:
(http://www.allaboutwarfare.com/files/uploads20/1094313197ea3n.jpg)


There are of course some who proceed with the agenda to prove it was "never officially cleared". By coincidence, such claims only show up when it comes to performance comparision with their favourite aircraft... ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 02, 2005, 10:51:24 AM
Quote
There are of course some who proceed with the agenda to prove it was "never officially cleared". By coincidence, such claims only show up when it comes to performance comparision with their favourite aircraft...



Since flight performance graphs were used in this comparision, nothing changes.  It was just interesting information, Izzy.

At low altitudes:

Level accelleration:

While climb does factor into level accelleration an aircrafts top level speed does as well. At altitudes the FW-190 is faster it accellerates better than the 109.

Zoom climb:

The FW-190 was not a draggy airplane especially for a radial. With greater mass (more inertia), comparable drag, and better TW (accelleration) it outzooms the 109 at altitudes it is faster.

Dive Accelleration:

The same factors that make it zoom better than the 109 combine with gravity to leave the 109 behind at all altitudes.

Dive Speed:

Just as the FW-190 always had better high speed manuverability it maintained this in the dive. It was able to achieve higher speeds because it could control the speeds. Pilot anecdotes claim as high as 1000kph. Not suprising. The book limit was 900kph.
The FW-190 could enter a 2 degree dive and gain substantial speed.

Level speed:

Again I would say TW.

Although I have not really examined the Bf-109 performance in relation the to the FW-190's scientifically like I have the Spitfires offhand it seems that:

Unlike the Spitfire the FW-190 vs 109 the FW-190 is superior only when it generates more horsepower. When they are equal the 109 is superior.

When the FW-190 and spitfire are equal, the FW-190 is superior due to less overall drag.

Might do some calculations and post them. I will certainly compare the drag polars.

The Bf-109G2 and FW-190A4 have a CDp that is within .001 of one another.  With it's higher weight but better aspect ratio my guess is the induced drag of the 190/109 is not that far apart when you measure the forces.  

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 02, 2005, 11:26:27 AM
Originally posted by Crumpp

Level accelleration:

While climb does factor into level accelleration an aircrafts top level speed does as well. At altitudes the FW-190 is faster it accellerates better than the 109.


Top Level speed has nothing to do with top level acceleration. If it would have, even the P-47 would accelerate as well or better than the FW 190. From tests we know the P-47 compared as a pig to the 190 in acceleration.

The reason for this that it has to do with powerloading and drag.  In both factors, the 109 is superior to the 190, and therefore it accelerated better. :

Powerloading G-2/A-5 :
G-2 1475/3.03t = 487 HP/t
A-5 1800/4t = 450 HP/t

Powerloading K-4/D-9 :

K-4 2000/3.362 = 595 HP/t
D-9 2240/4.250 = 525 HP/t

109s have superior superior thrust/weight ratio.
From the max.speed/power requirements it`s also obvious the 109 had less overall drag.

Acceleration, as calculated by Greg Shaw. At SL, at Full Throttle, from 250mph TAS: (in feet/seconds)

109 K-4 : 6.85
190 D-9 : 6.05
109 G-14: 5.59
109 G-10: 5.50
190 A-8 : 4.97
109 G-2 : 4.62
109 G-6 : 4.22



This is outlined by tests :

German test of LA-5FN notes :

"[the Bf109`s] Acceleration is probably comparable [to the La-5]".

and

"Because of it`s higher weight, the 8-190 accelerates less well [than the La-5]".





Zoom climb:
The FW-190 was not a draggy airplane especially for a radial. With greater mass (more inertia), comparable drag, and better TW (accelleration) it outzooms the 109 at altitudes it is faster.


Since the FW 190 has inferior acceleration, slightly higher drag (evident from the max.speed/power requirements), inferior T/W (shown above), PLUS it`s slow speed characteristics are inferior (it will depart controlled flight much sooner at the top of it`s zoom), it`s clearly inferior to the Bf 109 in that respects, when the zoom is initiated from similiar speed.

As evidenced by actual flight tests :

Tempest Tactical Trials, zoom climb :

vs. FW 190A
"Because of the Tempest V's speed and clean lines however, the Tempest has a markedly better zoom climb, where the speed is kept high. "

vs. Mustang III
"At similar performance height the Tempest has a better zoom climb. "

vs Me 109G
"The Tempest is only slightly better in a zoom climb if the two aircraft start at the same speed, but if the Tempest has an initial advantage, it will hold this advantage easily providing the speed is kept over 250 mph. "


Conclusion :
109G easily outzoomed the FW 190A.


Dive Accelleration:

The same factors that make it zoom better than the 109 combine with gravity to leave the 109 behind at all altitudes.


For the same reasons it doesn`t zoom better (proven by tests), neither it gains speed as quickly in the dives. It looses height faster though, it`s sink rate being higher. For this very reason, it can`t zoom as well. This is again clearly shown in mentioned tests (Rechlin`s FvsA).



Dive Speed:

Just as the FW-190 always had better high speed manuverability it maintained this in the dive. It was able to achieve higher speeds because it could control the speeds. Pilot anecdotes claim as high as 1000kph. Not suprising. The book limit was 900kph.
The FW-190 could enter a 2 degree dive and gain substantial speed.


There are numerous accounts of 109s reaching "1000 km/h" in dives, so this hardly proves anything. Dive limits are just what the manufacturers dare to suggest as safe. As for high speed control, the 190 was better with lighter controls, but 109 pilots didn`t find it difficult to control the plane either at high speeds.



Level speed:

Again I would say TW.


Again the thrust/weight of the 109 was superior, so was it`s cleanness. It`s level speed was superior at all alttiudes in 1941, 1942, superior at high altitudes, inferior in low altitudes in 1943,  superior at high altitudes, equal in low altitudes in 1944/45.


PS : Crumpp, unless you back up your claims with flight tests or direct comparisons, that`s my last word on the subject. I do not wish to discuss you subjective beliefs, as they are not proven right objectively, and they can`t be proven wrong to you anyways. My points are firmly backed up by the evidence of flight tests and direct comparisons, so I don`t have to prove any further.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 02, 2005, 12:06:42 PM
Crummp, so nice of Barbi to call Butch2k a liar, is it not?

Now if anyone would know the unbiased truth, unlike Barbi, about the 109 it would be Butch(Olivier) who is writing a book that will be the 109 bible.


*Bf109 G-2, G-4, G-6 Bedienungsvorschrift-F1 Ausgabe Juni 1943

"Take-off and emergency power" may not be used; this stage is blocked in order to prevent over pressure. Die Leistungsstufe 'Start -und Notleistung' darf nicht benutzt werden; um Überdrücken zu verhindern, ist diese Stufe blockiert.


From the above, dated June 1943, could one not say that 7 months(June to Dec) is a better part of the year, as in 7/12 = 58%? Or is this the New Math according to Barbi?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 02, 2005, 12:13:42 PM
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1104688876_142ata.jpg)

from
Willy Radinger / Wolfgang Otto : Messerscmitt Bf 109 F-K - Development, Testing, Production.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: HoHun on January 02, 2005, 12:19:49 PM
Hi Kurfürst,

>This was given early February 1945.

>"...General (Engineer) Paul critized in this meeting, that the Sondernotleistung with 1.98ata on behalf The Company [Daimler Benz] was handed over directly to General Galland, before a through test was completed. He was also extremely critical about on behalf of the Technischen Aussenddienst, this power setting was given directly to the troops/units, and the engines were set to it..."

"Apart from the individual men the Chief Engineer has suggested, it is possible to set single fighter-recons with 1.98ata. Decision has not been taken on this yet. Delayed ignition is to be used with engines at 1.9ata and 1.98ata setups, as a result of the termal load that had been observed with them. Therefore all engines, that are flwon with the abovementioned Sondernotleistungs, are to be set with delayed ignition."



>Daimler Benz DB 605 DB/DC manual issued on Dec 5 1944 notes the use of 1.98ata as possible.

From Priller's "JG26":

"Me 109G - 1943, first one squadron of II./26 and later the entire III./26 was converted to this type, after the group had flown FW 190 before. High altitude aircraft, engine ca. 1500 - 1600 HP, Daimler-Benz DB605. The engine was boosted by the use of methyl or ethyl alcohol, manifold pressure was boosted to 1.9 ata temporarily. Pressure cabin adjusts conditions in the cockpit at 12000 m altitude to those at about 6000 m altitude. [...]"

I'm not sure what type that was, the pressure cabin seems to suggest G-5.

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 02, 2005, 12:29:56 PM
A bit of text quoted from some book is not proof. You need the original document or at least its doc number Barbi.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 02, 2005, 01:01:12 PM
Quote
S : Crumpp, unless you back up your claims with flight tests or direct comparisons, that`s my last word on the subject. I do not wish to discuss you subjective beliefs, as they are not proven right objectively, and they can`t be proven wrong to you anyways. My points are firmly backed up by the evidence of flight tests and direct comparisons, so I don`t have to prove any further.


You're living in fantasyland, Izzy.  The flight graphs have been posted TWICE and clearly show at low altitudes the FW-190 is superior.

You want to use anecdotal evidence when it supports your side but rebuff it when it used against it.

Your blind, just as EVERYONE on the BBS has said in the past.  There is no discussion with you because you refuse to see the facts.

Your thrust to weight calculations does not use the power curves or the prop efficiencies so are just crap.  They do not reflect the truth as clearly shown in the FLIGHT GRAPHS!

You want to take the flight test of 801C powered FW-190A and attempt to apply it to the entire series.  It does not apply.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MANDO on January 02, 2005, 02:02:59 PM
Kurfürst, vertical zoom climb has little or nothing to do with power/weight ratio. That ratio is so insignificant for WW2 planes that we can take it out of the equation for vertical zooms. 450hp/t or 490hp/t mean the same, attach these engines pointing up to a mass of 4000 and 3000 Kg and see what happens: nothing.

Weight (inertia) and initial speed are the primary and only factors for similar draggy planes. Any 109 and btw any spit would be fast vertically outzoomed by 190s (as well as outdived). It doesnt matter that 109 can keep climbing at near stall speed 2 or 3 seconds more doing 50 fpm, the much heavier 190 will stall earlier, but also higher.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 02, 2005, 03:04:55 PM
Quite right Mando.
Something with a very good zoom climb could be shaped as a bullet for instance, - just speedxweight minus drag.
But for acceleration, the 109 should be better from low speed, the lines meeting or even crossing along the way.
Wonder if someone has graphed that.
The reason: wing loading, so at lower speed the 109 has lower induced drag.
When it goes to dive, the 190 should also beat the 109.
Induced drag is practically irrelevant, - the formula is parasite drag and mass. So, something with more mass and roughly the same drag should reack terminal velocity quicker, right?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 02, 2005, 04:24:38 PM
Correct Angus.  Same for a zoom climb.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 02, 2005, 04:28:56 PM
Quote
Top Level speed has nothing to do with top level acceleration. If it would have, even the P-47 would accelerate as well or better than the FW 190. From tests we know the P-47 compared as a pig to the 190 in acceleration.


Yes it does, Izzy.  Go read the Spirfire Mk IX vs FW-190A3 tactical trials.  This was confirmed in a recent P38 thread as well.  Planes do not accellerate at a constant rate throughout the accelleration curve.

Quote
As for high speed control, the 190 was better with lighter controls, but 109 pilots didn`t find it difficult to control the plane either at high speeds.


Not according to Gollob in this same report:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104509691_pt1ctrllforce.jpg)

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104509778_pt2ctrlforce.jpg)

Face it.  At low altitudes the FW-190 is the better fighter.  The 109 and the FW-190 complemented each other like the Tempest and Spitfire in the RAF.

That is not to say the FW-190 was "helpless" at high altitudes (read the P47D4 tactical trials).
Neither was the 109 helpless at low altitudes.  

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 02, 2005, 05:55:14 PM
When it comes to speed, zoom and roll, I was just wondering if anyone had the performance of the clipped, chopped and cropped Spitfire MkIX's (+25 boost).
I know the roll was very good, the turn rate suffering slightly instead. Now, the power was optimized for lower altitudes, so I wonder where that would leave you. Anyone?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 02, 2005, 08:54:10 PM
Only thing I have is a survey from Spit IX pilots on the clipped wing spits performance in combat against the FW-190.

It's been posted before but I will be glad to send you a copy.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 03, 2005, 04:19:23 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
When it comes to speed, zoom and roll, I was just wondering if anyone had the performance of the clipped, chopped and cropped Spitfire MkIX's (+25 boost).
 


The CCC Spits were Mk Vs Angus. It is not chopped but clapped.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 03, 2005, 06:41:10 AM
But the clipped some Mk IX's right?
And altered the turbine?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 03, 2005, 06:47:57 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
But the clipped some Mk IX's right?
And altered the turbine?


Yes other Spits had clipped wing tips (XII, XIV, XVI). The Merlin 50 series were the only ones that had the dia specifically decreased (cropped) for the supercharger impellor. They had a M suffex.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 03, 2005, 08:02:59 AM
Originally posted by Crumpp
You're living in fantasyland, Izzy.  The flight graphs have been posted TWICE and clearly show at low altitudes the FW-190 is superior.

"Superior, superior"... Booooring, Crumpp, booooring.


You want to use anecdotal evidence when it supports your side but rebuff it when it used against it.


And you claim it`s me who lives in fantasyland...?
The PROBLEM IS, Crumpp, you have no evidence.


Your blind, just as EVERYONE on the BBS has said in the past.  There is no discussion with you because you refuse to see the facts.


You behave like a child. Crying like a baby and calling the opponent names in your frustration will just strenghten this perception of you in other. "the facts"? I have been asking for those all along the way, Crumpp, and you could provide nothing except your generalized theories of how thing should be...
The only thing you can achive with that is that I will add you to the list of clowns too. You and Milo will be neighbours, lol. You tell a bird from it`s feathers, a man from his friends, or so the saying goes around here. If angie and milomoron are the people who`s words have a weight for you.. it also gives an idea how much you can be taken seriously.


Your thrust to weight calculations does not use the power curves or the prop efficiencies so are just crap.  They do not reflect the truth as clearly shown in the FLIGHT GRAPHS!


So what is that Great Truth Shown on Flight Graphs ?
Oh I forgot... "190 is superior"-mantra? :rolf

As for the calculations, they were kindly prepeared by Greg Shaw, and you don`t have the f. idea how they were calculated, so shut up and put up.



You want to take the flight test of 801C powered FW-190A and attempt to apply it to the entire series.  It does not apply.


I asked for other flight tests, in fact I showed later flight tests concerning 801D powered FW 190s and they prove you wrong. You claimed the existence of flight tests that would support you, yet there`s silence about those ever since... they are made up only in a fanboys private reality!

Cheeers crumpp.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 03, 2005, 08:14:19 AM
Quote
Originally posted by MANDO
Kurfürst, vertical zoom climb has little or nothing to do with power/weight ratio. That ratio is so insignificant for WW2 planes that we can take it out of the equation for vertical zooms. 450hp/t or 490hp/t mean the same, attach these engines pointing up to a mass of 4000 and 3000 Kg and see what happens: nothing.


Interesting, then there must be another reason why the 109 was better in zoom climbs than the 190.



Weight (inertia) and initial speed are the primary and only factors for similar draggy planes.


Really? Two factors only? Oh, it`s THAT simple! Then why are those stories of P-51`s stalling out behind Bf 109s in zoom climb, being attributed to the latter`s ability to literally hang on it`s propellor...? Why is that in real life tests, despite your theory gives all advantage to the 190, it actually looses out in zoom climb?


 Any 109 and btw any spit would be fast vertically outzoomed by 190s (as well as outdived).


The Spit probably. It was both draggy and lightweight, neither being good for zoom climb or dives...
On the other hand, real life tests (facts, mando, FACTS) show the 109 had no problem with either dive or zooming.



It doesnt matter that 109 can keep climbing at near stall speed 2 or 3 seconds more doing 50 fpm, the much heavier 190 will stall earlier, but also higher.


Interesting theory on the 190`s alleged relative zoom abilties, Mando. Not that I don`t respect the opinion but.... if the theory does not match the practice, then you should change the theory, or at least check it for flaws...

For as it stands, the AFDU tests clearly showed the P-51 and Tempest markedly superior to the FW 190A.
And guess what, the 109 fared better against those, it could match the P-51`s zoom climb (the 190 could not) and the Tempest had only slight advantage against it.

If your theory doesn`t match the facts, change the theory.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 03, 2005, 08:42:58 AM
Shaw's book has a great example of the P51 not being able to zoom with an FW-190A.

Let me post the flight test a THIRD TIME!!!

Here the 109 is FAR behind the FW-190 at low altitudes:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104623407_bf-109start.jpg)

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104622742_doraspeed3.3.jpg)

Here we have-

560kph at Sea Level using Max Emergency power for the Bf-109G14

568 kph for the Bf-109G14/U3

580 Kph for the Bf-109K4.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104593038_bf109k4-performances-chart1.jpg)

Now lets look at the FW-190A8:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104588952_translated-fwchart.jpg)

Lets see 578kph is DEFINATELY faster than 560kph or 568kph for the Bf-109G14.  The Bf-109G14 came out in JULY '44.  The SAME month the FW-190A8, which was already substantially faster than even the NEW Bf-109G14, was being re-engined to FW-190A9 standards!

So in reality, FW-190A8's are leaving Bf-109G6's in the dust at low altitudes with such a speed difference 109 Gruppes are complaining!!

About the time they close the speed gap somewhat with the G14, the FW-190A gets a new engine!

FW-190A9 does 595kph on the deck at 1.82ata@2700U/min.  Much faster than the Bf-109K4 does until the last month of the war were it was able to equal the speed.  By then however, the FW-190A was replaced by the FW-190D9.  The hard facts are the 109 never got it's moment in the sun after the BMW 801C powered 190A's.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 03, 2005, 08:45:37 AM
Quote
For as it stands, the AFDU tests clearly showed the P-51 and Tempest markedly superior to the FW 190A.


Figures you would pull this out.  That test also shows the 109 "embarrassed by its slats opening".  

It was a derated FW-190G used by SKG 10 in the night terror bombing campaign that the RAE tested.  Hardly a steller example of an FW-190.  Nowhere near representative of the air superiority fighter version.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 03, 2005, 08:58:56 AM
Power to weight ratio is important. Two main factors apply to zoom climbs: Power to weight ratio and weight.

All other factors being equal, the plane with the highest power to weight ratio will have the better zoom climb.

All other factors being equal, the plane with the highest weight will have the better zoom climb.

These two premises is what makes the 109, 190, P-47, P-38, La-7 etc. so good in the zoom. The P-38 perhaps being the zoom star in that line up since it scores big in both factors.

Also note that the higher the initial speed, the more the weight factor becomes dominant. Likewise, the lower the initial speed the more power to weight factor becomes dominant.

Also note that in a match up between a heavy plane with poor power to weight, and a light plane with good power to weigh: All other factors being equal the heavier plane will always pull away from the lighter plane initially in the zoom. The lighter plane however will catch up in the final stages of the climb. Even if both planes can zoom up to the exact same altitude, the heavier plane will always get halfway first. This is because in the initial stage speed is high and so is drag. That means there is little available excess engine power since most of it is countering drag. Inertia is then the only force available to counter gravity in a zoom climb. However as speed falls off, so does drag, and more excess engine power becomes available to counter gravity. This happens just about when the P-47 starts to flounder while its pilot is chanting "stall! stall! stall!" to the 109/Spit/Lala/Niki that is hanging on its propeller behind him slowly climbing closer and closer.

High weight with good zoom climb (like the P-47, P-38, Typhoon, Tempest, 190's (particularly 190D-9) is obviously an advantage since it initially opens the range to any pursuers, and if you have more initial energy it gives your pursuer less time to fire. An example of this situation would be a P-47 diving on a 109G-10 going full throttle at 20K. The P-47 overshoots and zooms back up. Even if the P-47 only had a marginal speed advantage at the bottom of the zoom, the 109 will always lose more speed in the initial stage of the zoom so the P-47 quickly opens the range, buying him more time for his wingman to save his butt before the 109 catches up in the final stage of the zoom climb and lobs 30mm pain at him.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 03, 2005, 09:30:44 AM
Quote
Power to weight ratio is important. Two main factors apply to zoom climbs: Power to weight ratio and weight.


Yes it is and the 190/109 were within a few hundreths of pound.

Izzy's PW calculations are deceptive.  The BMW801 reaches FTH at a much lower altitude than the DB.  It simply develops more horsepower at a lower altitude just as the DB develops more horsepower at a higher altitudes.

Whenever the PW comes close the FW-190 wins the zoom.  It's drag is for all purposes equal as is it's PW.  The Primary characteristic, inertia, exceeds the Bf-109 by a wide margin.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 03, 2005, 09:43:50 AM
I wouldn't call it a "wide" margin if you're using the Normaljäger 190's for comparison, however I would call the margin "significant".
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 03, 2005, 10:02:21 AM
Don't forget drag
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 03, 2005, 10:05:34 AM
"All other factors being equal."
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 03, 2005, 10:38:55 AM
Adding drag to the case complicates it a lot, and unless you are comparing two very different performing aircraft, drag is less important. To be precise; drag itself is irrelevant. It is the power to drag ... to weight ... ratio that is important. I.E. how much spare power the plane has to counter gravity over the speed range. For instance take two planes with identical top speed. One plane achieves this speed by having low drag, but low power. The other plane has high power, but more drag ... and they even out at exactly the same top speed. Both planes will have and equal power to drag ratio at their top speed (I.E. 1 to 1), however as speed drop the drag drops quadrupled, giving the high-power, high-drag plane a significantly higher power to weight ratio after drag ... or power to drag to weight ratio. Practical example: P-51D vs. 109G-10. Both have very similar top speeds, but the P-51 has less drag, and the 109 more power. 109 is superior in climb and acceleration since it has more excess power at low and medium speeds to counter less weight/gravity that the P-51.

*Phew*
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 03, 2005, 10:46:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
Shaw's book has a great example of the P51 not being able to zoom with an FW-190A.

And real life test have even better example the 190A biting the dust while trying to zoom with the P-51, the 109 easily keeping up with it.



Here the 109 is FAR behind the FW-190 at low altitudes:


LOL, Bf 109G-6 with gunpods, without Methanol, standard in 1944, lololol. Some comparision!

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104622742_doraspeed3.3.jpg)

Here we have-

560kph at Sea Level using Max Emergency power for the Bf-109G14
568 kph for the Bf-109G14/U3
580 Kph for the Bf-109K4.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104593038_bf109k4-performances-chart1.jpg)

Now lets look at the FW-190A8:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104588952_translated-fwchart.jpg)

Lets see 578kph is DEFINATELY faster than 560kph or 568kph for the Bf-109G14.

By 10 km/h (wow, now THAT`s an advantage.. 6mph), provided the FW 190A-8`s results don`t take into account compressibility, they don`t have the ETC501 rack installed, the gear flaps are installed, the surface is smoothened and filled....

At 7.5km, the G-14/AS beats the A-8 by 60 km/h, 680kph vs. a miserable 620...Well actually even the G-2 beats it 2 years earlier...No wonder they needed those 109 escorts. :D


]The Bf-109G14 came out in JULY '44.

Except of course the G-14`s performance was the same as the G-6/AS`s w. MW 50, which appeared 8 months sooner, in December 1943... The G-14 just standardized things.


The SAME month the FW-190A8, which wasalready substantially faster than even the NEW Bf-109G14, was being re-engined to FW-190A9 standards!


"substantially faster". <---He means 10 kph. :lol
I wonder what 60km/h is then... The Millenium Falcon compared to a 3-legged donkey?:D

TS/TH powerplants were never standard on the A-8, only a handful were so powered.



So in reality, FW-190A8's are leaving Bf-109G6's in the dust at low altitudes with such a speed difference 109 Gruppes are complaining!!


In Crumpp`s own private reality, that is... :lol


FW-190A9 does 595kph on the deck at 1.82ata@2700U/min.  Much faster than the Bf-109K4 does until the last month of the war were it was able to equal the speed.

Considering the K-4 did 593 kph at SL at the lowest boost it and worst configuration according to it`s ORIGINAL documentation, and not prelimanary GLC charts from August 1944, dated 3 months before it`s actual operational service...

So Crumpp`s directory :

"much faster" = +2 km/h
"substantially faster" = +10 kph :lol


The A-9 wasn`t even faster when it run at maximum boost
Naturally the K-4 was much faster (oh no, sorry.."substantially faster" )  when full boost is compared with full boost, at 607 kph, it`s 12km/h faster than the A-9.



By then however, the FW-190A was replaced by the FW-190D9.  

Sadly the D-9 initially had no MW50 to play with until February 1945, and in this state it could do 576 kph only according to the JG 26 war diary, and even according to Crumpp`s own docs... vs. 593 kph of the K-4 at low boost, 607 kph on high boost.


The hard facts are the 109 never got it's moment in the sun after the BMW 801C powered 190A's.

It`s hard BS. No 190 pilot ever came even near that of the achievements of 109 pilots,  No 190 unit ever came even near that of the achievements of 109 units. 109s escorted 190s in the West, 109s were employed as fighters in East.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 03, 2005, 11:18:50 AM
Quote
Except of course the G-14`s performance was the same as the G-6/AS`s w. MW 50, which appeared 8 months sooner, in December 1943... The G-14 just standardized things.


The first G-6ASs was delivered to III./JG 1, I./JG 5 and II./JG 11 in the late Spring of 1944.

ref. Bf 109 F, G, K Series, Prien/Rodeike

Late Spring would be May 1944. One of the first losses of a G-6AS was on May 8 1944 (W.Nr 20629) in combat with P-47s. Considering that other 109s were lost within weeks of their introduction, the Dec. appearance of the G-6AS is questionable.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MANDO on January 03, 2005, 12:21:39 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
Interesting, then there must be another reason why the 109 was better in zoom climbs than the 190.


Easy, you are not talking about pure vertical (or near vertical) zooms. Starting at hi speeds, a 45 degree climb would be labeled as zoom too. In this case, as an example, the 109 certainly will end "out zooming" any P51 or 190. As you aproach 90 degree, the advantage of the weight is more and more important over power/weight.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 03, 2005, 01:06:07 PM
Ohh, what a twist, shallow zoom.
Shallow enough, and the Spitfire is suddenly a zoomer :D
Anyway, pure zoom has nothing to do with power, power comes on top of the thing.
The finest zooming thing of WW2 had no power from it's initial start, i.e. probably some caliber of naval gun shooting from 0K to 16Km or so if you get what I mean.
If the shell would have had propulsion, it would have got higher alts, but not so substantially as the sheer shape, weight and speed, - which got it that high in the first place.
I have no doubt, that when steep enough, the 190 outzoomed the 109.
Another renowned zoomer, F4U....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 03, 2005, 02:25:17 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Anyway, pure zoom has nothing to do with power, power comes on top of the thing.


Complete and utter BS. The P-51 for example had about 1000 lbs of thrust generated by the prop, and an additional 350 lbs of thrust generated by the radiator at speed. Engine power does have a significant effect on zoom climbs, especially if they are entered at less than maximum level speed.

Quote
Originally posted by Angus
The finest zooming thing of WW2 had no power from it's initial start, i.e. probably some caliber of naval gun shooting from 0K to 16Km or so if you get what I mean.


Actually the finest "zooming thing" of WWII was the V-2 rocket. It had no initial speed, only engine power and it out-zoomed any artillery shell by quite some distance. "If you get what I mean."
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: gripen on January 03, 2005, 05:35:42 PM
Wow, this has became truly a hilarious thread. I'm sure Pyro will improve flight models of the Bf 109 and Fw 190 soon because these experts here have so convincing data.

gripen
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 03, 2005, 05:52:32 PM
Quote
http://www.acepilots.com/german/nowotny.html


Achieved over 150 victories in the FW-190 from 1943!


http://www.acepilots.com/german/ger_aces.html#kittel

http://www.acepilots.com/german/ger_aces.html

http://www.acepilots.com/german/ger_aces.html


The list goes on!

Quote
LOL, Bf 109G-6 with gunpods, without Methanol, standard in 1944, lololol. Some comparision!


That is in the report but not on this graph.  Please feel free to post another Bf-109G6 flight test.  This is a clean Bf-109G6.

 
Quote
And real life test have even better example the 190A biting the dust while trying to zoom with the P-51, the 109 easily keeping up with it.


No the RAE test is a derated FW-190G and is nowhere near representative of an FW-190A air superiority fighter.  It developed around 150 hp less than the fighter according to the RAF.

Quote
By 10 km/h (wow, now THAT`s an advantage.. 6mph), provided the FW 190A-8`s results don`t take into account compressibility, they don`t have the ETC501 rack installed, the gear flaps are installed, the surface is smoothened and filled....


Neither does the 109's have any racks installed...so what is your point?

Your right the 109's will compress quickly.

Surface is a normal Luftwaffe finish.  

How many G14's rolled off the factory in Jul 44 the month it was approved??

Before that the Bf-109G6 managed a whole 520kph at sea level!!

The Bf-109G6/AS could squeeze out a whole 530 KPH.

That's a big difference.  Speaking of that on what planet does the 109 have a 60-kph advantage at any altitude??  Izzy World??


Quote
S/TH powerplants were never standard on the A-8, only a handful were so powered.


Bull****.  The 801TS was produced in numbers.  There were more FW-190A with TS motors than their were Bf-109K's produced.  Got the orders and documents in hand.  Heck the Luftwaffe had over 700 TS motors laying around depots unissued at the end of the war!  that is a whole lot more than the 534 documented deliveries of Bf-109K4's!

Main difference between an 801TS and a D2 is the heads.  BMW improved the flow and combustion chamber efficiency.  And there was quite a bit of room to improve!

The same month the conversion of the FW-190A8 to the 801TS begins. The BMW801TS powered FW-190A's were produced in substantial numbers, Izzy.  So much that by November '44 the majority of FW-190A's in service had the TS motor.

Leaving the FW-190A's 15-20kph faster on the deck than the Bf-109K4.

Dora's received a boost system within a month of their introduction.  Before the service trials were complete.  You should read up on it more.

And don't think that is enough for a level acceleration advantage then read the FW-190A3 vs. Spit IX tactical trials.  The Spit IX and FW-190A3 (derated) trade off level speed advantage of only a couple of mph.  Read the comments on level acceleration.

Any altitude the FW-190 is faster than the 109 it will out zoom it.

Any altitude the FW-190 will out dive and out accelerate the 109 in a dive.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 03, 2005, 06:03:35 PM
Quote
Wow, this has became truly a hilarious thread. I'm sure Pyro will improve flight models of the Bf 109 and Fw 190 soon because these experts here have so convincing data.


As funny as your aeronautical theories!!


Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 03, 2005, 06:04:22 PM
Scholzie, I may not have made my point clear enough,or perhaps my definition of zoom may be wrong, if that is the case I am sorry.
I define zoom as energy based climb, that is ((Mass * speed)- drag), while climb directly is a function of lift weight thrust and drag.
Now, if you compare a V2 to a cannonshell, the cannonshell only has the zoom after launch, and no thrust, while the V2 only has thrust and no zoom at all.

One is flying from the initial energy, while the other flies by current energy.

So, when it goes to comparing aircraft which revert from fast level flight (or dive) to a steep climb, the pure climb potency becomes less important than the mass * speed, especially in the beginning.
Then, the thrust+lift vs weight becomes gradually more important.

If you think I am wrong about this, consider that in those cirkumstances a Zeke should be a finer zoomer than say a F4U, and a Spit I should then also outzoom a 109E.......................
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: gripen on January 03, 2005, 06:29:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
As funny as your aeronautical theories!!


Well, if some one is interested about funny aeronautical theories, then just look for the Crumpp's "wet lifting area" or his theory on swept back wings in another  thread ("Explain this and win the prize").

gripen
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 03, 2005, 06:50:03 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
So, when it goes to comparing aircraft which revert from fast level flight (or dive) to a steep climb, the pure climb potency becomes less important than the mass * speed, especially in the beginning.
Then, the thrust+lift vs weight becomes gradually more important.


This is exactly what I described in my previous posts. Plead read them more carefully.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MANDO on January 03, 2005, 07:09:46 PM
Quote
Originally posted by GScholz
This is exactly what I described in my previous posts. Plead read them more carefully.


Quite the opposite.

In any case, lets compare a 88mm AA gun with a 12.5mm MG, both firing at 70 degrees, the 12'5mm have even better muzzle velocity and the 88mm shell is more draggy, which is going to have better range? Now go a place a very small propeller at the nose of these 12.5 rounds, with a ridiculous power/weight ratio and lets see whether that improves the range or not ...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 03, 2005, 07:17:23 PM
Quote
Well, if some one is interested about funny aeronautical theories, then just look for the Crumpp's "wet lifting area" or his theory on swept back wings in another thread ("Explain this and win the prize").


Or Gripen's "check out my wooden model! "  in the same thread!

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 03, 2005, 07:24:03 PM
Quote
This is exactly what I described in my previous posts. Plead read them more carefully.


And if you look at the power curves of the 801 vs. DB engines in their contemporary planes, the 801 maintains a large power advantage at low altitudes.  As much as 300 or more horsepower depending on the engine/alt considered.  

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 03, 2005, 07:47:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by GScholz
Also note that the higher the initial speed, the more the weight factor becomes dominant. Likewise, the lower the initial speed the more power to weight factor becomes dominant.

Also note that in a match up between a heavy plane with poor power to weight, and a light plane with good power to weigh: All other factors being equal the heavier plane will always pull away from the lighter plane initially in the zoom. The lighter plane however will catch up in the final stages of the climb. Even if both planes can zoom up to the exact same altitude, the heavier plane will always get halfway first. This is because in the initial stage speed is high and so is drag. That means there is little available excess engine power since most of it is countering drag. Inertia is then the only force available to counter gravity in a zoom climb. However as speed falls off, so does drag, and more excess engine power becomes available to counter gravity. This happens just about when the P-47 starts to flounder while its pilot is chanting "stall! stall! stall!" to the 109/Spit/Lala/Niki that is hanging on its propeller behind him slowly climbing closer and closer.




Quote
Originally posted by Angus
So, when it goes to comparing aircraft which revert from fast level flight (or dive) to a steep climb, the pure climb potency becomes less important than the mass * speed, especially in the beginning.
Then, the thrust+lift vs weight becomes gradually more important.



Quote
Originally posted by GScholz
This is exactly what I described in my previous posts. Plead read them more carefully.



Quote
Originally posted by MANDO
Quite the opposite.


If you are unable to follow a simple argument, please do not bother me with it.


Quote
Originally posted by MANDO
In any case, lets compare a 88mm AA gun with a 12.5mm MG, both firing at 70 degrees, the 12'5mm have even better muzzle velocity and the 88mm shell is more draggy, which is going to have better range? Now go a place a very small propeller at the nose of these 12.5 rounds, with a ridiculous power/weight ratio and lets see whether that improves the range or not ...


What part of "all other factors being equal" do you not understand? Obviously if you compare two planes with wildly different performance ALL OTHER FACTORS ARE NOT EQUAL.

I see your cretinous "88 vs. .50 cal" match up, and raise you a "B-17 vs. 109G-10" match up. Obviously the B-17 has an enormous weight advantage, so obviously by your logic the B-17 should out zoom the 109 by far. This is obviously completely and utterly laughable.

Also what do you consider a "ridiculous power/weight ratio"? The P-51D has never been accused of being an over-powered WWII fighter, still its engine thrust is about 15% of the fully laden weight of the aircraft. I would wager that the 109G-10's thrust is more than 20% of its weight.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 03, 2005, 07:50:49 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
And if you look at the power curves of the 801 vs. DB engines in their contemporary planes, the 801 maintains a large power advantage at low altitudes.  As much as 300 or more horsepower depending on the engine/alt considered.  

Crumpp


I have no doubt. I've always been of the belief that the 190 was the superior performer at lower altitudes. The only reason the 109 was better at altitude was because the DB didn't lose as much power as the BMW did with alt. IMHO of course.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 03, 2005, 08:02:05 PM
This is going in circles.
Goes all the way down to dropping cannonballs down from the leaning tower of Pisa.
Now, Scholzie, you did a wee of oranges-apples comparison by toping Mando's bullet-shell comparison, i.e. the B17 to the 109G10.
Better would be to equal the speed and drag. So imagine 2 G10's at say 350 mph, one being 5 tonnes heavier than the other.
Providing that the structure would make a swift steep curve, say 65 degs, which one would dart upwards higher?
As far as I know, the heavier one. The lighter would start to gain near the stall though.
This would all make interesting 3d curves no doubt. Wonder if there are any?

P.S. I won't belive that the V2 would go to 40.000 feet faster than a 15 inch shell. And NEVER to 20K.
But...do you know how fast they went? All ears really :)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 03, 2005, 08:16:42 PM
The heavier 109 OBVIOUSLY. That is what I have been saying for the better part of this page. Did IQ's suddenly drop sharply or something?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 03, 2005, 09:33:06 PM
Quote
I have no doubt. I've always been of the belief that the 190 was the superior performer at lower altitudes. The only reason the 109 was better at altitude was because the DB didn't lose as much power as the BMW did with alt. IMHO of course.


That is correct.  At altitude the DB has a lot more Horsepower.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 04, 2005, 05:03:15 AM
Hi all
Just popped in to tell you that I am prowling along with that RAF document.
It will basically list all fighter deploys to all RAF fighter units at all fronts (AFAIK)
So, not just the Spits, - hell gotta read it all to hair them out, so I'd better do all.
Many surprizes. Such as mk V's being deployed (although in little quantity) as late as 43/44, while griffon engined XII's had been around for a while!!!!
And XIV's in the far east actually!
One squad went all the way from Gladiators to Tempests in mere 4 years.
Feel free to ask, but warning, I'm only up to 41st sqn, gotta go all the way to 600+
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 04, 2005, 11:54:04 AM
For Barbi.

You should read this report, especially the last paragraph about 100 grade fuel and note the date of 11.39.

http://www.fourthfightergroup.com/eagles/spit1-12lbs.jpg

Lets not hear any more about the lack of 100 grade fuel during BoB.

Then there is this:

The BF 109E flight handbook states:

"Die Höhenruderkräfte und Flossenbelastungen werden bei hoher Fahrt sehr groß."  (The elevator forces and fin loads become very large during high speed)

 L.Dv.556/3, BF 109 E Flugzeughandbuch, (Berlin, December 1939), p. 19
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 04, 2005, 05:42:48 PM
1939!!!!
Well, well.
Shows that the engines certainly would take it.
Now the flight tests on that website put the Spit I in the same ballpark as the 109 while running on 87 octanes.
The 109 outperforms the Spitfire until you equip the Spitfire with a CS airscrew, then the Spitfire has roughly the same speed, but better climb.
(Calculated to NM the Spitfire hauls rougly 10% more than the 109. Now to power, the both have AFAIK roughly the same power, but Izzy claims the 109 has more, that would leave the 109 with a sorry lift though)
So, feel free to promote performance figures with 100 octs, and also MK II's with 100 octs. Those all participated in the BoB.
My feeling is that both fuel types were used, and with both 2 blade and CS-3-blade props in use, as well as MK I and II's, that explains exactly how LW and RAF anecdotes vary in both climing being both faster and slower in regards of climb and speed.
Galland thought (early BoB) the 109 to be some 10 km/h faster,- yet some Spitty pilots report catching 109's after a long chase.
And Hurricanes with 100 octs may explain why some Hurry pilots report outclimbing Spits from other squadrons.....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 04, 2005, 05:50:13 PM
Quote
"Die Höhenruderkräfte und Flossenbelastungen werden bei hoher Fahrt sehr groß." (The elevator forces and fin loads become very large during high speed)


I believe Gollob uses the word "unacceptable".

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 04, 2005, 06:19:13 PM
turning in the Spit and 109, operational examples.

S/L Brian Lane, of No. 19 Squadron, got into a tight turning fight with an Me 109 on 15 September 1940:

    That German pilot certainly knew how to a handle a 109 - I have never seen one thrown about as that one was, I felt certain that his wings would come off at any moment. However, they stayed on, and he continued to lead me a hell of a dance as I strove to get my sights on him again. Twice I managed to get in a short burst but I don't think I hit him, then he managed to get round towards my tail. Pulling hard round I started to gain on him, and began to come round towards his tail. He was obviously turning as tightly as his kite could and I could see that his slots were open, showing he was nearly stalled. His ailerons were obviously snatching too, as first one wing and then the other would dip violently. Giving the Spitfire best, he suddenly flung out of the turn and rolled right over on his back passing in front of me inverted. ...he flew on inverted for several seconds, giving me the chance to get in a good burst from the quarter.


More at http://www.fourthfightergroup.com/eagles/spit1vrs109e.html
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 04, 2005, 07:14:34 PM
Brian Lane may have been flying a Cannon armed Spit I, or even a Spit II, FYI ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: rshubert on January 04, 2005, 07:54:07 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Hi all
Just popped in to tell you that I am prowling along with that RAF document.
It will basically list all fighter deploys to all RAF fighter units at all fronts (AFAIK)
So, not just the Spits, - hell gotta read it all to hair them out, so I'd better do all.
Many surprizes. Such as mk V's being deployed (although in little quantity) as late as 43/44, while griffon engined XII's had been around for a while!!!!
And XIV's in the far east actually!
One squad went all the way from Gladiators to Tempests in mere 4 years.
Feel free to ask, but warning, I'm only up to 41st sqn, gotta go all the way to 600+


You putting that on a spreadsheet, Angus?  Pretty Please?  For me?  I like spreadsheets.  With information.  And data.

Seriously, it would be really cool if you could put that on a spreadsheet.  Or a Gantt Chart.

Or, you could give me the information and I could put it on a spreadsheet AND a Gantt Chart.



shubie
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 04, 2005, 08:21:12 PM
http://109lair.hobbyvista.com/articles/color/1.jg1_color4.jpg


Here is a great example of the standard Luftwaffe finish of "Primed and Smooth-painted".  You can see the shine from the sunlight play across the glossy markings AND how it still shines on the smooth but matt RLM paints.  

Angus you know I want a copy of that doc as well!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 05, 2005, 03:10:40 AM
cc, all in due time.
It's an XlS and be welcome to play with it.
My format there is anything but perfect, - am no good with XLS.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 05, 2005, 04:34:48 AM
Quote
Originally posted by MiloMorai
For Barbi.

You should read this report, especially the last paragraph about 100 grade fuel and note the date of 11.39.

http://www.fourthfightergroup.com/eagles/spit1-12lbs.jpg

Lets not hear any more about the lack of 100 grade fuel during BoB.
[/b]


Yep, Mike William`s private reality is that 100 grade fuel was 100% available and nothing else.


However, and as usual he`s 'facts' don`t match that of what reality and that of what can be read in official documents, ie. :

"The first bulk shipment of 100 octane fuel had arrived in Britain in June 1939 from the Esso refinery in Aruba. This and subsequent tanker shipments from Aruba, Curacao and the USA were stockpiled while the RAF continued to operate on 87 octane petrol. Having secured what were considered reasonably sufficient quantities of 100 octane, Fighter Command began converting its engines to this standard in March 1940, allowing boost (manifold) pressures to be raised without the risk of detonation in the cylinders. This initial increase in maximum boost from 6 lb to 9 lb delivered a useful power growth of around 130hp at the rated altitude.

By the time of the invasion of the Low Countries by Germany in May 1940 the RAF had converted approximately 25 % of it's total fighter force to 100 octane fuel use. The subsequent escalation in air activity and demands placed upon Fighter Command over the next two months put great strain on both the 100 octane fuel stockpiles and aircraft modified to use the fuel. Against the backdrop of total war the RAF found that it's reserves of 100 octane fuel was well below the level considered necessary for widespread use, for any sustained length of time.

Two actions were immediately undertaken by the British War Cabinet in May to resolve the looming crisis. Firstly 87 octane fuel was deemed the primary fuel
source to be used until further supplies could be discovered and delivered in sufficient quantities to allow the Merlin conversions to again take place. Those  existing fighters already so converted (approximately 125) would continue to use what supplies of 100 octane were available, but all other fighters that had not
been modified to continue with the use of 87 octane (of which there was more than adequate supply). The second action was for the British Government to contract the Shell Oil Refining Company to assist the British-controlled Iraqi Petroleum Company at Kirkuk to produce 100 octane fuel. This arrangement proved quite successful as production was quickly converted to 100 octane fuel.

The first Middle East shipment of 100 octane fuel arrived in Portsmouth on 12th August, with a further two deliveries in September and four in October. Although too late to allow widespread conversion for the use of the fuel the deliveries did ensure that from this point on Britain would not be lacking in 100 octane fuel levels. With the newfound supply RAF Fighter Command again embarked upon a Merlin II and III conversion to 100 octane use from late September, finally achieving 100% conversion of it's fighter force by the end of November in 1940.


- Addendum to 'Fuel Supplies to The British Empire And It's Commonwealth; Outlook, Ramifications and Projections For The Prosecution Of The War.',

Copied to the Australian Military Commission in England in February 1941, by Roll Royce to Lord Beaverbrook outlining past, current and proposed changes to the Merlin and factors that affect it's performance.


So basically the full conversion to 100 grade fuel did not happen until the end of the year until the BoB was well over (by british standards). Units in other theatres had to wait even further. Maybe about half the RAF fighters used 100 grade fuel during the battle, maybe even less.

Mike Williams also gives some of his fantasies about 100 octane fuel not being available at Rechlin, little he knows as the fuel was used in production engines in Germany for at least 2 years by then, 109s were just converted to 100 grade fuel just at the end of the Battle of France.



The BF 109E flight handbook states:

"Die Höhenruderkräfte und Flossenbelastungen werden bei hoher Fahrt sehr groß."  (The elevator forces and fin loads become very large during high speed)

 L.Dv.556/3, BF 109 E Flugzeughandbuch, (Berlin, December 1939), p. 19



It`s well known the 109 series produced high stick forces on the elevator at high speeds, yet not high enough to restict the the airplanes manouveribilty, which was still above what an avarage pilot could sustain.

ie. from several tests :

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1104920338_109f_highspeedman.gif)


I find that a better solution than the overly sensitive elevator of the Spitfire, which could easily result in a broken airframe at high speed dives, and required very careful attention during turns.

ie. the Spitfire II manual of mid-1940 notes :

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1104919782_spitcontrols.gif)

Strain on the muscles are better IMHO than strain to the airframe. Muscles don`t break, airframes do! The NACA`s report also critizizes the Spitfire for it`s

The risks of airframe failures were not theoretical, as seen below :

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1104920099_spitdiveaccidents.gif)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 05, 2005, 04:59:38 AM
Nothing new here.
So, 100 octs were there in some use during the BoB ending up as full at the end of the year. All fits. The LW would at times be facing Spits that may have outclimbed and even outran them, as well as facing Spits that definately didn't.
Remember Galland's first encounter with Spits? They slipped away like eels were his words.
Now to the stuctural thingie.
This has been on these boards before.
The Spitfire was simply too good with elevators if you see what I mean, - with a shifting C.o.G. due to G forces the aircraft could enter a deadly narrow curve, breaking the aircraft. So, even without a high speed stall. There were luckily pilots who survived the situation (can quote some if you like) and the problem was fixed in the Mk V series by the use of bob weights.
So, the vertical control was basically so light that it had to be made heavier.
After that, not a problem.
This delicate quality must have teased many a 109 pilot, where the prey slipped away in a high pitched turn. I actually have a little film of such an incident :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 05, 2005, 05:05:12 AM
Quote
It`s well known the 109 series produced high stick forces on the elevator at high speeds, yet not high enough to restict the the airplanes manouveribilty, which was still above what an avarage pilot could sustain.


700 Kilometers per hour equals 434.96 Miles (statute) per hour

According to Gollob, the RAF did not take the 109 fast enough for the "unacceptable stick forces" to show up.

As for the 100 octane fuel.  It is obvious the RAF had it in their reserves.  How much was at the front is open to debate but I would say that some of at least was used at the front.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 05, 2005, 06:10:00 AM
Originally posted by Crumpp
Achieved over 150 victories in the FW-190 from 1943!

http://www.acepilots.com/german/ger_aces.html#kittel

The list goes on!


Interstig Crumpp. It goes like :

1, Erich Hartmann  352 victories -  Bf 109
Gerhard Barkhorn  301 victories -  Bf 109
Günther Rall  275  victories -  Bf 109
Otto Kittel  267 victories -  Fw 190

Interesting trend!

Now I won`t go into details of the nonsense you came up. But you will love this graph :


(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1104924968_spd_109gkvsixvs190ad.jpg)

One just have to look at it to see why 190s received 109 escorts, at 8000m, the latter are 35 - 100 km/h faster! The A-8 is beaten into the ground even by the lowest G-14.. the A-9 can berely match the G-14 though faster below 3000m...both Antons taken from Crummps charts. The common and ordinary G-14 pitted vs. the IX boosted to 150 octane is also of interest. :p Raises the question, wtf grippen is talking about when he starts drooling about the superiority of two staged allied engines at altitude.. just look at the /AS!

Note :The G-14/AS was created using the chart and the curves for the non-methanol /AS plane, so actually it should be much more like the ordinary G-14`s curve, ie. faster at low alts.

Appearantly 109s could pose a challenge to both foreign and domestic competition even in 1944/45!

The K-4 just reigns supreme.
Oh, and btw 1700 K-4s were produced, Crummp, 856 of them up to dec 31st 1944. Apprx. 450 of these were already issued to the troops by that time, supplemented by ca 535 of the 'bastard' G-10d, all fresh from the factories!


700 Kilometers per hour equals 434.96 Miles (statute) per hour
According to Gollob, the RAF did not take the 109 fast enough for the "unacceptable stick forces" to show up.


Hmm, what the f. could know about what the RAF did on the other side of the channel..?

420mph IAS the 109 was dived to, and found manouverable at, was close to the safe dive limits of the plane. Actually it`s a higher IAS number ANY 109 could attain in level flight.  If the stick forces were not unacceptable at this speed, they were not unacceptable at any speed.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 05, 2005, 06:25:40 AM
Ahh, I see you pop up with the chart again.
For those who don't know, JL 165 for some reason is the poorest performing Spit IX on the fourthfightergroup website.
Izzy loves it....
So, for the record, some other mk IX's on the site are up to 20 mph faster.
Beware also that the handpicking includes high-alt Spits for sl speeds, and Low-alt Spits for ceiling, and then finally, for ultimate rollrate, pick the extended-wing-high-alt Spit :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 05, 2005, 06:37:41 AM
BS, angie, the jl 165 does 397 mph on this chart. It`s what it should do according to the BRITISH datasheets for this type.

There are two tests of jl 165, in one it does 386mph (but it`s tropicalized), the other, done october 1943, the better one I picked it does 397 (clean).
The results of it match the results of Soviet tests of the IXLF almost 100%! The speed run was also done at some 150lbs below normal take off weight.The LF version was btw the most common type of Spitfire IX, about 80-90 of them were LFs!

The spitty sucked at speed even with 150 grade, that`s all angie, put up with it. Poor aerodynamics. Well, all relative, becuase the A-8 was even worser than it at altitude.

@crummp,

I just checked, a total of 180 A-9s, 353 D-9s were delivered from the factories to the 1st line daylight fighter units up to dec31 1944.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 05, 2005, 07:00:10 AM
Truly, you present it with 25 boost.
Truly, also with a BIG red line, you present it with 18 boost.
At the same time,in service there were Spitties whose top speed at their given altitude were up to 95 mph faster!!!!!!
Truly, I notice the absence of a Griffon Spitty, such as the XII maybe, or the XIV.....
But what am I ranting, 25 boost and high grade fuel being scarcely available for the RAF, whose Spitfires were only available in penny-pockets anyway :D

Tell you what.

I'll also make a graph :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 05, 2005, 07:01:55 AM
Quote
Beware also that the handpicking includes high-alt Spits for sl speeds, and Low-alt Spits for ceiling, and then finally, for ultimate rollrate, pick the extended-wing-high-alt Spit


He is doing the same with the FW-190 data.  The FW-190A8 with the BMW 801D2Q was in service from late Dec 43 until Jul'44.  It's contemprary is the Bf-109G6 without any MW 50.

109's did not get the approval for MW 50 until Jun/Jul '44.  The exact same time period the conversion program for the FW-190A8 to the BMW 801TS began.

So the contemprary to the FW-190A8/801S or FW-190A9 is the Bf-109G14/Bf-109K4.  Izzy graph does not show the same speeds for the 109K at low altitude that the actual flight test graph does.

Good run down on DB601A and DB601AS ratings and operations is here:

http://109lair.hobbyvista.com/index1024.htm

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 05, 2005, 07:17:48 AM
Quote
I just checked, a total of 180 A-9s, 353 D-9s were delivered from the factories to the 1st line daylight fighter units up to dec31 1944.


Probably fairly accurate.  The documents I have some conflicting elements as to whether the werknummer changes.  Only one (BMW document) says it does.  The Focke Wulf and RLM documents state that when the FW-190A8 is converted to the BMW801TS the designation stays FW-190A8 even though the aircraft is in fact no different from an FW-190A9 at this point.  This is evidence from recent crash excavations of FW-190A8's as well.  The data plates are clearly labeled FW-190A8/801S.

Comparing BMW's documents against Focke Wulfs and the Luftwaffe's almost 7000 801 series motors were produced in 1944.  Production for the 801D2Q was halted in July.  The differences between the 801D2Q and the TS are not very dramatic from the manufacturing standpoint.  Basically flowed and ported heads with chrome valves /combustion chamber were the biggest change.  Not the only, just the largest.

New werknummers and serial production of the FW-190A9's did not begin until October '44.  Three months after the conversion of FW-190A8' s to FW-190A9 standard began.  The frontline conversion had priority over the new manufacture for 801S motors.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 05, 2005, 07:22:58 AM
Originally posted by Crumpp
He is doing the same with the FW-190 data.  The FW-190A8 with the BMW 801D2Q was in service from late Dec 43 until Jul'44.  It's contemprary is the Bf-109G6 without any MW 50.


Nope.
The A-8 did not receive the increased boost of 1.58/1.65ata until mid-1944.
In fact the A-8 did not see service until April 1944:
"Die erste bekannten Verluste  einer FW 190 A-8 wurde am 8. April 1944 gemeldet...". That was WrkNr. 170 044 of 2./JG 1. See Rodeike`s 'Fw 190A/D Ta 152'.

The G-6`s were beginning to be equipped w. MW 50 in the start of 1944, the appearance of the G-14 in June/July just standardized things already appeared on the G-6. The G-14 was just a standardized G-6.

109's did not get the approval for MW 50 until Jun/Jul '44.

Source of this BS?

Knoke`s diary mentioned G-5/AS with methanol in April 1944, but there were planes around w. MW sooner than that, it was first tested on 109s in late 1943. Knoke participated in those tests. His plane was equivalent of the G-14/AS, plus it had pressurized cocpit.

The exact same time period the conversion program for the FW-190A8 to the BMW 801TS began.

Appearantly the A-8/TS and the A-9 appeared in only very small numbers.

Izzy graph does not show the same speeds for the 109K at low altitude that the actual flight test graph does.

Lolol, trouble is, my graph is based exactly on Messerscmitt`s performance graphs for the K-4, crummpy. "5026/27. 605 DB/ASB. Sondernotleistung m. MW. Serienschrb. 9-12159 fur K-4 mit Sondernotleistung." So cut the bs.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 05, 2005, 07:58:41 AM
Quote
Source of this BS?


No Bf-109G6's received MW-50 EXCEPT for a few R2 photoreconnaissance versions.

So the vast quantities of MW-50 powered G6's before July '44 are simply fiction.  An untruth does not get any truer with the number of times it is repeated.  Only a "possibility" existed which there is exists no proof.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104931320_g6mw50.jpg)

There is no such animal as a MW-50 equipped Bf-109G6 in a JG.  They are ALL Bf-109G14's and they did not received either the boost system or the designation until Jul '44.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104931257_g14appear.jpg)

Now to your graphically representation of nothing....

You have the deck speed of the Bf-109K4 at 1.8 ata as 595kph!!

Well over what it could actually do.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104931134_109kr2speed.jpg)

Confirmed by flight test graphs:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104623407_bf-109start.jpg)

So 580kph was the TOP speed of the Bf-109K4 at sea level.

The FW-190A8/801S could do 595kph at sea level.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104622742_doraspeed3.3.jpg)

Quote
Oh, and btw 1700 K-4s were produced, Crummp, 856 of them up to dec 31st 1944. Apprx. 450 of these were already issued to the troops by that time,  supplemented by ca 535 of the 'bastard' G-10d, all fresh from the factories!


Very similar program is emplaced between the FW-190A9 and the conversion of the FW-190A8 to the 801TS.  

You have to remember production was set in very early 1942 to 1/3 FW-190's and 2/3 Bf-109's. Now the majority of the fighters on the Western Front were FW-190's from 1942 till the end.

It is interesting that by 1944 the production ratio had slipped to almost 50 percent!

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 05, 2005, 08:15:28 AM
Fw190 monthly  production numbers

(http://www.scitech.sk/~zamex/Fw190production.gif)

Total Fw 190 production (This data is from FW factory production book and C-Amt Monatsmeldung so should be pretty solid. )

To 30.11.43
A-1 (102)
A-2/3 (952)
A-4 (905)
A-5 (675)
A-6 (783)
A-7 (27)
B-1 (5)
F-1 (18)
F-2 (270)
F-3 (366)
G-1 (50)
G-2 (625)
G-3 (329) Total 5107
December-missing A-6 (SWAG approx. 200)
72 A-7
5 F-3
58 G-3 Total 5442
January-117 A-6
199 A-7
1 F-3
66 G-3 Total 5825
February-45 A-6
137 A-7
55 F-3
53 G-3 Total 6115
March- 17 A-6
182 A-7
83 A-8
5 F-3
98 F-8
44 G-3 Total 6544
April-1 A-6
8 A-7
347 A-8
2-A-9
265 F-8
83 G-8/R 5 Total 7250
May-492 A-8
15 A-9
177 F-8 Total 7934
June-430 A-8
103 A-8/R2
21 A-9
390 F-8 Total 8878
July –502 A-8
180 A-8/R2
70 A-9
515 F-8 Total 10145
August- 648 A-8
202 A-8/R2
30 A-9
511 F-8 (1391) Total 11536
September-465 A-8
159 A-8/R2
14 A-8/R11
122 A-9
55 A-9/R11
40 D-9
536 F-8 Total 12927
October-293 A-8
123 A-8/R2
79 A-8/R11
14 A-9
80 A-9 R11
89 D-9
412 F-8 Total 14017
November-482 A-8
88 A-8/R2
33 A-8/R11
99 A-9
58 A-9/R11
237 D-9
294 F-8 (1291) Total 15308
December-missing 6 (SWAG approx. 1250) Total 16558
January-328 A-8
51 A-8/R2
73 A-9
73 A-9/R11
228 D-9
76 D-9/ R11
220 F-8
147 F-9 (1196) Total 17754
February to Capitulation-missing (SWAG approx. 1550)
Total approx. 19300

numbers posted by ArtieBob http://www.allaboutwarfare.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=597
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 05, 2005, 08:26:34 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
No Bf-109G6's received MW-50 EXCEPT for a few R2 photoreconnaissance versions.

Well Knoke`s diary mentions, on 28th April 1944 :

"We received new aircraft with high altitude supercharges, fresh from the factory. These planes are also fitted with the MW device of which`s development I also participated."



So the vast quantities of MW-50 powered G6's before July '44 are simply fiction.  An untruth does not get any truer with the number of times it is repeated.  Only a "possibility" existed which there is exists no proof.


Are you and Goebbels related in any way?

As for you source, it`s a joke.

The guy who wrote doesn`t have the slightest idea of designations used in the 109. His "G-6/R3". Only Rustzustand were noted in the designation, Rustsatz, like Rustatz III., installation of a droptank, or Rustsatz VI, gondola guns did NOT change the desingation etc.... who`s that guy anyway?

Besides you don`t even understand your rather poor source, because it does not state anywhere MW was not used before mid-44, only that it become a standard by then.

Prien/Rodeike notes : "Equally common was the retroffiting of MW 50 injection, resulting in the G-6/U3. The only external difference between U2 and U3 was the servicing triangle painted beneath the filler hatch, which specified mixture to be used. Conversion from U2 to U3 was a simple matter." Page 108.


Now to your graphically representation of nothing....
You have the deck speed of the Bf-109K4 at 1.8 ata as 595kph!!
Well over what it could actually do.


Really, Messerscmitt must have gone mad, because he says so in this graph :

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1104933917_109k_db18.jpg)


So 580kph was the TOP speed of the Bf-109K4 at sea level.


Nope, 595 kph on 1.8ata. 607 kph on 1.98ata.


The FW-190A8/801S could do 595kph at sea level.


That`s way slower than what the K-4 was capable of :

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1104924968_spd_109gkvsixvs190ad.jpg)

I told you will love that graph.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 05, 2005, 08:43:49 AM
You won't love it when I've cropped that JL165 out of it and plonked a proper Spitty into it instead :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 05, 2005, 09:27:44 AM
That is about correct for the Focke Wulf.  However it does not look like they include some of the subcontracted factories.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 05, 2005, 09:49:21 AM
Quote
"We received new aircraft with high altitude supercharges, fresh from the factory. These planes are also fitted with the MW device of which`s development I also participated."


I am not surprised Izzy. They were constantly trying to get it to work acceptably in the 109.  I can find no record of DB605A MW 50 equipped Bf-109's.   However as posted above they were not cleared for  general use until July '44 timeframe.  None were fitted to Bf-109G6's.

If it came "fresh from the factory" the other possibility is Knoke has his dates mixed up.  He is only a few months off.

Third possibilty is these are Bf-109G6/U2's with GM-1 and Knoke has his boost systems confused.  The U2's did come out in "early '44" according to Rodeike.  After Jul '44 they were approved for MW-50 use and it was very easy to convert them.  

 

Quote
As the air war progressed through 1942 and 1943, newer variants of the 109 were introduced in an effort to maintain a competitive advantage.  From an aerodynamic standpoint, incremental changes were introduced with the original G series, and a seminal change became evident with the introduction of the G-6 variant in early 1943.  This model introduced higher-caliber cowl guns (13mm MG131s vs. 7.7mm MG17s on earlier models), but substantial modifications were required to the airframe in order to accommodate this change.  Aerodynamically, the aircraft suffered from the addition of two large circular fairings covering the feed chutes for the MG131s, and the increased weight of the weapons and their ammunition led to a further slight decline in performance.  Clearly, more power was required.


Quote
DB605ASM:    Provisions for the use of MW50 additive with 96 octane C3 fuel.  It was possible to use standard 87 octane B4 fuel with this engine, in which case the use of MW50 was absolutely required to obtain the best possible power and avoid engine damage.  The compression ratio of the engine was raised as well, to 8.3:1 (left) and 8.5:1 (right), giving 1,800 h.p. at 1.7 ata at takeoff. Other changes introduced with this variant included a larger capacity oil cooler (Fo987) and redesigned cylinder head covers, both of which were fitted to the DB605D as well. (source: Mermet, p. 9/10)  The Fo987 was first evaluated on G-6/AS W.Nr. 16550 (KT+DX) in June 1944 (source: Monogram Luftwaffe Interiors, p. 155).


http://109lair.hobbyvista.com/index1024.htm


Quote
Nope, 595 kph on 1.8ata. 607 kph on 1.98ata.


Nice Power Point slide but it is FAR from original documentation.  Please produce the doc saying 595 for the 109K4 because the flight test's just DO NOT show it!

1.98ata according to Butch2K, a Bf-109 expert, was not approved for use until Feb' 45.

Frankly your willingness to manipulate the data severly undermines your crediability.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 05, 2005, 10:02:16 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
That is about correct for the Focke Wulf.  However it does not look like they include some of the subcontracted factories.

Crumpp


Is this directed towards me?

Would not the C-Amt Monatsmeldung include non Fw construction (ie subcontracted factories)?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 05, 2005, 10:48:36 AM
Quote
Would not the C-Amt Monatsmeldung include non Fw construction (ie subcontracted factories)?


Yes
I don't know Milo why it is not included.  The only constructions I see that are missing are late war subcontracts.  This comes from documentation I discovered in the index card listings at the Smithsonian.  Understand they still have rooms of microfilm that is not even cataloged yet.  Unfortunately the microfilm is going bad and it has become a race against time to catalog it.  

Think of it like the WNr. listings.  They are official documents but frequently the evidence shows they have been appended without accurate records of the changes.  That is why bookie frequently updates his project.  Frankly the Luftwaffe record base is very poor.

The subcontractors numbers explain why the FW-190A9 varient becomes much more common on the Geschwader listings than the C-Amt Monatsmeldung list's.

In fact Milo, check out the Dora numbers according to that document.  They are off as well.  Naudet can probably clear that up better than me.

BTW that document shows 1017 FW-190 varients equipped with the 801S motor.  That leaves roughly 4 motors per airframe produced.  The Luftwaffe could have converted 80 percent of the FW-190A8 airframes produced from August '44 and still had a maintenance reserve of 1/4 of engines produced.  That lines up very closely with the number of 801S we are finding.

Quote
So 580kph was the TOP speed of the Bf-109K4 at sea level.

Nope, 595kph on 1.8ata. 607 kph on 1.98ata.


The FW-190A8/801S could do 595kph at sea level.  


According to Messerschmitt then ONLY the Bf-109K4 EQUALS the FW-190A8/801S.  In Feb '45 the FW-190D9 was the 1.98ata 109K4's contemprary.

Same conclusion as the last thread that hashed this issue Izzy.  Only the 109K4 equals the FW-190A.  All other 109's are far behind the FW-190A in low altitude performance.


 
Quote
The guy who wrote doesn`t have the slightest idea of designations used in the 109. His "G-6/R3". Only Rustzustand were noted in the designation, Rustsatz, like Rustatz III., installation of a droptank, or Rustsatz VI, gondola guns did NOT change the desingation etc.... who`s that guy anyway?


Look again, the author is talking about Umrustsatz's.  Your the one who appears not to know the difference.  Knoke's aircraft coming "fresh from the factory" makes it an umrustsatz as well.  There were NO MW50 umrustsatz's produced for the G6 except a photorecon varient.
Until Jul'44 that is when the designation was changed to G14 and the existing Bf-109G6 were allowed to use MW-50.  As stated before changing a U2 to a U3 was not a difficult mechanical job.

Quote
Prien/Rodeike notes : "Equally common was the retroffiting of MW 50 injection, resulting in the G-6/U3. The only external difference between U2 and U3 was the servicing triangle painted beneath the filler hatch, which specified mixture to be used. Conversion from U2 to U3 was a simple matter." Page 108.


Exactly.  Check out the dates Prien/Rodeike give for the Bf-109G6/U2 service entry. "Sometime in Early 1944"...

Which is absolutely correct.  GM-1 was introduced in "early" '44.  Knoke recieved his in April '44.  In Jul '44 they were allowed to convert to MW-50.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 05, 2005, 11:39:25 AM
The RAF used 100 octane fuel sometimes "early" in 1940.
I.e. in fact, they started with some in January, had some more during the BoB, hitting 50% somewhere late summer/early autumn perhaps and were to 100% in November.

Sort of a parallel.....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 05, 2005, 12:45:13 PM
I think you are correct about the fielding times Angus.  The Luftwaffe were mediocre at best when it came to logistics and absolutely horrible strategic planners.

Here is one for the "rapid" fielding theories for the Bf-109.

From the Luftwaffe's own After Action Review of the Air War by some of the Luftwaffe's top leadership.  At least the ones that did not commit massive war crimes.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104949687_109doc.jpg)

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104949807_pt2109doc.jpg)

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: butch2k on January 05, 2005, 12:54:31 PM
The Monatsmeldungen include all factories producing fresh a/c and on a separate sheets the a/c coming from reparation centers or conversion centers.

For instance, if i check the Juni 1944 production (fighters only)  i see :
Fw 190A-8
F.W. : 250
Ago : 163
L.B.B. : 10
W.F.G. : 7

Fw 190A-8/R2
G.F.W. : 103

Fw 190A-9
Arb.Gem. : 21

Fw 190 Repairs :
Hasser : 23
Gotenhafen : 37
Esp.Higa : 26
WFG.N'ham : 16
Ago Cravant : 20
Ago Tours : 11
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 05, 2005, 01:02:12 PM
Quote
The Monatsmeldungen include all factories producing fresh a/c and on a separate sheets the a/c coming from reparation centers or conversion centers.


It does have a breakdown.  However it is missing a subcontractor for the FW-190A9.  I have corresponded with several folks in the field of aviation history over this issue, Butch.

Rechecked the documents and there is no doubt.  Your missing the same subcontractor for the FW-190A8 as well.

If you want I will speak to you over the phone about this issue thru the White 1 Foundation.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: butch2k on January 05, 2005, 02:01:29 PM
Let me guess, Dornier FFA ?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 05, 2005, 02:13:14 PM
You don't have NDW listed, true.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: butch2k on January 05, 2005, 02:22:02 PM
There are good reasons for that... i suppose you know them ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 05, 2005, 02:28:28 PM
Actually for NDW I don't, Butch.  White 1 was assembled at NDW.

If you look at Bookies list:

http://fw190.hobbyvista.com/werkn.htm

He is missing about a half a dozen FW-190 subcontractors.  Did not realize it until I started really looking closely at Bookie's page and cross-referencing the documentation.  

Interesting thing is just searching on the Internet many of these smaller and not well-known companies are still subcontracting in the Aviation industry.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 05, 2005, 11:02:00 PM
Crumpp, do you know of this Wright Field document ?

Report No. F-TS-406-RE dated 10 Sept. 1945.

Do you know what the KB in Construction data of KB stands for?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 06, 2005, 12:18:47 AM
Quote
Report No. F-TS-406-RE dated 10 Sept. 1945.


Pursuit Airplane FW-190/BMW801, yes I have a copy.

No I am looking for it.  I imagine it was a small aviation company similar to Klemm-Flugzeuge GmbH (Germany).

http://www.setup-team.de/klemm-Flieger-en.htm

They manufacturered FW-190's after the owner Hans Klemm was arrested by the Gestapo and his business confiscated by the Nazi's.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 06, 2005, 03:58:33 AM
What a twisted world. I belive Hartmann's first flight was in a Klemm.
There even was one here in Iceland.
Wasn't it like mere 20 hp or something?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 06, 2005, 04:19:21 AM
Yeah they Nazi's were monsters for sure.  Hanns Klemm was a card carrying party member too.  He withdrew from the Nazi party when they arrested several of his trusted employees for being jewish.  He publically declared that the Nazi party was totally against his christian values and quit.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 06, 2005, 05:23:50 AM
However as posted above they were not cleared for  general use until July '44 timeframe.  None were fitted to Bf-109G6's.

Absolutely nothing backs up this claim of yours. As usual, you keep stupidly parrotting what you would wish for..

If it came "fresh from the factory" the other possibility is Knoke has his dates mixed up.  He is only a few months off.

AHA! Poor Knoke, he mixed up the type of his aircraft, the boost of his aircraft, and the date in his diary which he recorded 1-2 day within the events...

But we have Crumpp here to help out Knoke to remember "right"! :lol


Third possibilty is these are Bf-109G6/U2's with GM-1 and Knoke has his boost systems confused.  The U2's did come out in "early '44" according to Rodeike.  After Jul '44 they were approved for MW-50 use and it was very easy to convert them.


The 4th possibilty is that a blind 190 zealot, after being confronted with the real performance specs, makes up stories to twist the truth.

Fact is, Knoke`s unit received G-5`s with ASM engines with large superchartger, boosted with MW 50. This had been confirmed at least a YEAR AGO via evidence of the Bewegungsmeldungen AND photographic evidence at butch`s board.

To qoute butch and ErichB from an old AAW discussion regarding
MW50 :

Butch :
"First use by unit in October 43 when some testing Gustavs were delivered to operational units, real deploiement in April 1944.
Keep in mind that the G-14 were designed around an MW-50 tank, add it the G-10, the K-4 and the G-6/U2 and G-6/MW50 and you get an idea of how common it was."

ErichB:

"Used in the spring of 1944 in II./JG 11 and I./JG 3, later in JG 1 and JG 300 as well as the NJG units NJGr 10 and NJG 11 until the G-14/AS and finally the G-10 were available."




Nice Power Point slide but it is FAR from original documentation.  Please produce the doc saying 595 for the 109K4 because the flight test's just DO NOT show it!


There`s a 2500x1200 pixel sized scan of an original Mtt document showing 595 kph at SL, with a low boost.
Crummp somehow cannot see it...


1.98ata according to Butch2K, a Bf-109 expert, was not approved for use until Feb' 45.

The very document he posted in regards of this notes the 1.98ata boost was forwarded to the troops, General Galland and engines were delivered at this setting.. the document notes the use of 1.98ata with recce aircraft. The DB/DC manual itself notes the use of boost in early December...
Fact is, no document come to light so far that would disprove the use of 1.98ata already in late 1944. Conclusions as opposed to this appear to be educated guesses, at best. I have yet to see evidence to the contrary. I trust the DB/DC manaul over butch, sry.

Frankly your willingness to manipulate the data severly undermines your crediability.

Funny thing coming from you.

You lied about the A-8`s introduction, you keep lying about the introduction of MW into the G-6s, you keep calling Knoke a liar because, you keep lying about the engines fitted to the A-8, you keep lying about the production and availability of the a-9s...


According to Messerschmitt then ONLY the Bf-109K4 EQUALS the FW-190A8/801S.


I`d like to see any evidence of the "A-8/801S". So far no evidence at all, and Rodeike (p270) mentions the A-8s were to receieve 801TU only. The 801TU had the same power as the 801D, in fact it was a 801d-2 only differing in armor thickness and accessories, therefore performance was also the same.

The A-8 did not receive the TS engines, according to Rodeike : "in automn 1944 started the production of the 190 A-9, which in comparision of the 190 A-8 differed only in being fitted with the BMW 801 TU/TS powerplant of increased output."

First loss of the A-9 did not came until 7th October, 1944, exact same time as the appearance of the G-10/K-4.

In Feb '45 the FW-190D9 was the 1.98ata 109K4's contemprary.

Which, as shown on the graph, was slower at all altitudes than the 109K, especially above 5.5km. At 7km, the fastest FW 190 was already 40 km/h slower than the 109K.


Same conclusion as the last thread that hashed this issue Izzy. Only the 109K4 equals the FW-190A. All other 109's are far behind the FW-190A in low altitude performance.


As shown by evidence above, the 190A-8 did not appear until April 1944, the same month as the appearance of MW boost and large superchargers on the Bf 109 G-5 and G-6.

With these, the 109G did 560/568 kph vs. 565 kph of the 190A at SL, and 665/680 kph vs. 653/621kph at altitude.

Therefore the 190A was equal in SL speed to the 109G, and massively inferior to it at ALL other altitudes, the difference being as great as 60 kph at high altitudes in the 109`s favour.


Look again, the author is talking about Umrustsatz's. Your the one who appears not to know the difference.

Nice twist again. http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1104931320_g6mw50.jpg

The author talks about "G-6/R1", which he believes was a fighter bomber variant. Fact is, no such ever existed, only G-6 with Rustsatz I, which was not shown in the designation.
The author talks about "G-6/R3", which e believes was a long range fighter variant. Fact is, no such ever existed, only G-6 with Rustsatz III (droptank), which was not shown in the designation.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1105009023_109g6r2_8r5_10r2.jpg)

The author talks about "G-6/R5", which e believes was a 'heavy fighter' variant with gondola guns. Fact is, he doesn`t even have an idea what a G-6/R5 was, it was a recce variant with Rb 12.5/7.9 cameras... Gondola guns were Rustsatz VI, but again they DID not show up in the designation...

In brief, the author Crumpp is afraid to name and on whom he based his claims could not even tell apart Rustsatz kits and Rustzustand conversions, apart from mixing up gondola equipped fighters from converted fighter-recces...


Knoke's aircraft coming "fresh from the factory" makes it an umrustsatz as well. There were NO MW50 umrustsatz's produced for the G6 except a photorecon varient.
Until Jul'44 that is when the designation was changed to G14 and the existing Bf-109G6 were allowed to use MW-50. As stated before changing a U2 to a U3 was not a difficult mechanical job. Which is absolutely correct. GM-1 was introduced in "early" '44. Knoke recieved his in April '44. In Jul '44 they were allowed to convert to MW-50.


You keep parrotting the same BS like an idiot.

Yet there`s evidence of the use of MW in April 1944 on the Bf 109G in Knoke`s diary, and this was confirmed from both unit reports and photographic evidence.

Have fun with your new neighbours, you belong in the same class.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 06, 2005, 05:24:12 AM
Same happened to Hugo Junkers, - one of the most brilliant designers.
He got on the wrong side of the politics somehow. It was Erhardt Milch who gave him the most trouble.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 06, 2005, 05:52:11 PM
Quote
"First use by unit in October 43 when some testing  Gustavs were delivered to operational units, real deploiement in April 1944.


Exactly correct for the Bf-109G6/U2.  Authorization for conversion an MW 50 use did not occur until July '44.  All fuel dependent with the AS motor AFAIK.

So what it looks like is that when July '44 came and authorization to use MW 50 was approved the Luftwaffe had two sources to field 109's with MW-50.  Factory produced G14's and converted Bf-109G6/U2's.

That comes from Rodieke/Prien.  It's a fact unless Butch2k comes in and posts he has found new evidence.  

Quote
AHA! Poor Knoke, he mixed up the type of his aircraft, the boost of his aircraft, and the date in his diary which he recorded 1-2 day within the events...


Obviously you have not interviewed many pilots from the Luftwaffe.  Their technical training was not as through as you would think.  Not a particular phenomenon of the Luftwaffe but a fact for all WWII era Air Forces.  As Oscar is found of saying "Hey I just flew the damn thing, I did not fix it."  They were pilots, not mechanics or engineers.

Quote
The 4th possibilty is that a blind 190 zealot, after being confronted with the real performance specs, makes up stories to twist the truth.


Hardly the test flights are there for all to see, Izzy.  Even if Rodieke/Prien are wrong and MW 50 was in use on EVERY 109 in service in April of '44, the Bf-109G6 still be behind the FW-190A8 at 578kph.

Quote
There`s a 2500x1200 pixel sized scan of an original Mtt document showing 595 kph at SL, with a low boost.


Yes I saw that and it equals the FW-190A8/801S at 595kph.  The Bf-109K is NOT at low boost but at max boost Izzy.  1.98ata was not approved until Feb 44 according to the credible sources.  Fuel available.

Quote
You lied about the A-8`s introduction, you keep lying about the introduction of MW into the G-6s, you keep calling Knoke a liar because, you keep lying about the engines fitted to the A-8, you keep lying about the production and availability of the a-9s...


You need to back these statements up.  I have not called Knoke a liar.  Ask anyone who has done serious research or has ever been in combat.  Mistakes happen and I only offered a plausible explanation to fit the facts.  As Butch2k says some Bf-109's were delivered to operation units FOR TESTING.  This does not represent fielding of the variant, Izzy.  If you bothered to read what I wrote you would see:

Quote
Crump says:
I am not surprised Izzy. They were constantly trying to get it to work acceptably in the 109.


Meaning Knoke received operational test aircraft.

Quote
Crumpp says:
If it came "fresh from the factory" the other possibility is Knoke has his dates mixed up. He is only a few months off.


Possible he mixed his dates up.  It was sixty years ago and you do not know exactly what was written in the diary verbatim.  It very well could have been "received planes with new boost systems today" which opens up for the third possibility I presented.

Quote
Third possibility is these are Bf-109G6/U2's with GM-1 and Knoke has his boost systems confused. The U2's did come out in "early '44" according to Rodeike. After Jul '44 they were approved for MW-50 use and it was very easy to convert them.


Facts are MW-50 was authorized until Jul '44 for the 109.

As for the BMW-801TS.  

1.  I have in hand multiple documents directing it's use from the BMW, Focke-Wulf, and the RLM.

2.  I have the test flight reports from 1943.

3.  The White 1 Foundation owns the largest collection of BMW 801's in the world, Izzy.  Out of 24 motors a large percentage are 801TS motors.

4.  Producing the BMW801TS was NOT a difficult engineering task.  It was simply new heads and a new supercharger-gearing ratio.  Simple stuff.   Simple stuff that corrected the biggest deficiencies the 801D2 had which was flow and combustion chamber efficiency.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 06, 2005, 06:14:01 PM
Nonono, it's LIES   :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 06, 2005, 06:22:40 PM
Damn I'm busted....

 

:o



:D

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Naudet on January 07, 2005, 04:37:05 AM
Folks, may i point you to a little problem wiht most performance charts, including those presented in here?

Hehe, i just will do.

If one only has the charts, it's usually hard to say whether they are real flight tests or calculated data. Without the descriptive parts of a documents i would be very careful to rely on the charts alone.
But i have discovered a tendency for german documents that on charts for real flight tests, the Wk.-Nr. of the involved plane is given. (i.e. Flight test of FW190D9 Wk.-Nr. 210 002 in Hermann's "FW190D Longnose").

The charts presented in here are IMHO calculated and not flight tested.
The FW190 chart is for a performance comparison of the FW190/TA152 Series from January '45. It was also published in Hermann's Book.
The Bf109 curves are from a report calculating the possible performance of a Bf109 with JUMO213A. Those curves are given as reference points and it seem they are calculated also as no Wk.-Nr. or any hind to a Rechlin test is given.


Quote
2. I have the test flight reports from 1943


Those would be interesting, as i think Crumpp is referring here to a series of flight tests at Rechlin. There were a couple of A5s rebuild to A8/A9 status for performance measuring of these variants and testing of the higher boost pressure of 1.58/1.65ata if i remember correctly.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 07, 2005, 07:00:25 AM
Interesting.
I will be posting, or mailing charts very soon, - the xls doc to present them, or rather the xls formula is being made at the moment.
I think Izzy published some flight test numbers above in the thread, or were they estimates?

Anyway, the Spitfire is rather well documented, so that data should be ok.

I will try to break down the charts within a much narrower timeframe.

So, data may be needed to make it nice, - ayway it will give a much closer look than the chart posted by Izzy....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 07, 2005, 08:31:31 AM
Of course there are quite some graphs here.

A bit different story than told in the Izzy graph......

Here:

http://www.fourthfightergroup.com/eagles/spit14v109.html
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MANDO on January 07, 2005, 08:43:23 AM
Angus, it seems you found the well known and probably most biased site on iternet about WW2 fighters.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 07, 2005, 09:05:03 AM
Quote
Originally posted by MANDO
Angus, it seems you found the well known and probably most biased site on iternet about WW2 fighters.


Sure what ever you say Mando. :rolleyes:  

Angus wait for Izzy to get his 109 site up and running, for that will be the MOST biased site on the internet. :)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 07, 2005, 10:23:08 AM
Quote
A bit different story than told in the Izzy graph......


I think Mike's site is extremely good for information on the Spitfire.  He seems to be making an honest attempt to present data on the aircraft.

However, any countries test of a foreign high performance aircraft from another country is highly suspect. Axis or Allied test.

Simply put they do not know how to maintain the aircraft to achieve peak performance.  Nor do they have the training to fly it to the edge of the envelope.

That is my two cents from detailed studies of the FW-190 trials both Axis and Allied.  The "biased" Izzy screams about is built into the test and not a conspiracy by Mike or the RAF to present misleading data.

The results are what they got during the war.  I don't think though they are representative, however.

As for the "flight graphs" I leave that judgment to Naudet who has a wealth of experience analyzing these graphs.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 07, 2005, 03:41:44 PM
Hehe, Spot on Crumpp.
That's why I'm making my own, and I will call on you all to provide data, and mail the xls to you as well ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: rshubert on January 07, 2005, 04:32:35 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Hehe, Spot on Crumpp.
That's why I'm making my own, and I will call on you all to provide data, and mail the xls to you as well ;)


Hey, you still owe me that data on british fighter squadron deployment and equipment.  Well, "owe" is a strong word.  I guess I will just beg some more...



shubie
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 07, 2005, 05:14:49 PM
NP Shubie.
Guess some graph will emerge before though.
Is your email the one I get if I click on your name or do you prefer another one?
If so, then post.
Got some nice pics to go as well if you like ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 07, 2005, 05:23:04 PM
Be glad to help, Angus!  And get that data .
;)

Crumpp
Title: my preferred email is...
Post by: rshubert on January 07, 2005, 05:27:44 PM
rshubert@excite.com.

If you just send the raw data, I could put it into a spreadsheet or perhaps a database, so sorts, graphs, and comparisons can be done.  Then, if we were lucky or good, we could come up with comparable data for the other allied powers, the axis countries, production, etc.  If that could be reconciled into a database format, we could get a LOT of statistics and information pulled together.

And yes, I know how to do that...



shubie
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 07, 2005, 06:04:09 PM
Well, maybe Shubie will do it better than me.
If so, I'd be happy.
The picking of the data is the main thing.
My idea was to compare something typical within some timeframe.
Say, August 1940, November 1941, December 1942, etc etc, if you see what I mean.
Another Idea is to make a graph with the top and bottom candidates of a certain model or type, and shade the gap.
Can have that done w. Photoshop or such in relatively short time.
Right now I am making the 1st graph.
It will be 3 Spitfires from the same era.
Izzy's girl (JL), a Mk VIII, and another Mk IX...

So drool    :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 07, 2005, 06:41:00 PM
Hello again
My XLS thingie is no good for anything except 1 plane at a time.
Expect a delay untill tomorrow.
Regards

Angus
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 08, 2005, 11:57:13 AM
Hello
Excel can be a pain!
What I could easily do in 1980's basic, I cannot do in Excel!!!!
AFAIK, it actually cannot either.
I have mailed the ideas to shubie, if they are of any use.
I am continuing with Excel, but since there are gaps to fill in for full accuracy, it will take a lot of calculation.
(Calculating speed or climb for every 100 feet of alt from deck ti ceiling, having calculated climb rate (as an average between available points) or speed available in every one)
So, the quickest way seems to be to use a sheet of millimeter paper, a ruler and a pencil, even today.
Unless you know of some really simple and good graph application.
However, as an end effect, the XLS thing will be mammothly huge, and should provide every data of climb and speed from start to end, IN NUMBERS ;)
So, will check in later
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: rshubert on January 09, 2005, 09:50:20 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Hello
Excel can be a pain!
What I could easily do in 1980's basic, I cannot do in Excel!!!!
AFAIK, it actually cannot either.
I have mailed the ideas to shubie, if they are of any use.
I am continuing with Excel, but since there are gaps to fill in for full accuracy, it will take a lot of calculation.
(Calculating speed or climb for every 100 feet of alt from deck ti ceiling, having calculated climb rate (as an average between available points) or speed available in every one)
So, the quickest way seems to be to use a sheet of millimeter paper, a ruler and a pencil, even today.
Unless you know of some really simple and good graph application.
However, as an end effect, the XLS thing will be mammothly huge, and should provide every data of climb and speed from start to end, IN NUMBERS ;)
So, will check in later


I have received nothing.  Send it again, please, and put "AH" in the subject line.  That way I'll be able to pick it out from the spam.



shubie
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 10, 2005, 06:49:03 AM
Rgr.
Will do.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 17, 2005, 12:08:48 PM
Ok, wake up thread.
I need a lot more data on the 109. I have quite some for the Spitfire, with several alt points, and I will be breaking the graph into some 28-30 entries, where every measured point makes an entry.
So far I only have 109 data with only 2 entries, while I prefer some 6 or so if possible.
So, come forth with the 109 data if possible.
Some spice of 190 would be good as well.
I can also be emailed if this is something not to be published on the board.
The only base thing I have so far is Izzy's data of the 109F and then the G. I need more, much more for variety, as well as the 109 E, and G6, without and with gonds etc.

Graphs will arrive as promised, as soon as I can digest the food. :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 17, 2005, 12:11:08 PM
Oh, Izzy's 109F is actually equally fast as the 109G on the deck, and considerably faster at best alt.  :confused: :confused: :confused:
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 17, 2005, 02:36:10 PM
woo-hoo???

No useable 109 data?????


well, in case of emergency, I'll check my HD
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 18, 2005, 07:01:01 AM
If no 109 data, I will have to use RAF's data for the Emil, and will throw in RAF's data for the 109G.

But I need something proper really, for the E and F.

After all, the Spit data I have is based on actual tests, and regarding the 109, that's what I am looking for.

Izzy's graph can be used by reading out from the lines, of course, but bear in mind that that graph input should be from numbers. Change graph to numbers, numbers to graph many times enough and one is bound to get some error.
Anyway, all the 109's there are really late war, the most boosted ones and the fastest.
I put a 1943 Spit VIII in there as well as a 1943 Spit IX , although both were only 18 lbs boost.
The VIII came out really nicely, the IX also, - both were comparable at the altitude they were designed for to later LW aircraft. The slow arse was Izzy's JL 165.
BTW, that Mk IX I was looking at went to 20K in 4 minutes 51 secs. On 18 boost!
Anyway, anyone, have a look at this goodie:(http://www.fourthfightergroup.com/eagles/jf934level.jpg)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 18, 2005, 07:03:46 AM
The second two curves are the boost curves, right.
Not a lot of boost used. Makes one wonder what could have been done.

Well, I'll be back.....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 18, 2005, 09:06:49 AM
Some stuff, fairly interesting, it was just posted/translated by one helpful guy at another forum. Appearnaltly this former Soviet pilot[/b] had very high opinion on the Bf 109G.



A.S. - Author
I.K. - major Kozhemyako


**********************************************
A.S What do you think about German fighter planes Messerschmitt BF-109G?


I.K. I think of them with a lot of respect.
BF109 was very good, very high scale fighter plane. If was superior to our Yaks in speed and vertical combat. It wasn`t 100% superiority, but still. Very dynamic plane. I`ll be honest with you, it was my dream during my war years, to have a plane like this. Fast and superior on vertical, but that didn`t happen.

A.S. What was so specific for BF-109G, anything you can point out?


I.K. I have to tell you, that Messer had one extremely positive thing, it was able to be successful fight Yak`s at 2000m and Aircobras at 6000m. This is truly unique ability and valuable. Of course, here Yak and P-39 were inferior. As far as combat on different altitudes, BF109 was universal, like La-5.
A.S. Well, i guess 90% of success in all altitudes belongs to its engine…


I.K. I wouldn`t doubt it.


A.S. But if you look at this from another perspective, this uniqueness of BF109 could have played fatal role when it encountered aicraft that was specialized and optimized for combat on certain altitudes. You already know that Barkhorn on the question about best fighter of WW2 answered: On high altitudes P-51 and low altitudes Yak-9, Surprized?


I.K. Yes, Very Surprized. But, I guess if I was fighting in Me109 I would have look at Yak-9 differently, who knows.

A.S. How would you grade weapons on BF109G comparing to Yak1?


I.K. Yaks weapons were more powerful. maybe that`s why german fighters were trying to avoid head to head attacks.


A.S. I can`t agree with you. Yak can`t have more powerful weaponry because it has only 1 12.7mm MG (UBS) while BF109G has 2 13mm MG-13s.


I.K. German high caliber machine guns were rather weak, just a name "high caliber". They couldn`t even penetrate armored plate behind pilot, needed armor piercing bullet for that, and even then from close distance. But if german pilot would open fire from 200-300m with regular bullets and under sharp angle, it couldn`t even penetrate block of M105, could only bust thru the cowling covers.. Same for armored glass, couldnt penetrate it. My opinion on 13mm MG, they could only be effective from close distances, shooting at point blank ranges could bring you some success. I think 1 UBS in combat was more effective in combat then 2 MG13s combined.
20mm german cannon was excellent, unlike MG`s. Very powerful, not worse then out SHVAK.


A.S. I am surprised that you think that Me109 was capable in the turning combat. There is general opinion that BF109 was rather average when it comes to combat with many manuevers. It`s very common opinion that BF109G with its technical and tactical characteristics was rather "hunter" then turnfighter..


I.K. Lies! Me109 was exceptional in turning combat. If there is a fighter plane built for turning combat , it has to be Messer! Speedy, maneuverable,(especially in vertical) and extremely dynamic. I can`t tell about all other things, but taking under consideration what i said above, Messerschmitt was ideal for dogfight. But for some reason majority of german pilots didn`t like turn fight, till this day i don`t know why.
I don`t know what was stopping them, but it`s definitely not the plane. I know that for a fact. I remember battle of Kursk where german aces were starting "roller-coaster" rides where our heads were about to come off from rotation.
No, seriously... Is it true it`s a common thing now that Messer wasn`t maneuverable?

A.S. Yes.

I.K. Heh.. Why would people come up with something like this... It was maneuverable...by god it was.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 18, 2005, 05:40:54 PM
Very nice interview.

Now, what was the most common setup on the eastern front?
(109 wise)
1941 109E/F vs mostly I-16's?
1942 109 F/G vs mostly I-16, LaGG, Yak-1?
1943 109F/G vs mostly the same?
1944 109G6-G14 vs Yak9's and La5's.?
1945 all sorts....


Anyway, got any data, point on point on the 109E and F, as well as i.e. G2?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 18, 2005, 06:15:41 PM
If you move the Russian birds one year back on that list it would be more accurate.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 18, 2005, 06:28:30 PM
1940
LaGG-1

1941
LaGG-3
MiG-3
Yak-1

1942
La-5
Yak-7
Yak-9M

1943
La-5FN late 1942/early 1943
La-7 June 1943
Yak-3
Yak-9D
Yak-9T

1944
Yak-9U

1945
Yak-9P
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Karnak on January 18, 2005, 06:57:40 PM
I've seen the La-7 listed in 1943, but I'm pretty sure that is just prototypes.  I don't think there were any service deliveries until mid-1944 for the La-7.  I've also never seen the Yak-3 listed as a 1943 type.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 18, 2005, 07:19:38 PM
I think the Yak 3 appeardd in 44/45.
Although ahead with the number, it was far better, and appeared later.

Oh, and if you move the list that far back, Germany had no war with the USSR.

Come to think of it, there was not so much air to air until 1942.

I always wonder about the size of the whole deal. And the losses.
In 1944 as far as I know, the LW lost 2000(+?) fighters on the eastern front, but 8000(+?) on the western.
So, how about 1942 and 1943? And is this correct? Where to find it.
Well, just thought I'd lob it in. Will be popping up again tomorrow with some stuff about USSR Spitfires.

P.S. Still looking for much more data on the 109.
Preferably 1940-1945, breaking it up by the year.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 19, 2005, 12:16:18 AM
I only have the start of production dates, so naturally it would take some additional time before they were deployed in strength (pre-production models already being flown though). However a small number of Yak-3s did fight over Kursk in 1943 so I guess that's accurate.

As for the Lalas: First flight of re-engined LaGG-3: January 1942. Production start La-5: June 1942. Production start La-5FN: late 1942. Production start La-7: June 1943.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Karnak on January 19, 2005, 12:57:08 AM
I really don't think that the La-7 started production in 1943.  We have some pretty knowledgeable guys here in regards to Russian aircraft and they've always indicated 1944.  I think the 1943 date is a design or prototype date, just like the Ki-84 entered preproduction in 1943 and first flew in early 1943.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 19, 2005, 02:55:56 AM
Quote
Originally posted by GScholz

As for the Lalas: First flight of re-engined LaGG-3: January 1942.
 Production start La-5: June 1942.
 Production start La-5FN: late 1942.
 Production start La-7: June 1943.


Flight testing of the M-82 conversion of the LaGG 3 started in March 1942 with a Directive to convert LaGG 3s on the line to M-82 engines in July 1942. It was 3 weeks later that the first conversions were handed over to a special trials unit. Problems resulted in the grounding of the a/c and it was not til Sept 1942 that a hastily formed trials Regiment was deployed to an airfield near Stalingrad.

At the end of March 1943, the M-82FN was phased in, so how can the La-5FN be produced from late 1942?

The first prototype of the LA-7 did not fly (NV Adamovich at the controls) until Dec 1943 so would be rather impossible for production to start in June 1943.  It was not until the Spring 1944 that production was ordered.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 19, 2005, 03:24:25 AM
So.....Performance figures for La-s, Yak's and eastern front 109's?

Say, in a given timeframe, i.e. 1941 and 1942.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 19, 2005, 03:38:07 AM
Here's a bone for you:
Gunther Rall, a memoir, p. 148. This is April 1943, when the III.JG52 receives the 109G

Of the 109G.
"It was very advanced and equipped with new, more sophisticated technology. Nicknamed Gustav, the 109G was well armed, but not as light as the early E and F versions. Its more powerful engine meant higher power settings whose initial climb rate sent it soaring to 18700 feet in six minutes, but at low speed the plane was difficult to handle.
......Most of us considered the 109G over-developed. Poor landing characteristics added to its woes."
Same page, of Soviet Spitfires
"Piloting his new fighter plane on may 5 Rall shot down his first Spitfire supplied to the VVS south of Krymskaya in tha Caucasus Mountains. Pleased with the Victory, Rall quickly filled out a report but was immediately told to keep it quiet,
"Orders were issued that same evening that we were not to reveal Spitfires were now engaged on the eastern front. Apparently it would make our Pilots nervous""
:cool:
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 19, 2005, 07:01:18 AM
Hehehe Angus ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 19, 2005, 07:25:56 AM
I was hoping someone would bite :D
Anyway, that climb figure seems a tad low. Wonder how much boost they were using with new 109G's at that time.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 19, 2005, 08:50:29 AM
Quote
I think the Yak 3 appeardd in 44/45.


I remember reading an article in WWII History Magazine about the Yak 3.  It was introduced early and quickly pulled from frontline service due to design flaws.

It was not until the last month of the war that it returned to frontline service with an improved engine and superior performance.  


Can anyone clarify?

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 19, 2005, 09:06:29 AM
This I found:
"The first attempt to build a fighter called the Yak-3 was shelved in 1941 due to a lack of building materials and an unreliable engine. The second attempt used the Yak-1M, already in production, to maintain the high number of planes being built. The Yak-3 had a new, smaller wing and smaller dimensions then its predecessor. Its light weight gave the Yak-3 more agility. The Yak-3 completed its trials in October 1943 and began equipping the 91st IAP in July of 1944. In August, small numbers of Yak-3s were built with an improved engine generating 1,700-hp, and the aircraft saw limited combat action in 1945. Production continued until 1946, by which time 4,848 had been built."
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Karnak on January 19, 2005, 10:07:20 AM
The Yak-3 with the VK-105 engine did see continuous use in the last year and a few months of the war.

The Yak-3 with the VK-107 engine just missed hostilities.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 19, 2005, 11:26:25 AM
Quote
The Yak-3 with the VK-105 engine did see continuous use in the last year and a few months of the war.


Think that is it.  The article mentioned there was huge difference in performance between the Vk-105's and the Vk-107.  

The Vk-105's were not the Yak 3 most flight simmers think of when recalling the airplane!

The Vk-107's never saw action.  

Thanks for looking guys!

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: straffo on January 19, 2005, 12:16:42 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
I think the Yak 3 appeardd in 44/45.


Wich Yak3 ?

Btw Crummp it's not a VK 105 but a VK 105 PF2.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: straffo on January 19, 2005, 12:18:05 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
This I found:
"The first attempt to build a fighter called the Yak-3 was shelved in 1941 due to a lack of building materials and an unreliable engine.  


I-30 if my memory is not too bad.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 19, 2005, 03:37:31 PM
Nice!
BTW, Straffo, would you have some performance figures from the Yak series, such as 1, 9 and 3?

Climb and speed at various alts??????????
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: straffo on January 19, 2005, 04:50:31 PM
Not really as I'm more interrested by the pilots  than the planes :)
I'll look anyway.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on January 19, 2005, 04:53:33 PM
Quote
Btw Crummp it's not a VK 105 but a VK 105 PF2.


I would not doubt it.  Same thing with the BMW 801 series.  Same designations can have a wide variation in performance.

Crump
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 19, 2005, 05:12:10 PM
For what I heard, and this is without checking, the Yak 3 did not have so much power.
But it was light and smooth and well done, so the overall air-to-air performance was very good.

Anyway, Straffo, TY in advance if you can dig up something.
Also, if you need some info, I may be able to help. Just post :)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 20, 2005, 02:37:21 AM
I consider the Yak-3 the best looking Soviet bird of WWII.

(http://www.russian.ee/~star/pictures/drawings/jak-3-s.gif)

(http://www.kiwiaircraftimages.com/images/main/98_wanaka/WANYAK3F.JPG)

(http://www.ctrl-c.liu.se/misc/ram/yak-3m.jpg)


In many ways it was a Soviet Spitfire, and it looked the business!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 20, 2005, 02:56:28 AM
NICE.
I think they have one at Duxford.
Well, at least one was there at the big airshow autumn 2000.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 21, 2005, 05:49:53 AM
Interesting qoute Angus. Appearantly the comments on the 109G are not from Rall, just the usal repeating of 'William Green-facts', always from the same source, i.e. 6min climb time, repeating the same old stuff about 'poor' low speed handling on the contrary to all pilot accounts. etc.

Here are some qoutes from a discussion from the soviet pov. Russians appearantly were not very fond of the Spitfires they received, and used them in the rear areas only.. the reasons are below.


About 140 Mk.VBs were sent to the USSR in early 1943, participating in the Kuban campaign. They ended up being a friendly-fire magnet, having a silhouette that was similar to a Bf 109. They ended up being relegated to PVO duty over Moscow and Leningrad, which was basically city defense. Their high altitude performance made them particularly suited for the task. Combat on the front was rarely over 5km and more often below that, so that may have had something to do with the lack of popularity of the Spitfire. In fact, after WWII ended and the Normandie Neiman regiment was returning to France, Stalin gave them the pick of the entire VVS fighter inventory (including their lend lease Spitfires) to take home as gifts of appreciation. The French picked the Yak-3.

PVO - ProtivoVozdushnaya Oborona - Anti-Air Defense.

Spitfires had a bunch of other problems besides poor performance at low and medium altitudes, and none of that was due to lack of 100 octane avgas. Another thing was the narrowly spaced landing gear, poor rear view from the cockpit, and the tendency to stick its nose in the mud when taxiing. All of these qualities didn't matter if Spits were used as interceptors in PVO (where concrete runways were available), but they weren't that great as frontline fighters. In August '43 Spits of the Moscow PVO attempted to intercept a Ju86R. They made it as high as 11500 m. If they could've climbed to 15 km, I'm sure the German wouldn't have gotten away.  We are talking here of the fitness of Spitfire to be a frontline fighter in the specific conditions of the Eastern Front, with the specific requirements of the VVS KA.  Its fate was really sealed by the fact that it was slower at low altitudes than other fighters, either German or Soviet. Incidentally, in 1945 Spits were fueled with high octane avgas, but it did not help them become a good frontline fighter -- they remained in PVO. However, since USSR did not choose to produce high-altitude fighters, Spits were indispensible to PVO.

The reason Spits are not mentioned in memoirs is because only two VVS regiments were ever equipped with them, and only for a short period of time. Finally, Spits were withdrawn from active service in 1947-8. But they remained as high altitude trainers in preparation for the switch to jet fighters.


Note on the Yak-3, the yugoslavian pilot who flew it said that in fact the 109G could be turned much more hardly than the Yak. It was really hard to stall the gustav. And yes, the Yak-3 see action in large numbers (several thousend being built) from mid-1944. Very fast aircraft on the deck and medium altitudes...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 21, 2005, 06:55:00 AM
Same old Izzy:
"Interesting qoute Angus. Appearantly the comments on the 109G are not from Rall, just the usal repeating of 'William Green-facts', always from the same source, i.e. 6min climb time, repeating the same old stuff about 'poor' low speed handling on the contrary to all pilot accounts. etc. "

From Rall allright, did I forget to put the Page number?
Anyway, this was his account, which must then rank as a pilots account. Now I did suggest an explanation to this, which you may have missed, i.e. that the first deliveries may not have been boosted up. Definately the power went up with time.

Now to the Russians and the Spitfires......Guess they never learned to use them properly...
If you want more, here is a piece of candy from "Mein Flugbuch", also Rall, about the same subject, - it's in German but I will put it out in english as well
Mein Flugbuch, p. 154-156, - 28th of april 1943
"Am 28. April begleiten wir wieder einmal bomber nach Krymskaya, einem Bahn- und Strassenknotenpunkt, als ich in einiger Entfernung einen kleineren verband fremder Jager entdecke, die rasch naherkommen. Es sind LaGG-Typen darunter, ohne Zweifel - aber eine der machinen sieht anderes aus, schlanker, mit elliptischen Tragflachen - eine Spitfire!
In ersten augenblick bin Ich erschrocken. Spitfires - hier? Hat die Royal Air Force eine staffel heruntergeschickt oder vomöglich grössere Verbande? Wir wissen dass ein teil der Lieferungen aus dem Pacht-und Leihabkommen von England uber Persien an unsere front gelangt. Wenn die Westallierten aber nun nicht flugzeuge, sondern auch Piloten schicken? Recht zugich sitze ich hinter der britischen Machine und kann das Feuer eröffnen. Das is kein Englander der dort druben fliegt, der hatte sich anderes gewahrt."

English:
"On the 28th of April we were once again escorting Bombers to Krymskaya, a crossing of rails and roads, as I spotted a small group of enemy fighters in some distance. There are LaGG fighters there amongst without doubt, but one of the machines looks different, thinner, with elliptical wings - a Spitfire!
In the first moment I was scared. Spitfires - here? Did the RAF send a squadron over here or possibly bigger units? We knew that a part of the Lend-Lease shipments found their way from England over Persia and to our front. What if the Western allies would not only have sent aircraft, but also Pilots?
Quickly I get on the british aircraft's tail and open fire. This is definately no Englishman flying there, he would then have defended differently"

Tells you some opinion on Russian planes and Pilots, and British planes and Pilots, doesn't it :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on January 21, 2005, 08:43:08 AM
"Quickly I get on the british aircraft's tail and open fire." :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 21, 2005, 09:38:16 AM
Angie, the 6 mins figure are clearly from the GLC charts which British authors use in every book as reference. The 'Rall qoute' is from a book that was also compiled by an author who made a readable story of rall`s words. That he mixes with general aircraft type descriptions of his own makings. You can see the same in the JG 26 war diary - the pilot`s own opinion mixed with the author`s opionion on the aircraft.

The aircraft he shot down was more likely a Yakovlev IMHO, which had also very simililar elliptical shaped wings. Germans also called the 'russian spitfire'. This could be confirmed from the german claim lists at that time, but I can`t access that site at the moment. He couldn`t face other than MkVs at that time anyway. As for the ability of soviet pilots, there were par excellence among them, Kozhedub, Pokriskin etc. The Spitfire was probalby a not easy plane to master with so sensitive elevators for an ill trained rookie.

BTW, it`s a bit odd that your arguement on the spit is Gunther rall - he spent 99% of his time and kill on the eastern front, iirc he made less than ten out of his 275 kills on the west..
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: straffo on January 21, 2005, 10:09:11 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Anyway, Straffo, TY in advance if you can dig up something.
Also, if you need some info, I may be able to help. Just post :)


Dived into my books and I've not really good data ... some good stories but no data :)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Swoop on January 21, 2005, 10:43:22 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
The Spitfire was probalby a not easy plane to master with so sensitive elevators for an ill trained rookie.


The Spitfire was reknowned for being an easy plane to fly.  Just not so easy to land due to the narrow landing gear arrangement.


Now what exactly are you basing your conclusion that the Spitfire was difficult to master on?  And where does it say the Spitfire had overly sensitive controls?

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/209_1081438631_swoop.gif)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 21, 2005, 10:49:49 AM
Well, Izzy, what I know is that his opinion on the 109G is that it was overloaded. His own words, the same about the late model landing characteristics.
(I've been lucky enough to hear that from him)

Anyway, of the mistaken identity......

Grislawsky reported Spitfires shortly thereafter (Wild turnfightings),  and so did Barkhorn.


I guess they were all wrong, huh?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 21, 2005, 10:51:38 AM
Oh and Scholzie, don't forget the later part of your clip
"Quickly I get on the british aircraft's tail and open fire. This is definately no Englishman flying there "
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 21, 2005, 12:25:22 PM
Snoop, I read that from basically everywhere.. experience of pilots, NACA reports, the Spitfire manual, british trials papers dealing with the problem the aircraft tightening up it`s turns and doing dynamic stalls.. worser, another paper deals with loosing wings in pullups in dives - with so light elevator, it was easy to put the a/c under too much stress. You can read these yourself. basically it`s poor control harmony, the elevator being very ligth, the ailrons extremely heavy, it`s hard for the pilot fly neatly in coordinated manouvers. A good pilot will easily do it, a stressfull rookie will pull too much easily and stall out and spin.. The "easyness" to fly refers to that little force was needed on the stick in turns, and that the plane had very fine stall characteristics.


@Angie. They could have faced a small number (150 or so) MkVs in 1943. Hardly something to be worried about in a 109F/G... but a/c identification was very poor at that time - soviets reported He 112 etc., clearly mis-identified 109s or italian planes..
As for the easyness to land, all subsequent 109s were more and more easy to land. More weigth, larger tires, longer tailwheels etc. Tobak writes, that he was told after his re-train on the 109E that he will find the Gustav much less 'nervous', due to it`s heavier weight. And BTW, even Rall said elsewhere that after you learned how to t-o/land in the 109, you could land with it ANYWHERE. The Spit is different, it`s didn`t like to groundloop so much, but it was very prone to break to propellor and turnover. WRENs had to sit on the tail during taxi to avoid this! And fierce breaking while landing.. not even a remote possibility. That`s also why the 109 required so much shorter run for takeoff and land, apart from better acceleration.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 21, 2005, 12:37:50 PM
LOL, Barbi making a mountain out of a mole hill. How many broken props Barbi.?

Now why would a Wren, of the RN, be sitting on the tail of a RAF Spitfire?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 21, 2005, 01:23:28 PM
I belive Rall's fears were based on :
1. Former experience fighting the RAF pilots.
2. Former experience fighting with Spitfires.

Bear in mind that his squadron got mauled so badly in the BoB that it was pulled out of battle after 6 days of fighting.

As for your takeoff run, I have never seen anything indicating that a 109 would go up quicker, - rather the contrary.
I remember seeing figures of 109 takeoff rolls somewhere on my HD, but you may be quicker finding those.
I have some records of Spitfire takeoff rolls as well in my books, will look. But the number 150 yards comes to my head, and that is quite what it looked like when I saw one take off for the first time. Incredibly short takeoff roll.
You mentioned that the 109 would groundloop easier, - true enough, normally KILLING the pilot. (Krupinsky being one of the luckier ones)
Now for the propeller, you're probably right. Normal prop clearance for the Spit was only 6 inches.
But that was also the case with many other WW2 era aircraft.
May be back also with an exciting story......
Untill then, try to backup your takeoff data.....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Swoop on January 21, 2005, 03:38:28 PM
Kurfarce,

The anecdotal text "pilots loved the spitfire because it was an easy plane to fly" does not refer to how much force was needed to move the stick, furthermore, many of the negative traits seen in the MkI were solved by the Mk9, let alone the MkXIV.  However, judging by the rest of your posts so far in this thread I see no point in continuing this discussion further.  You're just one of those people who won't ever change his mind about anything, ever.

Snoop
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: HoHun on January 21, 2005, 03:39:56 PM
Hi Kurfürst,

>About 140 Mk.VBs were sent to the USSR in early 1943, participating in the Kuban campaign.

>Their high altitude performance made them particularly suited for the task.

Hm, the Spitfire V could get to high altitudes thanks to its high wingloading, but it was a struggle to get up there due to its single-speed, single-stage supercharger. Are you sure we're not talking about Spitfire IXs that were delivered later?

>Spitfires had a bunch of other problems besides poor performance at low and medium altitudes, and none of that was due to lack of 100 octane avgas.

Hm, I take that means the Spitfire V didn't get 100 octane fuel in Soviet service? Is the acutal octane number or the maximum boost pressure known?

Even the 100 octane, +12 lbs/sqin Spitfire V was markedly inferior to the Fw 190A and the Me 109G performance-wise, and if it was fueled with 87 octane only, I'd imagine it might be limited to something like the 6.25 lbs/sqin boost of the early Merlin III and Merlin XII, with a bad impact on performance.

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: HoHun on January 21, 2005, 03:52:19 PM
Hi Swoop,

>furthermore, many of the negative traits seen in the MkI were solved by the Mk9, let alone the MkXIV.  

As a Spitfire fan, you should read "Up in Harm's Way" by Mike Crosley, a former WW2 Seafire/Korean War Sea Fury pilot who also became one of the early graduates from the newly-founded Empire Test Pilot School. He goes into the Spitfire series' control characteristics in great depth - and that's the entire series, not just the early marks. I was really amazed at the dangers that lurk just beneath the surface ... but I'm convinced that's the case with many aircraft, even the best of them.

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 21, 2005, 05:07:34 PM
From HoHun:
"Hm, the Spitfire V could get to high altitudes thanks to its high wingloading, but it was a struggle to get up there due to its single-speed, single-stage supercharger. Are you sure we're not talking about Spitfire IXs that were delivered later? "

Just a minute,,,is this a typo or what? I would thing that a LOW wingloading would be able to send you higher up.
Anyway, the high alt performance of the Spit V, as well as I know, is markedly superior to both the Yak-1 and the LaGG.

Then, regarding the negative traits of the Mk I
It was firstly the roll rate, secondly the carburettor cutout.

Both solved with the Mk V, although some ghosts of those kept haunting later marks.

Then it was the Mk V periodical C of G instability. It entered within the Mk V series and was solved within the Mk V series.

Then lastly, HoHun is right about the Mk IX's. Can't quite remember where I saw it, but quite some Mk IX's were actually delivered to the Soviets.

Then as a sidenote.
The RAF did indeed plan to send fully equipped squadrons to the USSR. My great uncle was assigned to that actually.
The aircraft were sent ahead, but the transport was sunk on the way to Murmansk.
He got rerouted to N-Africa instead.
So, I guess that Rall's thoughts were not at all off. And when you come to think of it, at that time some squadrons of the RAF had 2 years of experience with the LW, roughly equal aircraft performance, while the russians had to promote LaGG's and Yak-1's as well as I-16's against the formidable 109F for instance.
Must have been a tough curve to learn by the Russians, which basically gets proved by the kill rates on the eastern front.
AFAIK, - and indeed I'd like to get a hold on the true numbers, - the LW lost about the same amount of aircraft on the eastern front in 1944, as on the channel front in the last 6 months of 1940.
As big as the air battles were in 1944 in comparison with the BoB, this is quite striking. But then again, look at the LW kill rates on the eastern front. They are simply awesome.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 22, 2005, 10:13:27 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
I belive Rall's fears were based on :
1. Former experience fighting the RAF pilots.
2. Former experience fighting with Spitfires.


Well I did not notice Rall had actually any fear in him, thats what Angus added to the story, which basically was that Rall met a Spitfire, and shot it down. OTOH this is the way 109s mauled Spits before, so the story is fairly typical if that`s what you meant. http://www.luftwaffe.cz/spit.html . Note that Rall is not there, he must have claimed less than 10 Spits during his whole carreer. The man Angie claims the authority on Spitfires was amongst the less experienced 'spit killer', he barely fought against them except a short period early in the war.. 109e vs. Spit I.

Quote

Bear in mind that his squadron got mauled so badly in the BoB that it was pulled out of battle after 6 days of fighting.[/B]


Source/Quote/Reference?
8./JG52 was continously in the first line of combat during the whole BoB until it ended, from May 1940 to October 1940, when it was withdrawn - IN OCTOBER, AFTER THE BATTLE ENDED - , re-filled and sent to guard Rumanian oil fields.Another colored-out story from Angie... JG 52 otherwise shoot down over 10 000 aircraft by 1944, likely more than the entire RAF during the whole war.

Quote

As for your takeoff run, I have never seen anything indicating that a 109 would go up quicker, - rather the contrary.[/B]


So you have seen nothing. Thats what I though.
Eric Brown is absolutely positve that even the 109G-6 with gunpods, at limited 1,3ata boost (!!!) had "commendably shorter run than the Spitfire IX."
RAE, on 109E : "the run being remarkably short, the intitial rate of climb excellent".
The RAE also concluded the MkIXs take off roll was only comparable to the heavier FW 190. etc.


Quote

You mentioned that the 109 would groundloop easier, - true enough, normally KILLING the pilot. (Krupinsky being one of the luckier ones)[/B]


"Normally killing the pilot?" Where, in Angie`s head after 3 beers? Funny you just read a reference to a pilot who was doing 'gipsy-rolls' inside a 109 and apart from some headache he was OK.
Read Spitfires, Thunderbolts and Warm beer to get some idea of the fatality rate when US pilots were trained to fly Spitfires... easy-to-fly-plane, uhum. Not one for starters.

Quote

Now for the propeller, you're probably right. Normal prop clearance for the Spit was only 6 inches.
But that was also the case with many other WW2 era aircraft. [/B]


Propellor clearance was minimal on the era`s fighters, that`s true - designers wanted to use as big prop area as possible -, the trouble was with the Spitfire in this regards that it`s tail was too light, and it had a tendency to bury the nose into the ground. It`s a noted, well known fact. Exactly the reason the Russians refused it as a frontline fighter. It could not stand up to rough airfields, and having low operational status because the pilots wreck the propellor and engine constantly is not something to be desired. Soviet fighters, German fighters could. I have seen films of late 109s taking off in way from a field that was outright impossibililty for a Spitfire. Even 190D`s struggled.


@HoHun,

Spits must have received 100 octane fuel in Soviet service, MkVs and later accepted only that. Soviets received fuel it via L-L. As for the HA reference, I think it refers to the IXLFs of the Soviet air defences.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 22, 2005, 04:08:16 PM
A short answer for you IZZY :
This:
"Well I did not notice Rall had actually any fear in him, thats what Angus added to the story"

I never added anything, you blithering imbecile. Well, if you prefer, put your own translaion to the German word "erschrocken".
"FRIGHTENED, SCARED"

Now then second paragraph.
Rall claimed 3 Spitfires, all Soviet flown.
He clashed with them in the BoB, so he knew their looks and movements.
BTW, just yesterday, you were doubting that he ever met any on the russian front. How is that status today? Are you ready to admit that you were completely wrong in your assumptions?

Then, on to the takeoff runs.
I have  Spitfires go up, - by the dozens actually. You haven't.
I have NOT seen a 109 go up. Just a 108.
I don't think you have either.
Anyway, at leas I HAVE SEEN SOMETHING
Out of the WWII aircraft taking off, the Spitty is about the quickest in the air.
It has generally lower wingloading than the 109, and equal power for the same ingloading, while with lower spanloading, so there is hardly any technical reason for it making a longer takeoff roll.

Then on to bad runways.
All had them, and narrow track aircraft like the Spit and 109 had their problems. I remember Guppy posting some data and pics of dreadful runways used by Spitfires.
I also have some text about runways in the winter rains of Tunisia if you want some. Basically as muddy as they went.
I can also dig up some data of completely overloaded Spit V's jumping of carriers OTW to Malta.....if preferred. Oh, only 150 yards there....

Then on to the Spitfire's light tail.
There were many WW2 fighters hampered by the same thing.
So, ground crew sitting on the tail was not so uncommon.
Nearby where I live, a crewman took off and landed on a tail of a fighter aircraft. It was not a Spitfire.
It also happened to a SQN 111 crewman in N Africa. He got away with a sore heel actually.
FYI, I have a very nice picture of a 109 on the nose (rough braking?), - on a concrete runway!
Landing accident, - maybe the guy thought he was in a Spitty...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 22, 2005, 04:34:02 PM
Angus for your enjoyment

(http://www.kolumbus.fi/j.m.heikkila/-me-109.jpg)
(http://www.kolumbus.fi/j.m.heikkila/-me-109-spitfire.jpg)

Lots of heavy bracing to try to see through.;)
(http://www.cavanaughflightmuseum.com/Aircraft/Me-109/Pic2.jpg)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on January 22, 2005, 11:53:10 PM
Anyone catch the "Spitfire vs Me 109" show on the Military Channel yesterday?

They compared the B of B variants.

Bob Doe, B of B RAF Vet and  Ekkehard Bob LW JG54 B of B vet were the experts who talked about the aircraft.

Ease of flying went to the Spit.  The consensus was it took a veteran pilot to master the 109, but that the Spit was more forgiving to a newbie.

They put both in the cockpits of the other plane.  

Doe remarked on the cramped feeling and the poor visibilty.  He was in Black 6 the 109G2 of the RAF Museum.

Ekkehard Bob was in a Spitfire Vb cockpit .  His comment was on how roomy it was and how wonderful the visibilty was.  He then said he'd really like to fly the airplane.

They then went on to talk about hitting power, which went to the 109 20mms vs the Spit 303's

And the final result was they were both good airplanes and that it would fall to the pilot to make the difference.

An interesting sidebar was the discussion of turning circle.  They believed that with average pilots the Spit would out turn the 109, but that if flown to the limit, the 109 could match the Spit.

Tough to argue with two guys who'd been there, done that :)

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 23, 2005, 04:22:42 AM
Izzy would....
Wish I had that on tape.

Anyway, something debated by Izzy...
"
Bear in mind that his squadron got mauled so badly in the BoB that it was pulled out of battle after 6 days of fighting."

SQN: III JG 52. Where did 8 come from?
Started engagements 24/6/40, withdrawn due to heavy losses on the 29th.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 23, 2005, 06:05:04 AM
Ease of flying went to the Spit. The consensus was it took a veteran pilot to master the 109, but that the Spit was more forgiving to a newbie.

Did Doe ever fly a 109 and did Bob ever fly a Spitfire ? No.
Did the Spitfire had single lever control system? No.
Did the Spitfire had well harmonized controls? No.
Did the Spitfire had any better stall characteristics ? No.
Was the Spitfire easier to land and takeoff ? Yes.

So maybe they meant landing, don`t you think? You REALLY, REALLY have to find an actual 109 pilot who would say the 109 was hard to fly in air...

ie.

"The results may be summarized by saying that the stalling behaviour, flaps up and down, is excellent. Both rudder and ailerons are effective right down to the stall, which is very gentle, the wing only falling about 10 degrees and the nose falling with it. There is no tendency to spin. With flaps up the ailerons snatch while the slots are opening, and there is a buffeting on the ailerons as the stall is approached.. With flaps down there is no aileron snatch as the slots open, and no pre-stall aileron buffeting. There is no warning of the stall, flaps down. From the safety viewpoint this is the sole adverse stalling feature; it is largely off-set by the innocuous behaviour at the stall and by the very high degree of fore and aft stability on the approach glide. "

"The aircraft delights in being pulled into hard manuevering turns at these slower speeds. As the slats pop out you feel a slight "notching" on the stick and you can pull more until the whole airframe is buffeting quite hard. A little more and you will drop a wing, but you have to be crass to do it unintentionally."

"The '109 is one of the most controllable aircraft that I have flown at slow speed around finals, and provided you don't get too slow is one of the easiest to three point. It just feels right !"

I could go on, qouting whole pages...



Doe remarked on the cramped feeling and the poor visibilty. He was in Black 6 the 109G2 of the RAF Museum.
Ekkehard Bob was in a Spitfire Vb cockpit . His comment was on how roomy it was and how wonderful the visibilty was. He then said he'd really like to fly the airplane.


Yep, the 'cramped' feeling was due to the tilted seat and the raised legs - both INTENTIONAL reasoning behind the design, and the British copied the idea to make the Spitfire cramped as well. Oh, not really, it was much better for resisting Gs. As a result a Spitfire pilot could not pull the plane as hard as a 109 pilot, he would black out much sooner with the 'armchair' seat.
The 'wonderful' visibility of the Spitfire is a good joke really. One reason the Russians refused it was it`s awful rear visibilty. Why would they put a mirror on it, why would they replace the canopy if it was so 'wonderful', huh? Maybe english pilots could see through the fuselage and head armor behind them? I guess not.


And the final result was they were both good airplanes and that it would fall to the pilot to make the difference.


A rather typical sentence in such movie, don`t you think ? Not that I don`t agree with it, but still..


An interesting sidebar was the discussion of turning circle. They believed that with average pilots the Spit would out turn the 109, but that if flown to the limit, the 109 could match the Spit.


That`s propably true, Hanna, Clostermann, Kaiser etc..

Tough to argue with two guys who'd been there, done that

Yep, even more tough to argue with dozens of guys who'd been there, done that. ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 23, 2005, 06:22:31 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Anyway, something debated by Izzy...
"Bear in mind that his squadron got mauled so badly in the BoB that it was pulled out of battle after 6 days of fighting."

SQN: III JG 52. Where did 8 come from?
Started engagements 24/6/40, withdrawn due to heavy losses on the 29th.


Source, reference, qoute? No?

What is III/JG 52, Angie ?
What is 8./JG 52, Angie ?
How is 8./JG 52 related to III./JG 52, Angie?

Appearantly you have no idea of that, but you come up with vast generalized claims about German fighter units in BoB, not even knowing their very basic structure and designations...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: HoHun on January 23, 2005, 06:31:23 AM
Hi Dan,

>An interesting sidebar was the discussion of turning circle.  They believed that with average pilots the Spit would out turn the 109, but that if flown to the limit, the 109 could match the Spit.

Well, it are comments like this one that make me despair about getting any useful information out of veterans.

Was ther any suggestion what exactly the above-average Me 109 pilot would do to be able to match a Spitfire's turning circle when flying to the limit?

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 23, 2005, 06:35:48 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Now then second paragraph.
Rall claimed 3 Spitfires, all Soviet flown.
He clashed with them in the BoB, so he knew their looks and movements.
[/B]

Ok, so let`s make it clear for future, Gunther Rall, THE SOURCE of 99% of your 'germans were totally amazed by the Spitfire' claims, saw a few in 1940, and didn`t shot down any until 1943...? He shot down 3 in total.
How much his opinion weigths compared to Werner Moelders, who shot down 25?


BTW, just yesterday, you were doubting that he ever met any on the russian front. How is that status today? Are you ready to admit that you were completely wrong in your assumptions?


I said he could have easily met Yaks that were similiar in shape and performance. You are lying in your statements.


Out of the WWII aircraft taking off, the Spitty is about the quickest in the air.

Yep, right behind 109, just as good as the heavier 190. All LIGHTYEARS behind the Storch. :lol

It has generally lower wingloading than the 109, and equal power for the same ingloading, while with lower spanloading, so there is hardly any technical reason for it making a longer takeoff roll.

... and yet Eric Brown and others say it takeoff run was much shorter than the Spitfire`s. Get over it...
If your theory can`t match the facts, change the theory...


Then on to bad runways.
All had them, and narrow track aircraft like the Spit and 109 had their problems. I remember Guppy posting some data and pics of dreadful runways used by Spitfires.
I also have some text about runways in the winter rains of Tunisia if you want some. Basically as muddy as they went.
I can also dig up some data of completely overloaded Spit V's jumping of carriers OTW to Malta.....if preferred. Oh, only 150 yards there....


150 yards, Carrier against the wing -> + 50 km/h airspeed even when the engine is off. A fiesler storch could take off from there without even starting the engine. :p

As for the dreadful runways... the Russians had a choice what to use frontline.. the British didn`t (unless they`d want to rely on hopelessly inferior planes like warhawk etc.)


Quote

FYI, I have a very nice picture of a 109 on the nose (rough braking?), - on a concrete runway!
Landing accident, - maybe the guy thought he was in a Spitty... [/B]


Saying the 109 would never found itself on the nose is like saying the Spitfire wouldd never groundlooped...

BTW... I have a very nice 'Wochensau' showing 109s and 190Ds taking off from a prussian airfield in 1945.. now if you can find ANY Spitfire footage with even remotely similiar sucking conditions...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 23, 2005, 08:21:49 AM
OMG, Izzy, are you gone mad? Oh, no, you already were.
I can see the rising blood temperature in the steady increase of grammar mistakes, as well as the typical LIES, hehe  :D

Well, the staffel (which roughly equals a sqn) who got pulled out is
III./JG 52, source mein Flugbuch P 54.
The exact final words of the topic:
"aber die Kampfkraft sowohl der Staffel als auch der Gruppe ist so gesunken, dass wir von der front abgezogen werden mussen"

You translate please :D

Then this:
"What is III/JG 52, Angie ?
What is 8./JG 52, Angie ?
How is 8./JG 52 related to III./JG 52, Angie? "

I haven't got a clue. It gets referred to criss-cross....
 
BUT here is more:
p 349 has the move list, - Coquelles is entered on the 21/7, combat missions start on the 24th, transfer from Coquelles to Böblingen on the 30th.

So refuse as you like, this is actually the only very accurate data of a German squadron movement I have handy over this period, and it just happened to be moved out of combat due to heavy losses.
Of course this happened to the RAF also, but I remember you refusing persistently that this ever happened to the LW in the BoB.......

Guess the badly equipeed Winny-Poo boys still were some nuicance.....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 23, 2005, 11:11:56 AM
Angus, since Barbi would rather be his obnoxious ignorant self, throwing around the insults instead of explaining to you, here is:

JG >
 
I. Gruppe > 1.Staffel, 2 Staffel, 3 Staffel

II. Gruppe > 4 Staffel. 5 Staffel, 6 Staffel

III. Gruppe > 7 Staffel, 8 Staffel, 9 Staffel

So an a/c of 8./JG 52 also belongs to III./JG 52.


A Staffel = RAF squadron
A Gruppe = RAF Wing

For the RAF, a Typhoon from 143 Wing could be from 438 or 439 or 440 Sqd.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 23, 2005, 11:56:58 AM
Ok, thank you Milo.
Got it mixed up, I thought 8 would be the 8th staffel, which it is, and III would be the third.

Anyway, it's hard for him to digest that this actually happened, and harder still to debate it, since it actually happened.

So, at least the under equipped, poorly-trained Winny-Poo boys managed to shoot out a Staffel (or gruppe?) of the uber equipped highly trained LW in less than a week.

But you know, it was all too little, - too late

And they only operated in penny pocket numbers anyway....


:D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 23, 2005, 12:18:56 PM
Angus, from another source.

July 24 1940 III./JG 52 lost its Kommandeur, (von Houwand) and 2 Staffelkapitaine in combat with Spitfires of #610 over Kent. The next day one of the replacement Staffelkapitaines was lost again to #610 over Folkstone. The other replacement Staffelkapitaine was Rall. With these and other losses III./JG 52 was withdrawn back to Germany before the month was out.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 23, 2005, 12:26:13 PM
TY again.
Had the data actually.
But the missing part was the one of 610 sqn.
I remember Rall saying that the BoB was really dreadful. Must have been, loosing so many close by persons in a matter of days.
Same happened in the RAF of course. I remember tales of squadrons that were rotated temporarily and new commanders assigned to bring all together again.
Of course this happened, and to both parties. Beliving anything else is just stupid, - some illusion of fanatics.
BTW, which known BoB pilots belonged to 610?
If you have a clue, or a hint, please post, will look up then.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 23, 2005, 12:43:04 PM
Angus,

FltLt John Ellis became the Co of 610. In combat over Dover on July 24 he destroyed 2 109s from III./JG 52.

Plt Off Constintine Pegge was another 610 pilot.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 23, 2005, 12:55:08 PM
Nice and fast.
Was looking myself.
Stanford-Tuck was also with 610.
Now the Irony is that he met Rall right after the war, and they became very good friends.
Tuck also had a lifelong friendship with Galland, - -and those two were advisors on the making of the classic move "the Battle of Britain" Richard Attenborough, right?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 23, 2005, 02:23:00 PM
Oh, an opinion of a USN Pilot who tested a Spitfire.
That was a tropic Spit VIII with a Merlin 66, top speed 420 mph at 21K, ceiling 41500 feet.
The RAF pilots trained with the USN at China Bay, mockfights and camera work, - the USN opponent being the Hellcats of Saratoga.
Major Bob Dosé tested the Mk VIII
After some aerobatics in the Spitty, he called the RAF guys up in the R/T and said "Say guys, how do I get to join the RAF?"
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 23, 2005, 02:43:39 PM
Yet more.
AFAIK Spitfires were launced from HMS Eagle otw to Malta.
They were overloaded, the launch range for Spitfires with drop tanks being 600 miles.
The Eagle was total 203 metres long. Don't know of the flight deck.
Speed was 18 kts cruise, 24 tops.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on January 23, 2005, 11:07:51 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Nice and fast.
Was looking myself.
Stanford-Tuck was also with 610.
Now the Irony is that he met Rall right after the war, and they became very good friends.
Tuck also had a lifelong friendship with Galland, - -and those two were advisors on the making of the classic move "the Battle of Britain" Richard Attenborough, right?


Nah, Stanford Tuck wasn't 610.  He was 92 then 257 Squadron

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 23, 2005, 11:18:12 PM
Speaking of BoB, it was on TV this afternoon. Had to do some channel hopping as Speedway racing was on another channel.

In one scene, when the airfields were being bombed, there was a scramble take off. Did not see anything that would suggest the Spit would dig its prop as Barbi would have us believe happened so many times and the Spits were not bouncing on turf even though at high speed. Oh yah, no WRENs on the tail either.:D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 24, 2005, 07:03:14 AM
The Battle of Britain was picnic, according to Angie.

Well, this is what the survivors say :

"Q: When the German fighters engaged you, did they all come down mob-handed, or did they send down just a portion of their force, leaving a top cover reserve?

John: I cannot give you an honest answer to this question, as with their superior speed, height, and armament, I ran for cover, hence I am still in the land of the living. But my opinion is that if there were twelve or more, some would obviously have kept top cover.

Q: To what do you attribute your survival in the Battle?

John: I had to have been very lucky, but that was not all.

The four days that 253 spent in France was the longest and most harrowing I spent during the whole war. We lost our CO and both flight commanders, and one third of our pilots. I was dead lucky, completely inexperienced and in the hands of the Gods.  My first melee lined up on a Me110, to find I had not switched on my gunsight. Having done that I found that I had not switched on the gun button after which I had nothing left to fire at. I forgot all about my tail, and would have been easy meat for anyone, however I survived. But on my way back to Lille Marq, I spied a 109, fifty feet below me, going the same way. The poor bugger never stood a chance, I fired from within 100 yards, all my bullets going into him. I must have killed the pilot as he slowly went into a steep dive, no-one leaving the aircraft until it hit the ground. That was my first victory. It shook me considerably, as it so easily could have been me. I learned then to never stop looking around and above, which held me in good stead later on.

I also saw that the German fighters were a lot better than we had been led to believe, and that to attack them head-on with their two cannon was suicide.

I also learned that the best evasive action to take when attacked from above was to turn into them and dive at the same time.

I have very good eyes, and was made "tail-end Charlie" during the Battle, weaving around looking for the enemy, and reporting anything to the leader.

I attribute all the above to my survival."



-An interview with John Greenwood, who fought with 253 Sqn. during the Battle of Britain in Hurricanes, from August 30 1940 when he was posted to December 1940. The interview was conducted by e-mail in March-April and June 2004.



It`s always a bit shocking to see the contrast between Angie`s dreamworld, and how the people who had been there tell it. And also the Big picture... the RAF already lost over 50% of it`s senior officiers by August, Squadron Leaders and Wing Commanders...
Now Angie may claim the opposition was sucked and was inferior beyond grasp, but reality shows a different picture.

Ie. the losses sustained over Dunkirk in just a few days speak for themselves.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1102087573_dunkirklosses.jpg)

I am sure Angie will come up with an excuse.

"They emptied the Thames". :lol

And a bit on the Spitties undercarriage...

"September, 1943, saw the first extensive combat use of the Spitfire... Appearantly, it was decided to provide air support for the operation from a force of Royal Navy carriers equipped mainly with Seafire IICs and LIICs. The Seafires brough down a few German and Italian aircraft,  partly because the tactics were predominantly defensive and many of the raiders were bomb-carrying JaBo Bf 109s and FW 190s. But in 713 sorties, no fewer than 42 of the 120 Seafires involved had been lost or written off, including 32 wrecked in landing accidents, while 39 more of the fighters had been damaged in deck accidents. Altough the operation served it`s purpose of providing air cover until the land forces could provide secure airstrips, the Seafire force had virtually ceased to exists by Salerno D-Day plus 3. The bad experiance of Salerno not unnaturally coloured the Navy`s subsequent view on the Seafire; altough the development of a Seafire version with a stronger undercarriage was initiated shortly after the Salerno operations, it was to be another 3 years after this aircraft, the Seafire 17, entered service. Meanwhile, deliveries of purpose built American carrier fighters to the Fleet Air Arm were picking up speed, and the Seafire suffered by comparison."

See Bill Sweetman`s 'Spitfire', in 'The Great Book of WW2 Airplanes', page 314.


Hmm, 4.4% loss rate/sortie ALONE to landing accidents...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 24, 2005, 07:45:17 AM
Last time I knew, the fall of France was one conflict, Dunkirk was the end of it, and the BoB was another one.

At the fall of France, the RAF did terribly, and sustained terrible losses.
Over Dunkirk the Match was more even, there the LW sustained quite some losses.
In the BoB, for the first time, the Germans had to cease their activity due to heavy losses, and turn over to nighttime bombings, for which there was yet no remedy.

Please don't mix this up!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 24, 2005, 07:55:50 AM
Oh, Izzy, saw your nice undercarriage twist.

You can read this up in Jeff Quills book, - maybe you have and chose to hush it in the belief that I would not spot it.
But I did.

Those Spits operated from small escort carriers, which would have given any monoplane a serious problem. The attempt to use these was in my opinion stupid, - no matter if it were Spitties or even F4F's. The deck was very short, and the cruise speed was slow, and now you know.
Yet, from those small escort carriers, Spitfires and Hurricanes were launched from 600 Miles distance to Malta......
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 24, 2005, 08:05:54 AM
Oh, and what changes.
While the RAF suffered almost crippling losses on the French mainland, they gradually pulled themselves together with better and better success, - and Spitfires gradually increasing their numbers.
November was the last month of LW daylight operations, the last engagement being on the 27th.
Spitfires jumped I/JG51 shooting down 6, with AFAIK no losses.
The month turned out RAF:146 kills (some handful ack), LW 31 (Hurries and Spits)
So, the LW switched over to nighttime ops.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 24, 2005, 08:17:46 AM
Oh, again.
They did Empty the Thames.
There was just not so much water in it.

Just can't get it why, after all, the LW never used teror bombing as a method. Never :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 24, 2005, 10:58:06 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Oh, and what changes.
While the RAF suffered almost crippling losses on the French mainland, they gradually pulled themselves together with better and better success, - and Spitfires gradually increasing their numbers.


Uhum, see what happened over Dunkirk. Even Stukas operated with far less loss rate than Spitfires. As for the number of Spitfires, despite the huge numbers produced, the RAF FC was made up 1/3 Spitfires at the beginning and at the end of the battle just the same.

Quote

November was the last month of LW daylight operations, the last engagement being on the 27th.
Spitfires jumped I/JG51 shooting down 6, with AFAIK no losses.[/B]


Yep, you mean the usual RAF way, claim a large number of aircraft against 'no losses'. Wonder why they got to fight over London then...? They reported 170-180 shot down enemy planes per day regularly during BoB, checked against actual German losses - 30-40 maximum...


Quote

The month turned out RAF:146 kills (some handful ack), LW 31 (Hurries and Spits)
So, the LW switched over to nighttime ops.
[/B]


Nice revisionism Angie. A little manipulation with the number, using exaggrevated RAF claims, including AAA claims during the night against bombers, and right off you can claim your RAF heroes as supernatural beings... sure. :D

One thing I don`t understand though... why is the final tally being a lot more Spits/Hurris lost than 109s then? I mean, in Angie World, the only type of engagement seen is a enourmous number of 109s being shot down, for no lossess...
And where did all those experienced RAF flyers went, why did Dowding had to pull out students from flight schools before they even finished the training course and so on...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 24, 2005, 11:26:41 AM
Oh, dear Izzy:
"
November was the last month of LW daylight operations, the last engagement being on the 27th.
Spitfires jumped I/JG51 shooting down 6, with AFAIK no losses.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yep, you mean the usual RAF way, claim a large number of aircraft against 'no losses'. Wonder why they got to fight over London then...? They reported 170-180 shot down enemy planes per day regularly during BoB, checked against actual German losses - 30-40 maximum... "

These were actually LW losses, - RAF claimed 10.
Same with the November combined number, claims were much higher.
Yes, those overclaiming last 50 Spitfires :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 24, 2005, 11:34:51 AM
Then on to this one:
"One thing I don`t understand though... why is the final tally being a lot more Spits/Hurris lost than 109s then? I mean, in Angie World, the only type of engagement seen is a enourmous number of 109s being shot down, for no lossess... "

The Tally of BoB is more British fighters lost than 109's.
However, more German Aircraft, and noticably crew than the ones of the RAF.

Then that one:
"And where did all those experienced RAF flyers went, why did Dowding had to pull out students from flight schools before they even finished the training course and so on..."

Those rather inexperienced pilots still reached the beforementioned Tally.
Then the aftermath, Britain was in full swing training new pilots, ending the war with ample pilots.
My great uncle was already flying with the RAF in the summer 1940, yet he and his mates did not enter operational missions until late summer 1941. So stuff it! It was a temporary problem, - it got solved.
I remember your figure of 6000 LW fighter pilots lost. Now tell me, how could a nation of 80 million people not patch that up in 6 years? This is about the car accident death rate in 1 year....

In angieworld, revisionised and censored, the LW lost the BoB and had to revert to night offensive. DOT.
Wonder if anyone agrees with that.....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 24, 2005, 11:48:43 AM
Yup Angus, Barbi always forgets to include the bomber losses but that is so typical of him.:)

Again he makes a mountain out of a molehill by saying one day's claim was the regular for the whole battle. Should we re-name Barbi to Mr. Exageration?:D

The RAF had to be supernatural beings to put the boots to the O so mighty LW and send them packing with their tails between their legs. Well, according to Barbi the LW were the supermen.:rolleyes:
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 24, 2005, 12:07:53 PM
Angus, the LW lost 435 a/c (German Quartermaster returns) but only announced the loss of 243 a/c to the German public for the last 3 weeks of Sept. 1940. (Deighton)

He also takes the claims used for the English public as official RAF claims. Barbi does have his problems.;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: HoHun on January 24, 2005, 02:42:55 PM
Hi Kurfürst,

>Hmm, 4.4% loss rate/sortie ALONE to landing accidents...

Well, the Seafire was not really suited for carrier operations, but the reason was not the landing gear.

According to Seafire and Sea Fury pilot Mike Crosley, the problem with the Seafire was that the Spitfire wing didn't have a defined stall. In most situations, that's a good characteristic, and it doesn't really matter in landings where enough runway is available.

However, in a carrier landing, you can't use the normal technique of floating down the runway to bleed speed, then settle gently on the ground. You need to stop flying abruptly, as any tendency to float can make you bounce, miss the wires, and hit the barrier (or worse, hop over it).

In the Seafire, the situation was made worse by the carrier equipment which made the aircraft so tail-heavy that on the landing approach, it flew with the horizontal tail providing lift. If the pilot cut the throttle in order stop flying and touch down at a spot of his choosing, the tail would lose the slipstream-induced lift and drop - giving just the same effect as pulling back on the stick while flying near stall speed. That could cause a stall and "prang", or if the speed was higher, a float resulting in missed wires and a barrier strike or worse.

The narrow landing gear actually was not that bad as it meant that the Spitfire would tend to run straight after touchdown, just like with the Me 109. (Regardless of whether the pilot actually wanted to go straight or not, that is :-)

Crosley contrasts this to the American practice of approaching in shallow flight with high power and high drag due to large split flaps. The US Navy fighters would positively stop to fly when power was chopped and were capable of safe and accurate deck landings as a result.

Interestingly, the Me 109T-1 was fitted with dedicated spoiler flaps in order to make US Navy-style carrier approaches practicable. Though often ridiculed in older books on the topic, the Me 109T-1 was actually quite well-suited for carrier operations.

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 25, 2005, 04:40:11 PM
Very nice analisys HoHun.
(Although you officially do not correspond with me)

It very much speaks out the explanation for what I was looking for when I saw Spits land some in my first times.
They didn't want to get down, just floated and floated.

Now add to that No wind, a slow escort carrier and a short deck.......yeachhh disaster.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 27, 2005, 05:02:20 AM
Oh, guess what.
Was looking at BoB statistics and some more this morning.
I stumbled across two items which I am sure Izzy's gonna love.
1. LW losses in may and June 1940 were 1100 aircraft.
2. It has been regarded as a myth that LW bomber squadrons were turned around during the battle (Jettison and run home) Now I have that documented.
Will type in the details later.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 27, 2005, 11:06:35 AM
Ok, here goes.
From the Germans, through Ultra (They were making the balance).
Losses May and June 1940:
Total 1100+ aircraft destroyed, 145 damaged.
There off 235 109E's, 106 110's, 113 Ju87's, 492 medium bombers, others 154+
Additionally, accidents another 216 aircraft.


Then, on to breaking bomber squadrons.
100 DO 17's from KG3 en route to London.
Headwind, so escorts did not have enough fuel (!)
That also gave fighter command more plotting time.
6 Dorniers shot down, the rest jettisoned their bombs and ran for home.
Really interesting, for this shows rather nicely what a little more time on the plotting boards can do, as well as lack of escorts!
109's returning long before reaching London.
FYI, the total results of that day, based on loss records mind you, were LW bombers 35 with several damaged,LW total 55, while RAF stood at 28.
Date was 14 Sep 1940
Source: Christopher Shore's DUEL FOR THE SKY, ten cruicial air battles of WW2, Page 34 and 52
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 27, 2005, 11:22:33 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Oh, guess what.
Was looking at BoB statistics and some more this morning.
I stumbled across two items which I am sure Izzy's gonna love.
1. LW losses in may and June 1940 were 1100 aircraft.
[/b]

Known for ages.. Groehler gives it very accurately. The French put up a much better fight than you`d think. You basically listed what was lost to the French, Belgian, Holland air force, and even more so, anti aircraft guns, ship AA over dunkirk etc..

This is from the official R.A.F. website :

18 Jun 1940 - The remnants of the RAF Hurricane squadrons in France evacuate their bases, having provided cover for the final Allied retreat from France; the last to leave are Nos. 1 and 73 Sqns, which had been the first to arrive in 1939. The fighting in France cost the RAF a total of 1,029 aircraft and over 1,500 personnel.

Plus the Armee d`Air, and benelux airforces completely wiped out.. I guess Angie as usual got tunnel vision again, when he realized the Germans DID loose aircraft in battles, like everybody else. Just far less...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 27, 2005, 11:34:49 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus

FYI, the total results of that day, based on loss records mind you, were LW bombers 35 with several damaged,LW total 55, while RAF stood at 28.
Date was 14 Sep 1940
Source: Christopher Shore's DUEL FOR THE SKY, ten cruicial air battles of WW2, Page 34 and 52


That`s funny, because compared you your claim of 55 bombers 'lost', the RAF itself claimed 11 109s, a SINGLE Do17, two Ju88s and a Heinkel.. plus 3 probables, and 12 damaged on the 14th September 1940... directly from the RAF`s official daily reports of that time.

British losses amount 12 fighters shot down, four pilots KIA.

Now I have seen vast exxegerations, but never that they would claim far less than what was actually shot down. Which makes your story suspicious, to say at least.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 27, 2005, 11:42:11 AM
Nice 'roomy' Spitty cocpit there :

(http://www.raf.mod.uk/bob1940/images/cockpitspit2.jpg)

Looking at the picture, I always think the legroom was optimized for Douglas Bader. :cool:
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 27, 2005, 12:12:00 PM
I know that the French campaign was a disaster for the RAF, what I hadn't known was how many aircraft the LW had lost.

Those claim numbers of yours are a bit baffling, I have the RAF pilot claims as well, which are of course much higher.
This is of course not a Story, the source is listed, and Shores is quite reliable.
edit: found the bug. it's the 15th not the 14th.
As for your cockpit picture, thank you very much for a nice picture.
I have a better one myself, which I took personally BTW.

You'll say next time that an inch is smaller than a cm :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Karnak on January 27, 2005, 12:17:22 PM
Ok, I'll break my rule.

Barbi, has anybody anywhere ever described the Spitfire's cockpit as "roomy"?

I've certainly never seen it described that way.  I've read amusing comments by American pilots who flew Spit IXs and were re-equiped with P-47s.  Things like "To take evasives in a Spitfire you manuvered the plane, to take evasives in a P-47 you got up and ran around the cockpit."

I've read comments from RAF pilots describing the Spitfire as a plane you wore.

Never, anywhere have I ever seen anybody, then or now, describe the Spitfire's cockpit as "roomy", other than you in your creation of strawman arguments.  A strawman argument is one where one side says something like "The Spitfire's cockpit was not as cramped as the Bf109's cockpit." In order to seemingly refute that the other side makes a counter argument like " The Spitfire's cockpit was not roomy, just look at these pictures."  The problem is, nobody ever claimed that the Spitfire's cockpit was roomy so you are countering an argument that was never presented and making statements that cannot be contested as they are true, they just have nothing to do with what you are contesting.  That is a false method of debate.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 27, 2005, 01:26:30 PM
He also claims that a P51 cockpit was cramped.

Compared to the Spitfire cockpit, it was as one described,a Saloon  ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 27, 2005, 01:51:13 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
He also claims that a P51 cockpit was cramped.

Compared to the Spitfire cockpit, it was as one described,a Saloon  ;)


Not only that Angus but Barbi, and his bud Huckles, claimed that the view to the rear in the 109 was as good, or better, than in any of the Allied 'bubble' canopy a/c. Don't fall out of your chair laughing at that claim.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 28, 2005, 07:34:37 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Karnak

Barbi, has anybody anywhere ever described the Spitfire's cockpit as "roomy"?
[/B]

Well you only have to read Angie`s continous rantings about the 'roomy' Spitfire cocpit in this very thread. He cannot accept it was not. OR just read guppy, the milomoron...  ie. Guppy : "And yes the Spit cockpit is fairly roomy."etc.

You shouldn`t blame me for some Spitfire zealots having their blankers on when it comes to their 'flawless' favourte bird. You shouldn`t cry 'strawman arguement', if you are too blind to see how biased the Spitfire crowd is.

And as for the P-51, I have no idea if it was cramped or not. The USN says this on this subject :

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1106919239_p51bcramped.jpg)

Now, according the Angie, the 51`s cocpit "compared to the Spitfire cockpit, it was as one described,a Saloon".
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Karnak on January 28, 2005, 10:12:56 AM
Barbi,

I've not read the entire thread.  As I said, I've never seen anybody claim the Spitfire's cockpit was roomy.  If Angus did, he's wrong.  The Spitfire's cockpit is known to be one of the tighter fitting WWII fighter cockpits.

That document is about the P-51B, without the Malcolm Hood no doubt.  Most people when refering to the P-51 assume the P-51D is the version being discussed.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 28, 2005, 10:35:54 AM
Karnak, it is all relative.:)

At the bottom for roominess is the 109 with the Spitfire somewhat better and the P-51 even better.

If Barbi lost his horse blinders, he would not have tunnel vision and see that who he claims are 'Spitfire zealots' are very far from being zealots. The only zealot in this thread is the one and only (thank God) Anglo hating Barbi.

One cannot have a rational, intelligent discussion with a zealot, as you well know.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on January 28, 2005, 10:57:19 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Karnak
Barbi,

I've not read the entire thread.  As I said, I've never seen anybody claim the Spitfire's cockpit was roomy.  If Angus did, he's wrong.  The Spitfire's cockpit is known to be one of the tighter fitting WWII fighter cockpits.

That document is about the P-51B, without the Malcolm Hood no doubt.  Most people when refering to the P-51 assume the P-51D is the version being discussed.


The only one to mention the Spit cockpit as roomy was former LW 109 pilot and ace Ekkehard Bob.  I shared that comment in a post regarding a show on TV I saw comparing the Spit to the 109.  Bob was sitting in the cockpit of a restored Spitfire V as he made the comment.

Having sat in the cockpit of a Spitfire II myself, I can tell you it was not cramped.  If felt comfortable to me.  That being said, I could see why Spitfire pilots talked about 'putting on' the aircraft.

It is not as big as a P51D, having sat in one of those too.

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 28, 2005, 11:05:58 AM
Looks like we are heading for a more rational discussion.

Here`s what former 109 aces Franz Stiegler has to say :

"How did the cockpit feel in the 109?

The cockpit was small, but one got used to it after a while. In the end it felt comfortable since you felt like part of the plane. The spitfire's cockpit did not feel that much roomier to him either. The 262 cockpit however was larger in comparison. It also had a long flight stick, giving the pilot lots of leverage in flight. "

On P-51 he did not commented.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on January 28, 2005, 01:13:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst


Here`s what former 109 aces Franz Stiegler has to say :

"How did the cockpit feel in the 109?

The cockpit was small, but one got used to it after a while. In the end it felt comfortable since you felt like part of the plane. The spitfire's cockpit did not feel that much roomier to him either.


Angus, a Red Letter day. Mark it on the calender for Barbi just made a post saying the Spitfire cockpit was larger than that of the 109s.:aok
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 28, 2005, 06:33:58 PM
Well, I do not remember saying it was roomy.
But it had more space.

I remember having a haggle whether the P51 cockpit was roomier or not, - now that's like saying that an inch is bigger than a cenimeter basically.

Oh, hope Izzy doesn't confuse his spouse with inches and centimetres :D


okok...this was under the belt    :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 29, 2005, 04:59:39 AM
Angus is very concerned about lenght measurements around now.

Your woman said something ? :lol
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on January 29, 2005, 06:07:45 AM
Now this one should be more interesting :


"Apart from performance, it was also very important the plane to possess a sort of 'goodwill'.
The Bf 109 - except for take-offs - was an easy-to-fly airplane, and in addition it brought back the pilot even with serious damage. My plane, 'Blue 1' received hits multiple times, in one case when attacking a Boston formation the skin on the left wing was ripped off on half square meter, the main spar was damaged and the undercarriage tire was blown to pieces, yet it dropped without a problem and the plane landed just like it was a training session. Not to mention it`s valuable quality that it never caught fire during landing on the belly after a fatal hit, in contrast to many other type, with which such emergency procedure put us at a serious risk because of the danger of fire and explosion. To summerize : we loved the Bf 109.
We did not like war. Alas, as we were soldiers, we performed our duty. The end of this sad story is marked by white marble in the world`s cemeteries."


- Pinter Gyula,
2nd Lt., RHAF. 101st Fighter Regiment, 1991.


Note : 'training session', he says 'school circle', ie. to take off, then land, not sure of the english equivalent.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 29, 2005, 11:58:42 AM
From IZZY:
"Angus is very concerned about lenght measurements around now.

Your woman said something ? "

ROFL, - nice, there is Friday night in yer land as well :D


As for the pilots quote, nice as well, keep e'm coming.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on January 29, 2005, 12:08:10 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
Now this one should be more interesting :


"Apart from performance, it was also very important the plane to possess a sort of 'goodwill'.
The Bf 109 - except for take-offs - was an easy-to-fly airplane, and in addition it brought back the pilot even with serious damage. My plane, 'Blue 1' received hits multiple times, in one case when attacking a Boston formation the skin on the left wing was ripped off on half square meter, the main spar was damaged and the undercarriage tire was blown to pieces, yet it dropped without a problem and the plane landed just like it was a training session. Not to mention it`s valuable quality that it never caught fire during landing on the belly after a fatal hit, in contrast to many other type, with which such emergency procedure put us at a serious risk because of the danger of fire and explosion. To summerize : we loved the Bf 109.
We did not like war. Alas, as we were soldiers, we performed our duty. The end of this sad story is marked by white marble in the world`s cemeteries."


- Pinter Gyula,
2nd Lt., RHAF. 101st Fighter Regiment, 1991.


Note : 'training session', he says 'school circle', ie. to take off, then land, not sure of the english equivalent.


Does he indicate what kind of experience he had as a pilot when he first got in a 109?  Hours, types of aircraft he'd flown etc?

Reason I ask, is that any dicussion regarding ease of flight comparisons have always been in relation to a new pilot transitioning to a Spit or a 109.

Dan/Slack
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on January 29, 2005, 01:01:24 PM
That's why I take Rall's view, for instance, quite seriously.

If all quotes were from pilots with that much experience....
Title: re: Fw 190A9 vs Mustang III
Post by: LRRP22 on February 01, 2005, 04:58:00 PM
Hello Crumpp,

I had to register just to respond to your post:D

you said:
--------------
quote:Mustang speed and climb at low altitude test results from Boscombe Down



The FW-190A9 is just barely faster with MW-50 at sea level than the Mustang III using 80"hg. Backs up Oscar's experience over the Ardennes forest in Dec. 44.

Thanks Neil for the data.

Crumpp
---------------

In fact, the Mustang III (P-51B/C) at +25 lbs/80" Hg boost was substantially faster at sea level than any 190, including the Dora.

Mustang III FB 377 reached 649 kph/403 mph at SL without wingracks but otherwise combat loaded, while losing an estimated 13 kph/8 mph with wing racks fitted.

FB377 (SZ-R) was pulled from squadron service with 316 (Polish) Squadron in July/Aug '44.  'As received' from the squadron, FB377 did 615 kph, but that was with at least six coats of chipped paint work "in very poor condition".  Here are links to the RAE chart and to the description of FB377 as received:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/brentce/FB377fig4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/brentce/FB377pg3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/brentce/FB377pg4.jpg


The results for Mustang IV/P-51D TK589 are the slowest speeds I have yet seen for SL performance with wing racks at +18 lbs and +25 lbs boost.  The fact that TK589 was delivered to the UK in March '44, and the test took place in August might indicate that TK589 was a little bit wrung out at the time of testing (minus 5-10 mph?).  Isegrim will disagree since he is very fond of quoting these numbers to represent P-51 speeds at low altitude...:p
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on February 01, 2005, 07:05:00 PM
Who the hell are you?! You can't just pop in like that! ... Not without presenting yourself!


Welcome to the forum! :)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on February 01, 2005, 08:37:58 PM
LRPP is one of Barbi's bestest of buddies. ;) ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on February 02, 2005, 08:41:16 AM
Bf 109 vs. Spitfire vs. Fw 190 vs. P-51

Now that will be fun. Foresee a 2000+ post-thread. :lol

Now the British Mustang test, Mustang IV/P-51D TK589. Conditions noted, to me it seems pretty much standard, with some care given to the aircraft.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/715_1107355226_tk589speed.jpg)

The Mustang III FB 377 LRRP2 refers to were done in a special test series finding a suitable plane type for V-1 hunting, much of the equipment being stripped to make the plane lighter and cleaner...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on February 02, 2005, 08:46:35 AM
Some remarks on the SPITFIRE from Soviet pilot :

from Alfred Price's "The Spitfire Story"

"Until now little information has appeared in the west on how the Soviet Air Force used the Spitfire VBs it received at the beginning of 1943. The account which follows is based on the memoirs of the fighter pilot Senior Lieutenant (later Colonel) Anatoli Ivanov; some of his phrases might ring a little strangely in western ears, but are included to give the flavour of what he wrote. Ivanov's unit, the 36th Fighter Aviation Regiment, had been in action on the Caucasian front with Polikarpov I-16 fighters until near the end of 1942 when it was pulled back to an airfield near Baku on the Caspian Sea to reform and re-equip. In February 1943 the Regiment received its first Spitfires:

We studied the new aircraft carefully, but because there were no manuals we could not find out what it would be like in the air. Neither our instructors nor the technicians had any figures on its performance. We knew that at the time the English had a better fighter, the Spitfire IX, and the word was that it was good. The aircraft our allies had presented to us, however, were of a much older version. Ours had fought against the Germans over the Channel during 1941 and 1942, and these Spitfires had taken some knocks before they were repaired and transferred to us.

Its speed was not much greater than that of the I-16. Its ceiling was not greater than 9,000 metres [29,500 feet] and it was armed with 2 cannon and 4 machine guns .... The Spitfire was simple to fly and tolerant of mistakes, but it wasn't anything special. The I-16 had been much more demanding. Still the Spitfire did have a radio, albeit a poor one.* The Soviet fighters designed by Lavochkin and Yakovlev had a significantly better performance. The sole advantage of the Spitfire was the fact that it was very light and, with its powerful engine, it climbed well; this would give us the advantage of height. Its worst feature was that the guns were mounted in the wings; the distance between the cannon was nearly 4 metres, so when attacking the enemy from close range the concentration of fire power was low.

Ivanov described the Spitfire as 'a kaftan for someone else's shoulders', ie 'someone else's jacket', but acknowledged that the Soviet Air Force was short of fighters and had to make use of anything it could get.

Near Baku the 36th Fighter Aviation Regiment, and a sister unit nearby, received their complement of Spitfires and the task of conversion training proceeded. During February the 36th was honoured with the award of Guards status and redesignated the 57th Guards Fighter Regiment. By the third week in April the unit was ready again for operations, and began moving to the Kuban area on the southern front to join the heavy fighting around the German bridgehead based on the port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea. Ivanov's Regiment arrived at its base, a forward airfield situated near the village of Popovicheskoy, to find that the airwar had changed a great deal since it had left the front. Both sides now regularly put up forces of over a hundred aircraft, and when these clashed large scale battles would ensue with losses on both sides. During these actions the main German fighter opposition came from the Messerschmitt 109s of Jagdgeschwader 52, though from time to time FW 190s were also seen in the area.

Initially the Spitfires were not used properly on the Kuban front, and suffered accordingly. As Ivanov explained:

Usually we were given a specific area, bounded by three or four points on the ground, over which we were to provide cover for our ground forces. Specific altitudes and times for these patrols were laid down. But because the points defining the patrol areas were close together, we had to decrease speed to remain in the area and so found ourselves at a disadvantage compared with the enemy.

*Before delivery to the Soviet Air Force the Spitfire VBs had had their VHF sets removed and TR 9 high frequency sets installed.

If we tried to comb the area at high speed, we risked running short of fuel and could not cover it for the required period. The enemy fighters quickly took the measure of these poorly thought-out tactics and made attacks which cost us dearly. During our first encounter with escorted Fascist bombers, on 28 April, the Spitfires paid not a small price. Patrolling a designated area at low speed and being tied to points on the ground, the force of Spitfires was unable to manoeuvre freely and co-ordinate the action of its pairs and fours. The enemy fighters, using their altitude advantage, attacked us without hindrance.

Another problem the Soviet Spitfire pilots soon discovered was that their aircraft looked quite unlike Russian-built fighters and were often taken for those of the enemy by ground gunners and the pilots of other units. Several times Spitfires came under attack from 'friendly' forces and some were shot down or damaged, including Ivanov's:

I was attacking a Fascist Junkers 87 bomber and, having got myself into an advantageous position, would probably, have shot him down. But then our Yaks appeared. 'Yaks!' I shouted over the radio, 'Yaks, don't hinder my attack. Give me cover-I'm on your side!' But one of the pilots obviously did not understand, he swung round on to my tail and opened up with everything. My wings were holed and glycol vapour
started to trail from the engine cowling. I wanted to bale out but by then I was too low. I reduced speed and somehow managed to level out the Spitfire, I barely made it home.

Following this and other incidents, the Spitfires made demonstration flights over gun sites in the area and paid visits to neighbouring fighter units to familiarise everyone with the lines of the British fighter. Initiallythe Spitfires carried the Regiment's emblem, a large yellow arrow painted across the fuselage. But it was felt that it confused rather than aided identification and the design was hastily removed."
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on February 02, 2005, 10:58:56 AM
So,,,,,old second hand Spitties were not on pair with the newest German and even Russian stuff, and non original radio sets were not too good.
And Rall and his fellows actually met Spifires then, but had no reason to fear them because the Russians didn't know how to use them anyway, save alone spraying with hizookas so far apart at close range.

uuuuuuh?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: LRRP22 on February 02, 2005, 12:40:43 PM
Kurfurst's quote:
---------------------
The Mustang III FB 377 LRRP2 refers to were done in a special test series finding a suitable plane type for V-1 hunting, much of the equipment being stripped to make the plane lighter and cleaner...
---------------------


Isegrim,

I posted the relevant descriptions of condition and restoration right along with the speed graphs.  Anyone with even a basic comprehension of English can see that it was a squadron service example in full combat configuration.  Heck, I even gave you the squadron and squadron code for FB377.*   The 403 mph speed includes ALL combat equipment, excluding wingracks.  With wingracks, in full combat configuration, it was capable of 395 mph@SL.  The 405 mph/652 kph @SL speed resulted from the only other removal of combat equipment. Namely a small horseshoe-shaped bracket of at the base of the aerial (the aerial was left in place) and the replacement of the exhaust stacks with slightly larger Spitfire stacks.  It's all there in the descriptions I posted.

As has been pointed out to you countless times, the "at least" six coats of "very poor" paintwork were restored to something less than factory fresh condition.  You can bet that a factory fresh, fully combat equipped example running at +25 lbs boost would have been even faster.

As for TK589, I don't dispute the speeds- I just don't believe that it represents the speed of a factory fresh airframe.  The timeline I described indicates that it certainly wasn't factory fresh, and no, it did not recieve 'special attention'- the description of the wing surfaces was, as you know, a factory finish.  All Mustangs had filled and sanded wing joints- every single one.  Like I said,  the +18 lbs speeds only seem to be 5-10 mph below other tests which could easily be attributed to a little engine wear and tear.


*A little more on FB377...  Before it was sent to RAE for testing, it had already downed eigth V-1's- two by tipping.  As a matter of fact FB377/SZ-R had had it port wingtip replaced due to damage incurred during the tipping.



__________________
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on February 02, 2005, 01:05:02 PM
Ok, more stuff here.
Great aircraft of WW2, Alfred Price and Mike Spick, p22
Hans Scmoller-Haldy of a captured Spitfire.
(It's already been shown somewhere on the forum)
"I was able to fly a captured Spitfire at Jever. My first impression was that it had a beautiful engine. It purred. The engine of the Messerscmitt 109 was very loud. Also, the Spitfire was easier to fly, and to land, than the Me 109. The 109 was unforgiving of any inattention."

Jeff Quill of the 109:
p 200
" I have mentioned how badly I felt about the ailerons of the Spitfire at the time of the battle of Britain. In October 1940 I flew captured Me109; to my surprize and relief I found the aileron control of the German fighter every bit as bad - if not worse - at high speeds as that of the Spitfire I and II with fabric covered ailerons. They were good at low and medium speed, but at 400 mh and above they were almost immovable. I thought the Me 109E performed well, particularly on the climb at altitude, and it had good stalling characteristics under g, except that the leading-edge slats kept snapping in and out. But it had no rudder trimmer - which gave it a heavy footload at high speed - while the cockpit, the canopy and the rearward vision were much worse than in the Spitfire. Had I flown the Me 109 earlier I would have treated the aeroplane with less respect in combat."

But Quill did fight the 109's in the BoB, so here's a dogfight:
P186
"One engagement with several Me 109's at about 25000 ft over the channel sticks in my memory. It happened very suddenly; in fact we were mildly "bounced" and soon I found myself between two 109's in a steep left-hand turn. I was able to turn inside the second one and fired at him from close range. He went on pulling round as sharply as he could. I followed him without any difficulty and went on firing bursts at him. There were puffs of black smoke and then a trail of white vapour streamed from his aircraft."

Now, Neville Duke tested the 109 cockpit.
Test Pilot, p 73., while in Cairo.
"We also received a Messerchmitt 109F from Middle East headquarters, but I never flew it, for I found great difficulty in getting myself into the small cockpit."

oops
:D

Something that young Duke did in the narrow Spitfire cockpit, p48:
"We were at 25000 feet and there were lots of 109's about; too many, in fact, and one of them got on my tail and I saw his tracer going just over my hood, I got out of his way by turning hard and climbing, only to be jumped by eight of his friends. I used all the dodges I could and managed to get away from them when I was well out to sea."

Well. Duke sure knew how to Duke it out with the 109's, - he earned most of his perks in the desert though.
One more account, p.77, HO merge with 109's
"I saw tracer passing over my cockpit, engaged two 109's and began a climbing and turning match with them; we chased up to 20,000 feet and there was a warm comfort infinding that my Spitfire could climb and turn inside the Messerscmitts with no trouble"

BTW, Duke was together with Ian Gleed when Gleed fell in an air battle near Cape Bon. (Debated whether there were 190's there)
I remember Gleed being credited with 3 kills+ in a single pass during the BoB, but can't find it at the moment.
Anyway, nuff for now, gotta milk 'em cows
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on February 02, 2005, 01:25:52 PM
Oh, LRRP22, I flew over your post.
Very very nice. Would you happen to have some more performance figs for that P51, climb and speeds at alts?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: LRRP22 on February 02, 2005, 05:30:53 PM
Angus,

The report I scanned that data from (AVIA 6/10618) doesn't include any climb data.  The test's purpose was to determine what kind of speeds squadron service Mustang III's, Spit XIV's, and Tempest V's were capable of on 150 octane fuel and increased boost at low altitudes while chasing V-1's.

The additional ~20% hp produced at +25 lbs boost should get a Mustang III with an empty fusealge tank (9290 lbs) up to around 4500 fpm at approx. 4000 ft, if you assume a 3500 fpm climb rate with a full fuselage tank (9800 lbs).  The percentage of climb rate increase would be highly dependent on altitude since the Merlin 66/V-1650-7 could not maintain the aprrox 20% HP increase at all altitudes and lost all gains at the 20,000 foot +18 lbs FTH.

Here's a link to another chart that shows +25 lbs boost speeds:

http://www.fourthfightergroup.com/eagles/spit14at21.jpg

When compared with other performance charts such as AVIA 6/10618 and 18/732, this one appears to show speeds, with wingracks, for both the V-1650-3 engined Mustang III and the -7 equipped P-51B.  This chart may show calculated data (apparently accurate), but the fact that it refers to a Mustang III and a P-51B seperately indicates that it could well be test data.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on February 02, 2005, 11:24:12 PM
Various P51B curves from 1944:


(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1107406857_f4uvsp51b.jpg)

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1107407137_p38performance.jpg)

Mustang III Curve:

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1107406791_mustangiii.jpg)

Notice the speed gains occur after the wing is cleaned up AND the racks removed.  

The question becomes in 1944 just how many P51B's were flying in a clean configuration without the wing drop tanks into German Controlled airspace.


Quote
Many pilots regarded the Malcolm-hooded P-51B/C as the best Mustang of the entire series.  It was lighter, faster, and had crisper handling than the later bubble-hooded P-51D and actually had a better all-round view.  Its primary weakness, however, was in its armament--only four rather than six guns, which often proved prone to jamming. Some of the modifications applied to the P-51D to improve the ammunition feed were later retrofitted into P-51B/Cs, which made them less prone to jamming. With modified guns and a Malcolm hood, the P-51B/C was arguably a better fighter than the P-51D, with better visibility, lower weight, and without the structural problems which afflicted the D. Its departure characteristics were also more benign.
 

http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/p51_9.html

It was a P51D Oscar Boesch outran on the deck in his FW-190A8/R7.  Specifically it was 5 x P 51D's who gave a long chase but gave up when Oscar pulled away.

BTW, If you get the chance I highly recommend seeing Oscar's performance.  He fly's at many major airshow's.

http://www.avialantic.com/performers/oscar.html

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on February 03, 2005, 09:24:41 AM
Nice Crumpp :)

I'll try and break this into numbers. It will be an error of maybe 2-3 mph if I do good.

You know, still working on graphs....


BTW, where can I get pictures hosted? The picture hangar is closed.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: LRRP22 on February 03, 2005, 10:05:07 AM
Crummp's quote:
---------------------
Notice the speed gains occur after the wing is cleaned up AND the racks removed.

The question becomes in 1944 just how many P51B's were flying in a clean configuration without the wing drop tanks into German Controlled airspace.
----------------------


From AVIA 8/10618:

"...the seperate items are estimated as 8 mph due to the bomb racks...and 12 mph due to improved finish."


That puts FB377 at 395 mph/636 kph at SL in full combat configuration with bomb racks.  By September of '44 the RAF had 250 Mustangs ranging over NW Europe in this configuration, and 350 by Mar/April '45.  At any given time during that period they were as common, or more common, than Fw 190D-9's.

All of the charts you posted are for early P-51B-1-NA's equipped with the higher-rated V-1650-3 running at +18 lbs/67" Hg WEP.  This configuration represents the slowest of all Merlin Mustangs at low altitude.  The V-1650-3 at +18 lbs boost developed 400 hp less than a V-1650-7 running at +25 lbs boost.   By September '44, all RAF Merlin Mustangs (all Mustang III/P-51B/C's) in the ETO were running +25 lbs boost. It is 250 hp less than USAAF P-51B/C/D/K's running at their standard +21 lbs/72" Hg boost.

It is entirely possible that Oscar outran some USAAF P-51D's on the deck- it is also quite possible that they weren't running at full WEP, either.  After all, chasing a single 190 may not be reason enough to firewall the throttle and run at max boost for a long period of time over enemy territory.  Being chased  by a 190 on the deck most certainly would be.:D  What is not possible is that he could have outrun a 2000+ HP RAF Mustang III at any altitude.  edit: Let me clarify that statement- Of course it is possible that a new condition 190A9 could outrun a +25 lbs clapped-out Mustang III with a rough airframe and a tired engine.  However, if both airplanes were in similar condition the Mustang III would be much faster at most altitudes.

Maybe you should overlay a BMW 801TS-equipped 190A8/A9's speeds against this chart, especially that red line to the far right:;)

(http://www.fourthfightergroup.com/eagles/spit14at21.jpg)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on February 03, 2005, 11:34:49 AM
Quote
That puts FB377 at 395 mph/636 kph at SL in full combat configuration with bomb racks. By September of '44 the RAF had 250 Mustangs ranging over NW Europe in this configuration, and 350 by Mar/April '45. At any given time during that period they were as common, or more common, than Fw 190D-9's.


In September of 1944 the FW-190A9 was well on the scene and the FW-190A8 engine upgrade was in place.  Your chances of encountering an 801S equipped FW-190A were just as great as your chances of encountering a (+25) Mustang III.

Dora's were in factory trials in September and not operational trials.

In March/April '45 the FW-190D9 was the most common FW-190 fighter in the JG's.  

 
Quote
It is entirely possible that Oscar outran some USAAF P-51D's on the deck- it is also quite possible that they weren't running at full WEP, either. After all, chasing a single 190 may not be reason enough to firewall the throttle and run at max boost for a long period of time over enemy territory. Being chased by a 190 on the deck most certainly would be. What is not possible is that he could have outrun a 2000+ HP RAF Mustang III at any altitude. edit: Let me clarify that statement- Of course it is possible that a new condition 190A9 could outrun a +25 lbs clapped-out Mustang III with a rough airframe and a tired engine. However, if both airplanes were in similar condition the Mustang III would be much faster at most altitudes.



Is it possible the P51D's chased him after bouncing his Staffel on it's way to support the Heer in the Ardennes offensive on reduced power, sure.  Is it likely?  Most certainly not.

 As Oscar told the story to me on two separate occasions:

Oscar had just turned with and shot down 1 P51D that had overshot the initial bounce and was forced to turn defensively.  When he checked six, he counted five others in the turning circle.  He rolled out, dove, hit boost and ran at tree top level to escape.  As he leveled out he checked six again still seeing 5 P51D's.  After a protracted chase he began to outdistance them.  The Mustang's gave up and turned for home.

Again it was P51D not a P51B or a Mustang III.

Quote
Many pilots regarded the Malcolm-hooded P-51B/C as the best Mustang of the entire series. It was lighter, faster, and had crisper handling than the later bubble-hooded P-51D and actually had a better all-round view. Its primary weakness, however, was in its armament--only four rather than six guns, which often proved prone to jamming. Some of the modifications applied to the P-51D to improve the ammunition feed were later retrofitted into P-51B/Cs, which made them less prone to jamming. With modified guns and a Malcolm hood, the P-51B/C was arguably a better fighter than the P-51D, with better visibility, lower weight, and without the structural problems which afflicted the D. Its departure characteristics were also more benign.


http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/p51_9.html

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: LRRP22 on February 03, 2005, 12:27:05 PM
Crummp,

Oscar's account sounds about right for an encounter between an Fw 190A-9 (or re-engined A-8) and USAAF P-51D's running 72" Hg WEP- i.e., very close at lower altitudes.  

Considering the time frame, it is also very possible that those Mustangs were from 8th AAF's forward-deployed  (Belgium)  352nd or 361st FG's.  Both groups were almost certainly limited to 67"/+18 lbs boost due to the lack of 100/150 grade fuel at the 9th AAF bases to which they were assigned.  2nd TAF converted to 100/150 grade in late '44 while 9th AAF apparently did not.

Remember, I wasn't contesting Oscar's account- I posted in response to your comment that an 801S-engined 190 would be slightly faster than an RAF Mustang III running +25 lbs boost.  That is not at all true.

BTW, Oscar who?

--------------------------------------------
Is it possible the P51D's chased him after bouncing his Staffel on it's way to support the Heer in the Ardennes offensive on reduced power, sure. Is it likely? Most certainly not.

As Oscar told the story to me on two separate occasions:

Oscar had just turned with and shot down 1 P51D that had overshot the initial bounce and was forced to turn defensively. When he checked six, he counted five others in the turning circle. He rolled out, dove, hit boost and ran at tree top level to escape. As he leveled out he checked six again still seeing 5 P51D's. After a protracted chase he began to outdistance them. The Mustang's gave up and turned for home.

Again it was P51D not a P51B or a Mustang III.
--------------------------------------------:)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on February 03, 2005, 12:30:36 PM
LRRP,

did the P-51 have overheating problems when operating at high boost? The other question is, how long could the P-51 run at max speed? Thanks


Crumpp, nice to see you back.

I know you posted some times the 190 at 1.42 and higher boost. Could you refresh my memory? Thanks.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on February 03, 2005, 12:34:41 PM
Quote
Remember, I wasn't contesting Oscar's account- I posted in response to your comment that an 801S-engined 190 would be slightly faster than an RAF Mustang III running +25 lbs boost. That is not at all true.


That is not what I claimed.  Please read the post's.  I said that Oscar's account is entirely possible according to the documentation.  Although Oscar does not know the exact varient of engine in his FW-190A8 that day the varient of 190 he flew had priority to recieve the engine upgrade.  The only way he could have outran those Mustangs was with an 801S equipped aircraft.  

The documentation trail gets thin on late war technical development of Luftwaffe aircraft.  Several years ago many would claim the FW-190A9 never saw combat or was a very rare varient.  We now know that the FW-190A9 was much more common and saw service much earlier than previously thought.  By Luftwaffe documentation there were well over 1000 FW190 varients equipped in production with the 801S motor.  Additionally the Luftwaffe enacted an engine replacement program in July '44 and the BMW801D2Q was a direct swap for the 801S.

Once you realize the shortcomings of the BMW801D and the very simple technical upgrades that corrected these in the 801S, it is easy to see that this was a very easy program to enact.  This is backed up by physical evidence, pilot anecdotes, and documentation.

Oscar Boesch

http://www.riveting-images.com/Robert_Bailey_s_Aviation_Art/Robert_Bailey_s__War_Wolf_/robert_bailey_s__war_wolf_.html

Thanks Milo!

The longest times I have documentation for any of the FW-190A's at 1.42ata@2700U/min is 3 minutes.  Pilot anecdotes say this time was increased in the FW-190A8 and later series begining in mid 1944 to 20, 30, and finally 40 minutes.  However I have seen no documentation to back this up.


Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on February 03, 2005, 12:45:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by LRRP22

As for TK589, I don't dispute the speeds- I just don't believe that it represents the speed of a factory fresh airframe.

and

 the description of the wing surfaces was, as you know, a factory finish.  All Mustangs had filled and sanded wing joints- every single one.
[/B]

So TK 589 with a condition of factory finish was not representative for a plane with factory finish condition.
OK.

Quote
Originally posted by LRRP22

Like I said,  the +18 lbs speeds only seem to be 5-10 mph below other tests which could easily be attributed to a little engine wear and tear.
[/B]

"Other tests"? What other tests?
Oh, the ones that supposed exist and supposed prove the supposed 5-10 "too slow" claaim. Got it know.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on February 03, 2005, 12:47:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by LRRP22
Crummp's quote:
Notice the speed gains occur after the wing is cleaned up AND the racks removed.


Notice that one of the is a cleaner P-51B, the other is a draggier P-51D...

Oh, unimportant, blending it together until it fits the agenda is nice enough.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: LRRP22 on February 03, 2005, 12:49:06 PM
Quote
LRRP,

did the P-51 have overheating problems when operating at high boost? The other question is, how long could the P-51 run at max speed? Thanks


Milo,

Not that I am aware of.  WEP was always limited to 5 minutes in both the Spitfire and Merlin Mustang, regardless of boost level, but that was intended to extend engine life and not because of  engine cooling or failure problems.

Here is an explanation from the P-51's flight manual:

'It is often asked what the consequences will be if the 5-minute limit at Take-off Power is exceeded. Another frequent inquiry is how long a period must be allowed after the specified time limit has elapsed until Take-off Power can be used. These questions are difficult to answer, since the time limit specified does not mean that engine damage will occur if the limit is exceeded. Instead, the limit means that the total operating time at high power should be kept to a reasonable minimum in the interest of prolonging engine life.

Nevertheless, it is still the aim of the manufacturer and to the best interest of the pilot to keep within reasonable values the amount of high-power time accumulated in the field. The most satisfactory method for accomplishing this is to establish time limits that will keep pilots constantly aware of the desire to hold high-power periods to the shortest period that the flight plan will allow, so that the total accumulated time and resulting wear can be kept to a minimum. How the time at high power is accumulated is of secondary importance; i.e., it is no worse from the standpoint of engine wear to operate at Take-off Power for one hour straight than it is to operate in twelve 5-minute stretches, provided engine temperatures and pressures are within limits. In fact, the former procedure may even be preferable, as it eliminates temperature cycles which also promote engine wear. Thus if flight conditions occasionally require exceeding time limits, this should not cause concern so long as constant effort is made to keep the over-all time at Take-off Power to the minimum practicable.'
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on February 03, 2005, 12:54:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
So,,,,,old second hand Spitties were not on pair with the newest German and even Russian stuff, and non original radio sets were not too good.


Yes Angus, the "old second hand etc." Spitfire Vs, which formed the bulkhead of the RAF at that time in 1943 also, did not fare well against the newest German/Russian stuff, already dominant in service. And the Russians weren`t amused by it - unlike with the 109. :p
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on February 03, 2005, 12:57:57 PM
Quote
Originally posted by LRRP22
Milo,

Not that I am aware of.  WEP was always limited to 5 minutes in both the Spitfire and Merlin Mustang, regardless of boost level, but that was intended to extend engine life and not because of  engine cooling or failure problems.
[/B]

Yet, by coincidence, the time limit imposed on the Merlin 66`s operating temperature was max. 5 limits at 135 degrees temperature. I believe the V-1650-7`s was somewhat lower.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: LRRP22 on February 03, 2005, 01:09:38 PM
From Isegrim:

Quote
Notice that one of the is a cleaner P-51B, the other is a draggier P-51D...

Oh, unimportant, blending it together until it fits the agenda is nice enough.




Isegrim,

You love to harp on this suppossed large speed difference between the P-51B and P-51D.  

The fact is that when comparing V-1650-7 engined P-51B/C's to P-51D's, all NAA and USAAF tests of new production airframes show that the difference in speed amounted to a grand total of 2-3 mph at all altitudes.  The P-51D was approximately 10 mph faster than the V-1650-3 P-51B at low altitude.

Everyone must realize that to Isegrim/Kurfrurst, Spifire LF IX JL165 and P-51D TK589 represent the end-all and be-all of performance for those two types.  His reason for this becomes obvious when you also realize that JL165 and TK589, both well-used testing establishment airframes, generated the lowest perfomance numbers of all available data for those two aircraft types.  He summarily dismisses data from any other tests since those results are inevitably better  than those derived from tests conducted with those two airframes.

Isegrim commenting on 'Agendas' is truly the height of irony...:rolleyes:
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: LRRP22 on February 03, 2005, 01:13:20 PM
Quote
Yet, by coincidence, the time limit imposed on the Merlin 66`s operating temperature was max. 5 limits at 135 degrees temperature. I believe the V-1650-7`s was somewhat lower.


You 'believe' a lot of things, Isegrim- most of which are not supported by the facts.

Apparently (thanks hop2002), RAF Merlin 66 Spitfire cooling tests showed that it would take approx. 46 minutes at +25 lbs boost for the the Merlin 66's coolant temperature to rise from the 89 deg. C cruise temperature, to the 135 deg C maximum.   So much for 5 minutes...

I would love to know why you believe (there's that word again) the V-1650-7's limit was somewhat lower than the 66's.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: LRRP22 on February 03, 2005, 01:49:08 PM
Quote
So TK 589 with a condition of factory finish was not representative for a plane with factory finish condition.


Isegrim,

Factory fresh "finish" and "factory fresh" are two entirely diffrerent things.  By the time your test was conducted, TK589 had been in the hands of the RAF testing establishment for six months.  It may well have maintained a near factory surface finish, but the chances are that its engine was anything but 'factory fresh'.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on February 03, 2005, 02:42:55 PM
Several P-51 speed tests, originally researched by Neil Stirling :

P51B performance figures using 150 grade fuel and 75"hg.


Airplane P51B 43-24777, V-1650-7, 9680lbs Wing racks fitted.
Date 4,30,44.
Test results and again appprox as the figures come directly from the curve in front of me.

379mph at 0ft
410mph at 7,400ft
405mph at 13,100ft
431mph at 20,500ft
420mph at 28,000ft
416mph at 30,000ft


Avia 18/732.

AAEE Boscombe Down.
Mustang IV T.K 589 (Packard MerlinV.1650-7)
Posistion error of static vent and brief level speed trials.
July 1944.
Aircraft flown with faired bomb racks.

Speed at 0 ft using 67"hg 354mph
Speed at 10300ft using 67"hg 396mph
Speed at 0ft using 81"hg 379mph
Speed at 4300ft using 81"hg 398mph.


AVIA 6/10618

August 1944

Mustang III FB 377
Wing racks fitted. +25Lbs boost

383mph at 0ft 391mph at 3900ft.


INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDOM.

Army Air Force
Material Command
ENG-57-531-306
13 May 1044.

Performance tests on P38J,P47D and P51B airplanes tested with 44-1 fuel (150 grade)

P51B 43-24777
Wing racks fitted.

61"hg 352mph at 0ft, 405mph at 13100ft, 422mph at 26600ft
67"hg 364mph at 0ft, 408mph at 10400ft, 426mph at 23800ft.
75"hg 380mph at 0ft, 410mph at 7200ft, 431mph at 20500ft.



This is from another source :


CFE: Mustang III with V1650-7 engine, Military Power (61"/3000R)
     Test Weight: 9200#
     Vmax: 438 mph @ 27500'
    412 moh @ 14000'


Eglin: P-51B with V1650-3 engine, Emergency Power (67"/3000R)
     Test Weight: 9690# (Pylons attached)
     Vmax: 435 mph @ 27000'
    420 mph @ 13100'

EE 393: P-51B with V1650-3 engine, Emergency Power
     Test Weight 9200#
     Vmax: 450 mph @ 28200'
    430 mph @ 15300'


Pax River:  P-51C with V1650-3 engine, Emergency Power
     Test Weight 9423#
     Vmax: 450 mph @ 29200'
    426 moh @ 15600'


This is also interesting :

"The printed maximum speed in all books for the NA P-51D Mustang is 437 mph at 25,000 ft. The fastest speed ever actually RECORDED for a P-51D ocurred on 20 October 1944, over Henden RAF base, England.
Following RAF complaints that the P-51 would not reach the printed speeds, no fewer than 12 Mustangs from various units--two right off the boat, as well--were tested with USAAF pilots. Both theodolite units and radar were used to measure the speed. The fastest run - I should mention after innumerable flights occupying the whole day - was 416 mph in a P-51B (s/n 36799 "Carolina Hustler"); this speed was sustained only for 10 seconds before the engine became seriously over-boosted. The longest sustained maximum speed recorded was 405 mph for 55 seconds by a brand new P-51D at 23,000 ft. (s/n 472484). Most of the machines in this evaluation were incapable of exceeding 400 mph under any conditions whatever. The NII VVS tested their P-51B (L-L, s/n 35145) to a maximum of 392 mph at 25,500ft, and climb to 5000m of 6.5 mins. Tests done on 100 octane gas."



LRRP2, you can fluff your baloon, go into longht depths about the 'poor' nature of ALL the aircraft used in ALL tests... you can add Hop`s own brainchild - kindly show a qoute from the report you claim states 45 mins... you can go into lenght about my person and my 'agenda'..and so on.

All this only shows you have no facts, just the desperation so that your hand-picked test will be the last and only world in the subject. And for the lack of factuality, you make up with talk, talk, talk.
I am sure the retarded ones will buy it all. More serious people will take their bet on the RESULTs.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on February 03, 2005, 03:07:39 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst

LRRP2, you can fluff your baloon, go into longht depths about the 'poor' nature of ALL the aircraft used in ALL tests... you can add Hop`s own brainchild - kindly show a qoute from the report you claim states 45 mins... you can go into lenght about my person and my 'agenda'..and so on.

All this only shows you have no facts, just the desperation so that your hand-picked test will be the last and only world in the subject. And for the lack of factuality, you make up with talk, talk, talk.
I am sure the retarded ones will buy it all. More serious people will take their bet on the RESULTs.


LOL, another one of Barbi's rants. :rolleyes: Must be off his medication again.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: LRRP22 on February 03, 2005, 03:34:14 PM
Well, there you go Isegrim.   The TK589 test performance numbers are definitely  the  slowest of the lot.  Thanks for proving my point.

As for the Hendon 'test', here's what RAF Hendon had to say about that in response to Neil Stirling's recent inquiry:



Quote
"Thank you for your enquiry, which we received on 21 July [2004]. I am rather puzzled by the paragraphs you quote. RAF Hendon's Operations Record Book makes no mention of such a trial in October 1944, and Hendon seems a slightly odd place to hold it - it would have been necessary to bring in all the instrumentation (theodolites, radar etc). and it would seem easier to use the facilities of the research establishments at Boscombe Down or Farnborough, especially the former as its role centred around evaluating aircraft."


In other words, these 'tests' are pure fantasy.  Only one of the quoted serial numbers was even anywere  near the UK in October of '44.  One of those numbers is for a UC-64 Norseman, another for an Allison Mustang that never left the U.S., and another for a P-51D that didn't leave the production line until February of '45.  But then you already knew all this since you were a party to the conversation over at the AAW board anyway.  BTW what would radar and theodilites prove other than ground speed anyway?


Isegrim, it would be nice if you could refrain from including any reference to indecent and unlikely anatomical acts, if you choose to respond...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Karnak on February 03, 2005, 03:44:03 PM
So Barbi knowingly used bad info on a board that had not yet had that info debunked?


Barbi, that is very, very, very poor form.  Doing that sort of thing is what gets scholars run out of their professions as laughing stock.  I would strongly urge you to never do so again, regardless of what you wish to be true.  Lying to prove your point does nothing to prove your point and merely makes you a liar.  It has nothing good to reccomend it.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: LRRP22 on February 03, 2005, 04:51:58 PM
Isegrim,

You have further proved your "selectiveness" (or carelessness) by posting this:

Quote
AVIA 6/10618

August 1944

Mustang III FB 377
Wing racks fitted. +25Lbs boost

383mph at 0ft 391mph at 3900ft.


This is the exact report that I posted scans from in this very thread.  Once again you have chosen to quote FB377's speed (383 mph) from when it was in the following condition:

Quote
The paintwork was in very poor condition.  The paint on the leading edge and inboard surface of the wings was badly chipped.  This is most serious in the case of the Mustang due to the thickness of the paint layer.  At least six seperate coats of paint had been applied.


Boy Isegrim, that really is representative of a factory finish, isn't it?  Did I mention that FB377 had been in service with 316 Squadron since April?  I can only imagine what you'd say if someone posted 109 performance numbers derived from an airframe in such condition.

further:

Quote
In the cleaning up tests, the leading 2 ft. of the wing surfaces had to be stripped of paint and repainted.  The rest of the aircraft was rubbed down only.


In other words, even cleaned up, FB377's surface condition was still in poorer-than-new condition.

More:

Quote
This gave a total increase of 21 m.p.h. and the effects of the seperate items are estimated as 8 m.p.h. due to the bomb racks 1 m.p.h. due to the aerial bracket and 12 m.p.h. due to the improved finish.


So, 383 mph + 12 mph = 395 mph for FB377 in an improved but still worse than factory surface finish.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on February 03, 2005, 04:57:35 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Karnak
So Barbi knowingly used bad info on a board that had not yet had that info debunked?


Barbi, that is very, very, very poor form.  Doing that sort of thing is what gets scholars run out of their professions as laughing stock.  I would strongly urge you to never do so again, regardless of what you wish to be true.  Lying to prove your point does nothing to prove your point and merely makes you a liar.  It has nothing good to reccomend it.


Karnak, I don't think Barbi knowingly or willfully posts 'bad' info for he only sees info that will show anything Allied in the worst favourable way but...

when one mixes lies in with truths, the truths become questionable. Many have known about Barbi's exagerated 'truths' to further his Germany superiority agenda for a long time. When caught he goes on one of his patented rants and accuses other of flaming. Does he really know what a 'flame' is?

He does tell many lies especially when he attempts character assinations.

It will be interesting if he ever gets his 109 website up and running after accusing and slandering on many forums Mike Williams of bias on his website.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: LRRP22 on February 03, 2005, 05:26:54 PM
I said:

Quote
Remember, I wasn't contesting Oscar's account- I posted in response to your comment that an 801S-engined 190 would be slightly faster than an RAF Mustang III running +25 lbs boost. That is not at all true.


Crumpp said:
Quote
That is not what I claimed. Please read the post's.


Ummm...yes you did!;)

 
Quote
The FW-190A9 is just barely faster with MW-50 at sea level than the Mustang III using 80"hg. Backs up Oscar's experience over the Ardennes forest in Dec. 44.


Just to avoid confusion, remember that 80" Hg is +25 lbs boost.  I agree that an A-9 with MW-50 should be faster than a P-51B or D at 67" in Hg and maybe even 72" in Hg.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on February 03, 2005, 05:40:49 PM
Well well.
Ok, My hat off for LRRP22, a delightful and most welcome new (?) member to our forum.

Speaking of character asassinations, this thread is actually devoted to my humble self, - Izzy's 109 vs Spit slugout.
Well, nobody is dead yet, but someone's reputation is in some trouble.

I have taken some time to study Izzy's speed graph, and sadly, it rather supports what we have seen above, - selective or even hyped data.

So, on it goes........109 outclimbed, outran, outdived, and outturned anything hostile in the skies. Turned better than a Spitty, outran the P51, dived better than a P47, climbed better than a homesick angel, had betterrange than a P51 and presented a smaller target than a Spitfire while being bigger on the inside.

:D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on February 03, 2005, 06:57:38 PM
Quote
Ummm...yes you did


You need to take what was said in context not out of it.  You have NOT been in this thread from the beginning.

I have claimed as a GENERAL statement from the beginning that:

Quote
Crumpp says on page 2
An FW-190A8 with the BMW801TS (BMW 801S) motor was equal in speed to the P51D at sea level and faster on boost.


http://www.hitechcreations.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=136037&perpage=50&pagenumber=2

On page 3 Neil Stirling post's figures on a Mustang III with a MERLIN 100,  Lrrp.

http://www.hitechcreations.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=136037&perpage=50&pagenumber=3

Quote
Crumpp says:

The FW-190A9 is just barely faster with MW-50 at sea level than the Mustang III using 80"hg. Backs up Oscar's experience over the Ardennes forest in Dec. 44.


Is in response to Neil's posted data on the Mustang III.   No other Mustang III data has been presented nor was I claiming that as a general statement.  It was specific to Neil's data vs. the FW-190A9 / FW-190A8 (801S).  According to Neil's post the Mustang III with a MERLIN 100 at +25:


 
Quote
Neil Stirling says:
Just for interest.
Report. Brief performance trials and position error measurement.
Mk III
FX.858.
Merlin 100 +25lbs.
April 44.
404mph at 2,000ft /419mph at 5,200ft./455mph at 17,800ft.
4,500ft/min at 1,600ft/4000ft/min at 13,000ft.


Please make sure you read the thread.  Thanks for posting though and you have some good information even if presented on an erroneous assumption!

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: LRRP22 on February 03, 2005, 07:10:28 PM
Crumpp,

Actually, since yesterday, I have read every post in this thread.   Pathetic, I know...:D

I apologize if I read you out of context, I just wanted to clarify what an operational RAF Mustang III was capable of at 80" Hg.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on February 03, 2005, 07:37:27 PM
Quote
I apologize if I read you out of context, I just wanted to clarify what an operational RAF Mustang III was capable of at 80" Hg.


Yes it was. And it appeared in far fewer numbers than the FW-190A9 much less 801TS FW-190A8's.  It seems to be the only Mustang varient that is faster than the FW-190A9 at sea level.

What is interesting IMO is the comparison tactical trials between a USAAF P51B and an FW-190A4/U8 (FW-190G2) create a very false perception of the relative performance of these two fighters when compared to flight tested performance data.

Once again showing that Air Force's testing an unfamiliar foreign design without the technical expertise to maintain the aircraft can produce deceptive results and create false conclusions.

Thank you for the apology.  It is very understandable in such a large thread to read such a small detail out of context.

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: LRRP22 on February 03, 2005, 11:23:19 PM
Quote
Yes it was. And it appeared in far fewer numbers than the FW-190A9 much less 801TS FW-190A8's. It seems to be the only Mustang varient that is faster than the FW-190A9 at sea level.


I'm not sure I would go that far.  RAF Mustang IV's also operated at +25 lbs boost.  And I'm not at all convinced that a run of the mill USAAF P-51D running at the post-mid '44 standard 72" Hg wouldn't be at least as fast, or even faster than the A-9's 595 kph at SL.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on February 04, 2005, 02:50:21 AM
FACTS AGAIN, AS LARPY HAD MISSED IT :


P51B performance figures using 150 grade fuel and 75"hg.


Airplane P51B 43-24777, V-1650-7, 9680lbs Wing racks fitted.
Date 4,30,44.
Test results and again appprox as the figures come directly from the curve in front of me.

379mph at 0ft
410mph at 7,400ft
405mph at 13,100ft
431mph at 20,500ft
420mph at 28,000ft
416mph at 30,000ft


Avia 18/732.

AAEE Boscombe Down.
Mustang IV T.K 589 (Packard MerlinV.1650-7)
Posistion error of static vent and brief level speed trials.
July 1944.
Aircraft flown with faired bomb racks.

Speed at 0 ft using 67"hg 354mph
Speed at 10300ft using 67"hg 396mph
Speed at 0ft using 81"hg 379mph
Speed at 4300ft using 81"hg 398mph.


AVIA 6/10618

August 1944

Mustang III FB 377
Wing racks fitted. +25Lbs boost

383mph at 0ft
391mph at 3900ft.


INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDOM.

Army Air Force
Material Command
ENG-57-531-306
13 May 1044.

Performance tests on P38J,P47D and P51B airplanes tested with 44-1 fuel (150 grade)

P51B 43-24777
Wing racks fitted.

61"hg 352mph at 0ft,
405mph at 13100ft, 422mph at 26600ft
67"hg 364mph at 0ft,
408mph at 10400ft, 426mph at 23800ft.
75"hg 380mph at 0ft,
 410mph at 7200ft, 431mph at 20500ft.



This is from another source :


CFE: Mustang III with V1650-7 engine, Military Power (61"/3000R)
Test Weight: 9200#
Vmax: 438 mph @ 27500'
412 moh @ 14000'


Eglin: P-51B with V1650-3 engine, Emergency Power (67"/3000R)
Test Weight: 9690# (Pylons attached)
Vmax: 435 mph @ 27000'
420 mph @ 13100'

EE 393: P-51B with V1650-3 engine, Emergency Power
Test Weight 9200#
Vmax: 450 mph @ 28200'
430 mph @ 15300'


Pax River: P-51C with V1650-3 engine, Emergency Power
Test Weight 9423#
Vmax: 450 mph @ 29200'
426 moh @ 15600'


In order to believe Larpy`s fantasy of 400mph SL speeds for the Mustang, one has to ignore all the above facts and test, cover the eye and only see a single cleaned up and treated P-51B test.

As for TK 589 the 'slowest' (sniff-sniff), of course, it`s a slower subtype P-51D, which larpy wants to ignore. Since TK 589`s are for a plane in very good condition according to the report, larpy makes a nice little trick, claiming it`s the 'poorest, slowest' of them - compared to the cleaner, faster P-51B/Cs, LOLOLOL. :lol :lol.

Of course larpy absolutely can`t show ANY other P-51D test results, which would show it to be slower than the avarage... typical larpy, just talk, talk, talk, I foretold it.

And, to qoute the opinion of Neil Stirling, who provided Larpy with the test results, and researched most of the above :


"The Americans limited their P51's fitted with the V-1650-7 to 72"hg when using 100/150 grade fuel the British 81"hg. Mustangs usually were fitted with wing racks, these reduced the maximum speed by 8mph to 12mph.
8th Mustangs typically would have been able to do about 370mph low down and RAF mustangs about 380mph."


Larpy, the 400mph figure is only your partisan figure.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on February 04, 2005, 03:05:19 AM
From Izzy:
"13 May 1044"

That's before Hastings......:D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on February 04, 2005, 03:08:48 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Karnak
So Barbi knowingly used bad info on a board that had not yet had that info debunked?

Barbi, that is very, very, very poor form.  Doing that sort of thing is what gets scholars run out of their professions as laughing stock.  I would strongly urge you to never do so again, regardless of what you wish to be true.  Lying to prove your point does nothing to prove your point and merely makes you a liar.  It has nothing good to reccomend it.



This is indeed a very poor form of lying for Larpy, but him lying doesn`t make me a liar, now does it? Or does a claimed response claimed to be from Hendon make it?

I did not "knowingly used" bad info. I merely posted what is in my archieves. And I doubt it`s bad info. It`s quite usual for larpy to come up with such thing, he lies about this just as he lies about the TK 589 tests, and lies about the FB 377 tests. As I noted, HE HAS NO FACTS. If someone lacks facts, then he makes them up.

Besides I find his arrogance quite fitting for his post history, qouting a letter claimed to be from Neil one time, then ignoring that Neil also says he is wrong (ie. max. 370/380mph on the deck for the Mustang).

Let`s just make one thing clear : Larpy accepts only ONE and no other test for a Mustang. And that is, in it`s cleanest form the Mustang III, with the most powerfuel engine it had, the V-1650-7, running at maximum boost it`s main user the USAAF never run it, referring to a test that was explicitity aimed to find stripped hunters for V-1s.

Now does that say anything of his bias when claiming 400mph regualar speeds for each and every Mustang ?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on February 04, 2005, 03:48:16 AM
There were many brands of P51's, as of other planes.
Some got weary, some were polished up and faster.
I am looking at a graph of a Mustang that did 405 mph on the deck after being cleaned up and modded.
Some brand new and boosted up Mustangs would have had their speed in that region also.
I got to know an old Mustang pilot. He was chasing V-1's in his P51C, - but AFAIK the aircraft was not optimized for that operation, i.e. supercharger settings, bomb racks etc. So, he was slower than the doodlebug at low alt, - only a bit. He used to bounce them, a shallow dive was enough.
He told me that the Griffon Spits were the fastest things down low along with the Tempest.
He never met a 109 or a 190 that could run with his Mustang though.
Well, if the Allied had aircraft in service in all sorts of condition, it's pretty obvious that the Germans had the same problem.
Anything else new?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: LRRP22 on February 04, 2005, 10:24:43 AM
Isegrim,

It's funny that you are whining about facts when I have presented a raft of them.  For that matter, virtually every fact that you have presented supports my position.  Where did I claim that each and every Mustang was capable of 400 mph at SL?  What I claimed was that any +25 lbs boost RAF Mustang III (of which there were hundreds) in decent condition could do around 395 mph at SL- fully combat loaded and not 'stripped' in any way.   I have provided primary documentation to support that conclusion.  At one time I was willing to write-off your inability to understand data presented in plain, clear language to a lack of English comprehension, but no more.   You are simply disengenuous and willfully obtuse.

I notice you bolded 379 mph at sea level for a P-51B running 150 octane.  What you forgot to bold is the part about that being the SL speed for 75" Hg boost, not the RAF standard 81" Hg!  That's a 150 HP difference.  More misdirection and misrepresentation from Isegrim, Attorney at Law.

Your comments about the utterly debunked 'Hendon tests' say everything that needs to be said about your ability to argue rationally and objectively.

For other P-51D speeds, why don't you check 'AHT'?  North American's test shows 368 mph at sea level and 67" Hg, while the USAAF test shows 373 mph at SL on the same 67" Hg.  Even if those tests are without wing racks, that still leaves 360 mph and 365 mph for the respective tests.

BTW, Neil Stirling did not provide me with AVIA 8/10618- the Public Records Office of the National Archives did.  

Quote
Besides I find his arrogance quite fitting for his post history, qouting a letter claimed to be from Neil one time, then ignoring that Neil also says he is wrong (ie. max. 370/380mph on the deck for the Mustang).


You can continue to fixate on the fact that, at one point, Neil posted that RAF Mustangs did 380 mph at SL.  Unfortunately, he was wrong.  As I made crystal clear to you, 383 mph represents a machine with a Very Poor surface condition pulled and tested directly from Combat Operations.  As usual, you want to fixate on the fact well-used RAF Mustang in very poor condition could do ONLY 383 mph at SL.

Again, I ask you- would you be so accepting of performance numbers if the tested example was a well-used, combat operational and very worn Bf 109K-4?  If it was, you would be shouting from the mountain tops about how the devinely-inspired design of the 109 allowed it to achieve these amazing performance numbers despite its severly degraded condition.

Again, since you seem to have a comprehension problem: 383 mph +12 mph = 395 mph.


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/brentce/FB377fig4.jpg)


And further, again:

(http://www.fourthfightergroup.com/eagles/spit14at21.jpg)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on February 04, 2005, 10:36:02 AM
Quote
Originally posted by LRRP22

For other P-51D speeds, why don't you check 'AHT'?  North American's test shows 368 mph at sea level and 67" Hg, while the USAAF test shows 373 mph at SL on the same 67" Hg.  Even if those tests are without wing racks, that still leaves 360 mph and 365 mph for the respective tests.

[/B]

365 mph and 360 mph in USAAF test for P-51D at 67"Hg, taking into account the presence of standard wingracks. If we take what Neil said, 8-12mph for the racks, then it`s 361mph and 356mph.

The fun part of it, the P-51D TK 589 at the same boost of 67" and with the same wingracks, did ALSO 359 mph at SL...

Basically you have just underlined that the TK 589 figures are in pinpoint agreement with USAAF and North American test results... Three Mustang Ds producing exactly the same performance.
So where`s the worn plane Mr.?

The rest of the blahblah and big big words I don`t need to comment.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: LRRP22 on February 04, 2005, 10:53:36 AM
There you go again, Isegrim- willfull and blatant misrepresentation.  Read it again!

The speeds are 368 mph for the NAA test and 373 mph for the USAAF test, and those may well be with wingracks.

So, again, since you seem to have a problem with math- If those numbers are in fact without wing racks, then:

368 mph - 8 mph = 360 mph

373 mph - 8 mph = 365 mph





Quote
365 mph and 360 mph in USAAF test for P-51D at 67"Hg, taking into account the presence of standard wingracks. If we take what Neil said, 8-12mph for the racks, then it`s 361mph and 356mph.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on February 04, 2005, 11:02:04 AM
"365 mph and 360 mph in USAAF test for P-51D at 67"Hg, taking into account the presence of standard wingracks. If we take what Neil said,8-12mph for the racks, then it`s 361mph and 356mph. "

Oh, and I have curve for these figures m8, one of the AHT curves are based on calculations, without wingracks...


Larpy, it just getting more and more emberassing for you. Quit while you still can.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: LRRP22 on February 04, 2005, 11:24:31 AM
8 mph at SL- 12 mph at high altitude.

We'll let others decide who should be embarrassed.

I'm looking forward to your "I have to have the last word" post...

P.S.- weren't we discussing +25 lbs boost speeds, not +18 lbs?  Either way, 360-365 mph at SL for +18 lbs/67" Hg boost, with wing racks, is just what I would expect for a P-51D.   Didn't I say TK589 was 5-10 mph slower right from the beginning?  Hmmm....it appears you're supporting my arguments once again.  That's really got to p$ss you off, doesn't it?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on February 04, 2005, 11:51:52 AM
Nothing new here.
Pick a poor Mustang, throw in a sorry old Spit and a derated 190 and compare with the calculated peak performance of the ...KURFURST:D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on February 04, 2005, 11:59:36 AM
I feel pity for both of you.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on February 04, 2005, 01:09:50 PM
Don't do that Izzy, feel pity for yer-sorry-self.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on February 04, 2005, 02:22:19 PM
Why? I don`t make conspiracy theories, Angie... btw, how is your Great Spitfire Projects, the graphs you promised, the Squadron listings... proceeding well into infinity? Broken promises destroy credibility, Angie.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on February 04, 2005, 05:30:46 PM
I need hosting for them, I've done most of the data.
You'll be the sorry arse Izzy when I start pumping it out.
Turned out that your hand picked Spit IX is in it's timeframe a rather poorly performing spit, but what was I to expect anyway.
Actually, excel turned out to be insufficient for the job, but since I've done most of the ground job, I'll use it anyway.
(I can chop any speed or climb data down to 100 feet segments)
The rest will be from freehand and photoshop.
I might be slightly evil and compare a gondie 109G against a doodlebug-version P51 of course....:D
As for the squad listings, the RAF was bigger than I thought, - much more than penny-packets :D
Still heading there.
So, just keep feeling pity....goodnight
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on February 15, 2005, 01:16:35 PM
NEWS
The Izzy- picked Mk IX has a funny performance, but the data is allright.
From the looks of it, it was probably a "dirty" aircraft, or with a rather tired engine.
I have a rough chart finally comparing it with other Mk IX's, the other ones on 18 boost while Izzy-ride (JL 165) both on 18 and 25.
I also dumped in a Spit VIII and a 109G-2 1.42 ATA.
I'll be on the ready to drop more charts, but the template will also get better later, this one is just a so-so.
I really need more 109 climb data, be it ROC pro alt or just alt pro time.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on April 26, 2005, 10:30:24 AM
News update.
Upcoming graph with Spit IX's and Spit VIII as well as a 109G on 1.42 ata, - speed at altitude.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on April 26, 2005, 03:51:03 PM
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/503_1114548539_box2b1.jpg)


All the best,

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on April 27, 2005, 03:53:48 AM
Now THIS is so much kühler !

http://www.showscan.com/film_clips/Aerial%20Dogfight.wmv

Pair of 109s vs. Pair of Spits.

Not sure of the origin, but I think it`s Black Six simulated against two Mk IXs.

PS : Crumpp, you should check that graph, the spit`s curve shape isn`t remotely similiar to the originals... what`s so difficult in those excell tables, I cannot get that..
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on April 27, 2005, 05:14:21 AM
Quote
Crumpp, you should check that graph, the spit`s curve shape isn`t remotely similiar to the originals... what`s so difficult in those excell tables, I cannot get that..


I'm hosting the graph for Angus.  I did not create it.

Quote
Not sure of the origin, but I think it`s Black Six simulated against two Mk IXs.


It's CAG from a History Channel show on the BoB.

All the best,

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on April 27, 2005, 06:15:39 AM
CAG? I`ve been thinking about this, but there are some details, ie. the radiators are open assymetric on the 109 in the early vid, the and it appears a 109G. One snapview on the cowling shows like a Merlin 109... also the smoke is like what`s used on airshows. I mean, if it`s really CAD, why not correct types, and why are so small details present?

OTOH, I could not make out the ailerons moving...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Crumpp on April 27, 2005, 06:18:30 AM
Computer aided Graphics.

All the best,

Crumpp
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Seeker on April 27, 2005, 06:46:22 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Crumpp
Computer aided Graphics.

All the best,

Crumpp


Like; you mean, it's fake?!?:o
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on April 27, 2005, 10:00:39 AM
The Graph is not from Excel, it is a MS paint job, and the data is completely on spot. Nothing funny at all.
The 109 is from the IZZY graph, the Spits are all from the Spitfire site.
Uncomfortable for some one-oh-niners to look at the Mk VIII which has some 160 gallons in the tanks....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on April 27, 2005, 10:59:13 AM
That would be CGI - Computer Generated Imagery. Not CAD - Computer Aided Design. Big difference. (There is no such thing as CAG ... well, except in the navy ;))
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: DaddyAck on April 27, 2005, 01:01:38 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Karnak
I only recall one time, about four years ago, that I actually did that.

I have not called you any name, other than Barbi, in this thread.


I don't call people "Nazis".


I don't think you are a Nazi, Barbi.  I think you are a misguided idealist like our American Confederate nuts who are convinced of the rightousness of their heroes.  You like to put your guys on a pedastal and wax long about how great they were, and part of that for you seems to be denegrating the other side in its entirety.  You want your noble heroes to have gone down fighting exceptionally well against the pedastrian masses in their cheam crappy equipment.


That is where we differ.

I think The Spitfire was a great and classic warplane.  You think it was utter crap.

I think the Bf109 was a great and classic warplane.  You think it was a divinely inspired engineering miracle.

And it goes that way across the whole spectrum of Allied and German equipment.


American Confederate nuts

Whoa buddy, chill on the stars and bars man.:D
(I happen to be from Dixie):cool:
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Karnak on April 27, 2005, 04:26:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by DaddyAck
American Confederate nuts

Whoa buddy, chill on the stars and bars man.:D
(I happen to be from Dixie):cool:


Stars and Stripes Forever!

:p


(Obviously a Yankee here)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: DaddyAck on April 27, 2005, 05:03:21 PM
O, I wish I was in the land of cotton
Old times there are not forgotten
Look away! Look away!
Look away! Dixie Land.

In Dixie Land where I was born in
Early on one frosty mornin'
Look away! Look away!
Look away! Dixie Land.

Chorus:
O, I wish I was in Dixie!
Hooray! Hooray!
In Dixie Land I'll take my stand
To live and die in Dixie
Away, away,
Away down south in Dixie!

Old Missus marry Will, the weaver,
William was a gay deceiver
Look away! Look away!
Look away! Dixie Land.

But when he put his arm around her
He smiled as fierce as a forty pounder
Look away! Look away!
Look away! Dixie Land.

Chorus:
O, I wish I was in Dixie!
Hooray! Hooray!
In Dixie Land I'll take my stand
To live and die in Dixie
Away, away,
Away down south in Dixie!

His face was sharp as a butcher's cleaver
But that did not seem to grieve her
Look away! Look away!
Look away! Dixie Land.
Old Missus acted the foolish part
And died for a man that broke her heart
Look away! Look away!
Look away! Dixie Land.

Chorus:
O, I wish I was in Dixie!
Hooray! Hooray!
In Dixie Land I'll take my stand
To live and die in Dixie
Away, away,
Away down south in Dixie!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: DaddyAck on April 27, 2005, 05:06:27 PM
The south would have won, if we had...... shoes!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on April 27, 2005, 05:59:14 PM
Hey
(or Hay?)

Please don't hijack this thread and bring it into the cotton industry.
This is a Spitfire vs MesserSCHMIDT thread, so please keep to the topic    :D


So, comments on the graph???
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on April 28, 2005, 12:54:53 AM
LONG LIVE GENERAL LEE !

(http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Bunker/1048/leeface.gif)


Yeeeeee - haa!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: DaddyAck on April 28, 2005, 11:04:07 AM
Hey now, Dont go mockin' an caryin'  on about the General.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on April 28, 2005, 01:32:10 PM
I'll take General Grant over Lee.
Rather nice Whisky, - Grant's.

So, how about the graph....errr...the precioussss????
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Big G on April 29, 2005, 12:23:01 PM
At the end of the day, the Spit shot down more 109's than the other way round, the spit prevented the Germans from having air superiority over the Uk, No matter how people will try and explain this, the fact remains, The Spit beat the 109 when it mattered -Period
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on April 29, 2005, 12:35:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Big G
At the end of the day, the Spit shot down more 109's than the other way round, the spit prevented the Germans from having air superiority over the Uk, No matter how people will try and explain this, the fact remains, The Spit beat the 109 when it mattered -Period


Umm ... no. The Spit did not shoot down more 109s. They (with the help of the Hurricanes) did however shoot down enough LW bombers to get the job done.

No other aircraft in history shot down more planes than the 109.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on April 29, 2005, 12:41:35 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Big G
At the end of the day, the Spit shot down more 109's than the other way round, the spit prevented the Germans from having air superiority over the Uk, No matter how people will try and explain this, the fact remains, The Spit beat the 109 when it mattered -Period



Unfurtunately that is just wishful thinking, and there`s practically overwhelming evidence on the losses sustained, and these, sadly, in each and every case favoured the 109 over the Spit. Whenever these two met, it was always more Spitfires lost than 109s.. Dunkerque, BoB, Dieppe, North Africa... one can go into rhetorics about that fact, but it won`t change.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Big G on April 29, 2005, 12:52:24 PM
Well guys, if that's the case then why did the RAF put the Luftwaffe back where they came from ? And If I remember correctly, the Germans also outnumbered the RAF on occasion, more pilots, more planes more "kills" And they were pushed back long before the Americans jumped in and Georing/ Hitler got delusions about russia. That's just my take, the RAF beat the Germans when it mattered, over their own patch, outnumbered but never outgunned.
I know we can dress up stats all day long, but the one fact remains, Spits won when it mattered !
Cheers
Big G
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on April 29, 2005, 12:59:19 PM
The Spit didn't "win" the RAF did. The BoB was won and lost in the war rooms of the RAF and LW. If the Germans flew Spits and the RAF 109's the end result would have been the same.

Surely you don't think the Spit was superior to the Me262? Why not? After all, the Germans lost the war.

Your reasoning is called a fallacy.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Big G on April 29, 2005, 01:15:15 PM
My reasoning is based on this: Stats are stats, It's what happens on the day that matters, how many of those 109 kills came from Vulching easy prey like newbie Soviet pilots etc?, It came down to man v man and machine v machine and the RAF won with the spits playing a major part, So was the Spit better than the 109 ? I think so- yes
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on April 29, 2005, 01:19:29 PM
Yes stats are stats: The 109's shot down more Spits than they lost to the Spit in the BoB. What does that tell you?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Big G on April 29, 2005, 01:27:56 PM
Tells me that there was more 109's in the air than spits and they still got beat, even with more numbers.
 so an outnumbered Air force beats the best that Germans had in an inferior aircraft ? doesn't stack up, still, we will never know unless we were flying these things over Dover!
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on April 29, 2005, 01:34:54 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Big G
Tells me that there was more 109's in the air than spits and they still got beat, even with more numbers.
 so an outnumbered Air force beats the best that Germans had in an inferior aircraft ? doesn't stack up, still, we will never know unless we were flying these things over Dover!


This tells me you're completely biased and unable to admit you're wrong. By your reasoning the US lost the Vietnam War because the US soldier and equipment was inferior to the NVA. Clearly a fallacy.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on April 29, 2005, 01:39:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Big G
And If I remember correctly, the Germans also outnumbered the RAF on occasion, more pilots, more planes more "kills"



Again the other way around. The RAF had more fighters in the BoB than the LW. It`s in the strenght reports of the two sides.
And YET the RAF lost more fighters, more Hurricanes, more Spitfires than the LW. Much more.

As said, stats are stats. You don`t have to like them, but that`s what the orders of battles, the strenght and loss reports tell us.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Big G on April 29, 2005, 01:40:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by GScholz
This tells me you're completely biased and unable to admit you're wrong. By your reasoning the US lost the Vietnam War because the US soldier and equipment was inferior to the NVA. Clearly a fallacy.


Easy Scholz, I'm only throwing my hat into the ring here, I don't want to offend anyone on here and I don't expect to be offended by other people either.
I call it as I see it, If that is bias or anything else then I do not apoligize for that.
Think I'll leave you boys alone to argue for a while.....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on April 29, 2005, 02:27:32 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
Again the other way around. The RAF had more fighters in the BoB than the LW. It`s in the strenght reports of the two sides.
And YET the RAF lost more fighters, more Hurricanes, more Spitfires than the LW. Much more.

As said, stats are stats. You don`t have to like them, but that`s what the orders of battles, the strenght and loss reports tell us.


:rolleyes:

YET, the LW lost more a/c than the RAF. Why is it the Luftluvers always forget that the bombers were the main objective of the RAF's fighters and never mention the bomber losses?

LW OoB - fighters

Aug 13 1940
26 Jagdgruppen - 976 - 109s
9 Zerstrergruppen - 244 - 110s

Sept 1940
27 Jagdgruppen - 831 - 109s
8 Zerstörergruppen - 206 - 110s

RAF OoB - fighters

Aug 9 1940
19 Sqn - 328 - Spitfires
27 Sqn - 568 - Hurricanes

Sept 6 1940
19 Sqns - 304 - Spitfires
32 Sqns - 512 - Hurricanes

Oct 4 1940
 19 Sqns - 304 - Spitfires
32 Sqns - 512 - Hurricanes

The RAF could also replaced its losses easly while the LW could, and did not.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: DaddyAck on April 30, 2005, 08:49:42 AM
In my opinion the air war over Britian was a bit stigmated by the fact that Hitler resorted to bombing the populus of London and not her indusrty and air fields.  Couple to that the fact that while Hitler had the condor 4 engined bobmer he opted for the medium 2 engineed ones like he-111s and ju-88s which simply put did not have the endurance for deep penetration (same effect when USSR moved her production east of the Ural mountians).  In my opinion the out come od the air war over Enfland would have been vastly different if more time was spent bombing the cities and more effort paid to the airfields, factories, and fuel dumps. Furturmore, as an aside.  I do believe if the Fatherland launched it's opperation sealion as planed before turning to USSR England would have fallen. USSR posed minimal threat due to the non agresion pact sighned earlier.  Hitler could have focused his attentions tword Brittian.  Lastly, If Germany would have actually compleated her only carrier I believe it would have had a crucial role in Germany's bid for naval power in the atlantic, contributeing to the decline of the American suplyline to Brittian which in turn would hinder severely the ability to manufacture and maintain their Spitfire fleet.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on April 30, 2005, 06:06:01 PM
The RAF was down to 50 planes yes :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Oldman731 on April 30, 2005, 07:31:06 PM
Quote
Originally posted by DaddyAck
I do believe if the Fatherland launched it's opperation sealion as planed before turning to USSR England would have fallen.

Ain't no way they were getting across the Channel and staying there, RAF or no RAF.

- oldman
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: agent 009 on April 30, 2005, 09:24:08 PM
Getting there was the problem, staying not as big a problem.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on May 01, 2005, 01:46:05 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
The RAF was down to 50 planes yes :D


It was said the RAF Fighter Command has only 50 planes in reserve, and that was pretty much the case by 7th September, when the FC`s leaders cried out that they 'need a miracle' to survive that hammering. Had the battle continue, the RAF would simply run out of pilots, Dowding had to call in the classes before they finished the fighter schools, which was already drastically shortened in the summer.... he used up everything, throwing untrained pilots for the Germans as cannon fodder to gain some time.. he had no replacement for a long fight, but the idea was that if they can hold out until the automn comes, the Germans had to cancel their plans anyway because of the worsening weather. Waging a continous air war or crossing the channel on makeshift boats is not possible in storms.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on May 01, 2005, 03:40:54 PM
I was referring to "the last 50 Spitfires".
Seems that the LW had to back off before though, since losses were increasing when the autumn came.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Nashwan on May 01, 2005, 04:38:31 PM
Quote
It was said the RAF Fighter Command has only 50 planes in reserve, and that was pretty much the case by 7th September, when the FC`s leaders cried out that they 'need a miracle' to survive that hammering. Had the battle continue, the RAF would simply run out of pilots,


Quote
I've been looking at these casualty figures, and I've come to the conclusion that at our present rate of losses we can just afford it. And I'm damn certain that the Boche can't.


Keith Park to Lord Willoughby de Broke, Chief Controller 11 Group, morning of 7th September 1940, just before the Luftwaffe turned to attacking London.

FC held a meeting on the 7th September to discuss the situation. Douglass Evill, Dowding's deputy, prepared lists of losses and replacements. He found 348 fighter pilots had been lost or injured in the previous 4 weeks, 280 replacements had been turned out by the training units.

At the meeting Dowding outlined plans to increase output to 320 pilots a month.

On the 6th Sept, the RAF had 950 Spit and Hurricane pilots ready for duty.

In contrast, the Germans had become seriously under strength.

Milch toured the airfields in France between 20th and 25th August, and again between 27th August and 4st Sept.

He found problems on his first tour, which got worse by the second.

On his second tour he found serviceability at 75% for 109s, 70% for bombers, 65% for 110s.

All units were well below establishment,  with bomber gruppe averaging 20 aircraft, 109 gruppe averaging 18, and 110 units even less.

Quote
Dowding had to call in the classes before they finished the fighter schools, which was already drastically shortened in the summer.... he used up everything, throwing untrained pilots for the Germans as cannon fodder to gain some time..


From Milch's comments on his first inspection tour, 20 - 25th August:

Inadequate experience of new pilots, who were of "very variable" quality.

Fighter geschwader complaining replacements had only done 10 landings in 109s, and had never fired a cannon in training.
(Perhaps this explains the 109 landing accidents issue?)

Quote
he had no replacement for a long fight, but the idea was that if they can hold out until the automn comes, the Germans had to cancel their plans anyway because of the worsening weather.


No. Dowding, at the Sept 7th meeting, outlined plans to:

"meet wastage greater than any incurred so far" (This was the creation of "C" squadrons in quiet parts of the country, which would take newly trained pilots and give them operational training away from the battle) (This wasn't an ption for the Germans as they had committed almost all their fighter units to the BoB)

And as to it being a long fight, on the 7th Sept Park said he did not believe the fight could last longer than another 3 weeks, Dowding said he was planning on it going on "very much longer" than that.

Quote
Waging a continous air war or crossing the channel on makeshift boats is not possible in storms.


Neither was possible for the Germans whatever the weather.

Their "continuous campaign" had seen the RAF increase by about 200 pilots and 150 fighters between early July and 7th September, whilst the Luftwaffe strength had declined quite sharply. (See Milch's figures above)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on May 02, 2005, 05:11:23 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Nashwan
Keith Park to Lord Willoughby de Broke, Chief Controller 11 Group, morning of 7th September 1940, just before the Luftwaffe turned to attacking London.

FC held a meeting on the 7th September to discuss the situation. Douglass Evill, Dowding's deputy, prepared lists of losses and replacements. He found 348 fighter pilots had been lost or injured in the previous 4 weeks, 280 replacements had been turned out by the training units.

At the meeting Dowding outlined plans to increase output to 320 pilots a month.

On the 6th Sept, the RAF had 950 Spit and Hurricane pilots ready for duty.
[/B]

They made great cannon fodder for the Germans. What the British were doing was throwing young lifes at the well trained German fighters to buy some time. Out of those 950 pilots, 75% of them had only 7-8 hours flown in a Spitfire or Hurricane. In contrast, even the poorly trained rookies of the 44/45 Luftwaffe had at least 30 hours flown in their operational type before entering combat... Many if not all British pilots had not even fired the guns or had shooting practice, *Fighters* mentions that the case of one RAF trainee who was very surprised when his guns turned silent after 1 second of firing. That was the amount issued for *training*... they had shortage of everything, not to mention most of the training time was spent with stupid things like flying in a nice parade formations, like what the Germans called *idiots column*, while air combat manouvers were totally neglected.
That training was good enough for them to take off, and let themselves killed by Experten like Moelders and Galland, who score skyrocketed towards the end of the Battle, just like British losses. It was not rare for an Experte to shoot down half a dozen British fighters in a single day by October.

The RAF lost 348 pilots and received only 280 replacements in month before September, whos *traininig* was already drastically shortened to just 6 weeks. Even with the shortened training the schools could not cope with the losses...
So Dowding had to make a cruel decision to take the pilots from flight schools BEFORE they even completed that 6 week session... In contrast, German fighter training did not give up quality training, giving more and more edge for the Germans as time passed in single engagements. *Fighters* notes that a number of British pilots simply run off when they spotted 109s.. they called this the 109 panic.


Quote

In contrast, the Germans had become seriously under strength.
[/B]

In contrast of your claims, the German strenght was pretty much the same during the whole battle, and quality did not decline as happened on the RAF side.


Quote

On his second tour he found serviceability at 75% for 109s, 70% for bombers, 65% for 110s.
[/B]

Thats interesting before just before the Battle the bombers had 67% servicibility rate, fighters were at 77%. It seems that British efforts were insignificant enough to let the Germans even INCREASE their servicibilty rates or keep them up. 70-75% was otherwise quite typical for their units during the whole duration of the war. British Squadrons on the other hand were way down in servicibilty, with 8-hour cannon fodder to fly those planes.. no wonder that morale was so low.


Quote

Fighter geschwader complaining replacements had only done 10 landings in 109s, and had never fired a cannon in training.
(Perhaps this explains the 109 landing accidents issue?)[/B]


Nice rhetorics again as firing training was done with MGs and not cannons... but then I guess, a German rookie was better off with the hard training he received with MGs than an RAF one who typically never fired a shot until he first met the enemy.
Also nice rhetorics on the *109 landing accident issue*. There was no such special *issue*. Landing accidents happen to all planes, especially if rookies fly them. Spitfires were notorious for landing accidents, thats why rookies preferred the Hurricane over the Spitfire, it was much easier to handle for them.

Quote
No. Dowding, at the Sept 7th meeting, outlined plans to:
"meet wastage greater than any incurred so far" (This was the creation of "C" squadrons in quiet parts of the country, which would take newly trained pilots and give them operational training away from the battle) (This wasn't an ption for the Germans as they had committed almost all their fighter units to the BoB)
[/B]

Hmmm, those C squadrons were created in despratation because it was realized that RAF fighter training was so poor at the time that those pilots, even for Dowding, were totally unfit for combat... Naswhan is of course wrong that the Germans committed *all* their fighter units to combat, in fact only about 70-80% which was circulated. During the whole war, German empolyed similiar 2nd line *Erganzungs* units, in which the rookie pilots got through familirization with their type from veteran trainers before sent to 1st line units, where they received further training under the wings of an experienced pilot. Training revolved around simulated air combat, air gunnery and practicing combat formations and the Moelders formation until it become a second nature, in contrast to RAF practice that trained pilots to fly in neat by useless close formations for airshows..
What was happening that the RAF was putting fresh meat into the meatgrinder, and the LW was happy to turn the handle.



Quote

And as to it being a long fight, on the 7th Sept Park said he did not believe the fight could last longer than another 3 weeks, Dowding said he was planning on it going on "very much longer" than that.
[/B]

Park had a realistic view on the events to come. After Dowding took the pilots from the classes before they finished their training, they could expect a gap in the replacement pilot classes in just 3 weeks. They would simply run out of pilots and no replacemts would come. It was a bluff from Dowding, and a rather cruel one. But the British military never seemed to worry about crew losses, just look at the Bomber Command.


Quote

Their "continuous campaign" had seen the RAF increase by about 200 pilots and 150 fighters between early July and 7th September, whilst the Luftwaffe strength had declined quite sharply. (See Milch's figures above) [/B]


Unfurtunately your rhetorics dont hide away the reality. The RAF was seriously lacking quality as early as August, over 50% of their pilots received less than  hours of training, whereas a German trainee came with over 250 hours to his unit. Fact. Fact also is that the RAF lacked modern fighters, most of its fighters were not up par with German 109s. By August RAF formations lost most of their Wing Commanders and Flight Leaders, which was (there was squadron which lost 3 of its commanders within a week). In short, the RAF was trying to make up quality with quantity. Or at least buy some time by sacrificing a few hundred pilots.  Dowding couldnt care less about them.


Finally, the RAF losses amounted 1960 fighters in total, which does not compare well to the ca 500 Bf 109s they managed to bring down in return, including the ones shot down by AAA. By September, the RAF was at a countdown, either it was they run out of the rookie cannon fodder under the LWs hammering, or the worsening wheater saves them, if they could not save themselves.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on May 02, 2005, 05:22:28 AM
Oh, dear.
Ok, some facts of the BoB:
"In contrast of your claims, the German strenght was pretty much the same during the whole battle, and quality did not decline as happened on the RAF side. "
Nope. Never seen anything supporting that.
then
1. The LW withdrew from daylight ops because of high losses.
2. The RAF was showing up in impressive numbers more than a month after Eagle day.
3. The LW lost 50% more aircraft than the RAF
4. The LW pilot quality as an average declined throughout WW2.
5. Losing some 1500 aircraft or so in the BoB was a heavy loss in Pilots, while the RAF lost some,,,,450?
6. The LW lost some 2500 Engines in the process
7. Engine deliveries to the Italian airforce was troublesome in the aftermath.
8. Crew losses were of course higher than the aircraft losses since the bulk of aircraft shot down had 2-4 as an average.
9. Escort was troublesome because of the 109's limited range, but mostly becase of wrong tactics. It did occur that 109's from the Calais area had to return before reaching London, a mere 100 miles away.

DING.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on May 02, 2005, 06:29:22 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
In contrast of your claims, the German strenght was pretty much the same during the whole battle, and quality did not decline as happened on the RAF side.  

Thats interesting before just before the Battle the bombers had 67% servicibility rate, fighters were at 77%. It seems that British efforts were insignificant enough to let the Germans even INCREASE their servicibilty rates or keep them up.


LW OoB - fighters

Aug 13 1940
26 Jagdgruppen - 976 - 109s (853 servicable)

9 Zerstrergruppen - 244 - 110s (189 servicable)

9 Stukagruppen - 365 (286 servicable)

42 1/3   Kampfgruppen   1482 (1008 servicable)


Sept 7 1940
27 Jagdgruppen - 831 - 109s (658 servicable)

8 Zerstörergruppen - 206 - 110s (112 servicable)

4 Stukagruppen - 174 (133servicable)

43 Kampfgruppen   1291 (798 servicable)

In 3 weeks of combat, the LW could not replace the  145 109s,  38 110s, 191 stukas  and 191 bombers shortage to bring up their compliment to that of 3 weeks before. Yet the RAF fighter squadrons still had their full compliment.

The ability to keep a/c in service definately decreased:

109s - 853 to 658 > 87% to 79%
110s - 189 to 112 > 77% to 54%
stukas - 286 to 133 > 78% to 74%
bombers - 1008 to 798 > 68% to 62%

http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2072/LW_OBs.html
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: thrila on May 02, 2005, 06:55:59 AM
Quote
Dowding couldnt care less about them.


It's clear you have read very little or nothing about Dowding or you would know that not to be true.

Kurfurst the RAF and LW were face to face, the LW blinked.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on May 02, 2005, 07:06:21 AM
Dowding referred to the RAF pilots as "His boys"
I wonder how Göring cared about his boys.....
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Naudet on May 02, 2005, 07:51:27 AM
If i remember right he called em "Cowards!" and tied the fighters to the bombers and restricted there tatical freedom.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on May 03, 2005, 04:36:33 PM
Correct!
IMHO, the LW could have easily won the BoB, had they done several mistakes, such as this one.
Same goes with the RAF, - they did several big mistakes on pair with the LW ones.
Put it this way.
LW does no mistakes, RAF all, LW wins by some margin
RAF makes it right, LW makes it wrong, RAF wins a crushing defeat.

Anyway, in RL it was a RAF victory by a margin, the debate goes about how wide that margin was, and all of us agree upon that I belive, - except perhaps one :D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Big G on May 03, 2005, 06:09:44 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
Correct!
IMHO, the LW could have easily won the BoB, had they done several mistakes, such as this one.
Same goes with the RAF, - they did several big mistakes on pair with the LW ones.
Put it this way.
LW does no mistakes, RAF all, LW wins by some margin
RAF makes it right, LW makes it wrong, RAF wins a crushing defeat.

Anyway, in RL it was a RAF victory by a margin, the debate goes about how wide that margin was, and all of us agree upon that I belive, - except perhaps one :D

Like I said earlier, when the chips were down the Spit won and the 109 lost:D
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Oldman731 on May 03, 2005, 08:18:01 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Big G
Like I said earlier, when the chips were down the Spit won and the 109 lost:D

(ahem)  When the chips were down, the Hurricane won and the Luftwaffe lost.

- oldman
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: agent 009 on May 03, 2005, 08:21:18 PM
And plane vs plane 109 won.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Big G on May 03, 2005, 08:23:47 PM
Ahem all you like mate, we are not talking about Hurricanes or Typhoons etc, we are talking about Spits and 109's.
I could go on for ever about why the Lw lost, why the Mustang was developed, why Galland wore red socks on Tuesdays, but the fact reamins, we are talking about Spit V 109, BOB or not, the Spit beat the 109 when it mattered.
If I remember corerctly, while this was going on the Americans supplied the petrol...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: agent 009 on May 03, 2005, 08:26:36 PM
when you compare losses in bob, I believe 109 comes out on top vs Spit & hurri.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: sniper68 on May 04, 2005, 01:01:01 AM
i dunno about that agent any one have any hard facts about who lost more planes?  in the air i mean not talking about LW straffin any RAF planes 0n the ground
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on May 04, 2005, 04:59:39 AM
Ok, some facts.
109 had the highest kill ratio. By some margin.
LW lost the fight. By a little margin.
The 109 could, despite its high kill ratio, NOT stop the RAF fighters from cutting down the bombers, with .303 bullets, and in severe numbers. Some 1200 LW aircraft, mostly twin engined were shot DOWN by RAF fighters, total LW losses (Flak, scraps, crashes, all BoB related) were 1700 aircraft in what, some 2-3 months?

The Spitfire could hold it's own against the 109, and was the first aircraft the 109 drivers ever met that could do that. Once it had a CS propeller and 100 oct fuel, it actually outperformed the 109E4, in both climb and speed, - but by a hair's margin though.
The 100 oct fuel was american allright, bought.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: agent 009 on May 04, 2005, 06:22:33 AM
Yep. That's bout right.

 but Exact numbers? no. I have read 1200 single engined fighters for Brits, 600 109's for Germans. How many of the 1200 were Hurries & Spits is the question. These may be old numbers. I'm sure someone here has more accurate figures than these.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Squire on May 04, 2005, 07:21:59 AM
It makes as much sense to compare 109 losses to just the Spitfires and Hurricanes as it would to compare the 109 (or any other LW fighter) vs P-47 or P-51 losses and ignore the fact that the LW was intercepting B-17s and B-24s at the time.

The RAF lost many fighters to bomber return fire (all models), and 110s. The 109 did not score all the kills, far from it.

The BoB pitted the LW (attacking):

He-111
Do-17
Ju-88
Ju-87
Bf 110
Bf 109

vs RAF (defending):

Hurricane (65 percent)
Spitfire (30 percent)
Defiant (5 percent)

Part of the reason the LW losses were higher is not hard to figure out: #1 They were attacking with bombers, that are by their nature more vulnerable. #2 The are flying over hostile territory, where damaged engines and wounded crews do not have the luxury of trying to come down sooner without a long flight home to France (and over the Channel).

July 10-October 31st 1940 LW lost 1880 a/c in the campaign, and 2660 aircrew (KIA or captured) to the RAFs 1020 a/c and 537 aircrew (KIA or captured). (Messenger).

The RAFs job in the BoB was to hang on as a fighting force, in order to stem an invasion attempt. The LWs job was to attrite the RAF fighters to the point that it could not seriously hamper a cross Channel invasion. It wasnt about who shot down more, or whos favorite fighter did what. It wasnt a polo match, and it wasnt a stats game of 109 vs the Spitfire.

Trying to compare one fighter vs another is difficult at best. They have different roles, they are fighting under different circumstances (surprise, #s, experience ect), and are usually in the presence of other combat a/c at the time (either bombers or fighters). In many ways its "apples and oranges". Thats true for all of WW2, not just the BoB. There are very few instances where two groups of fighters fought with even #s where neither side possessed some kind of edge. Thats war.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on May 04, 2005, 07:32:51 AM
LW OoB - Luftflotte 2, 3

Aug 13 1940
26 Jagdgruppen - 976 - 109s (853 servicable)

9 Zerstrergruppen - 244 - 110s (189 servicable)

9 Stukagruppen - 365 (286 servicable)

42 1/3 Kampfgruppen 1482 (1008 servicable)

A total of 3067 a/c.


Yet with all these a/c, the LW could not defeat the 24 squadrons (384 Spit/Hurries) of 11 Group.

13 Group did not take part in the southern air battles and 10 and 12 Groups only somewhat did so.


Why is it the Luftluvers always forget that the bombers were the main objective of the RAF's fighters and never mention the bomber losses?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on May 04, 2005, 09:01:03 AM
Quote
Originally posted by MiloMorai
Yet with all these a/c, the LW could not defeat the 24 squadrons (384 Spit/Hurries) of 11 Group.



Interesting, as the RAF admitted 900-odd of it`s fighters lost in combat, the total wastage being 1960 fighters during the BoB.

That would mean the LW completely destroyed the 11 Group 5 times during the battle. ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on May 04, 2005, 09:41:13 AM
From Izzy:
"the total wastage being 1960 fighters during the BoB. "

Never seen anything like that. Source?
For a little fun, that would be 20 - 30 fighters a day average for 2 or 3 months.
In the worst days the RAF lost more than 30 fighters, but sometimes very few.
So, this is ,,,as expected,,,,BALLOCKS!

Anyway, Milo, your LW  numbers are much higher than the ones I have!
(From memory)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Kurfürst on May 04, 2005, 10:33:57 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus
From Izzy:
"the total wastage being 1960 fighters during the BoB. "

Never seen anything like that. Source?


Len Deighton`s 'Fighters' BoB book.

The total wastage of the RAF-FC was 1960 planes, the usally qouted 900 odd fighters lost is from combat only without writeoffs from damage/use and accidents.

Quite 'naturally' for British history writing, they list only the _combat-related_ losses of the RAF fighters without losses of the Bomber Command, and that they compare to the LW combined bomber+fighter losses, both from combat and non-combat...
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on May 04, 2005, 10:45:02 AM
Angus, is that egg on your face? ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on May 04, 2005, 12:20:33 PM
Smells like a rotten egg :D
Anyway, I have read Deightons book twice and have it in my shelf, - there are sadly a few misconceptions in it.
His numbers are to be taken with a lot of salt.

Same with his turn radius calculations, hehe.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on May 04, 2005, 12:30:33 PM
Well then, how many planes did the RAF lose during the BoB? All aircraft types + accidents and write-offs? (edit: of course combined for all the RAF commands (fighter, bomber, coastal etc.)

How many did the LW lose?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on May 04, 2005, 12:39:28 PM
Quote
Originally posted by GScholz
Well then, how many planes did the RAF lose during the BoB? All aircraft types + accidents and write-offs? (edit: of course combined for all the RAF commands (fighter, bomber, coastal etc.)

How many did the LW lose?



From the "Battle of Britain-Then and Now" which breaks down losses of all kinds by both sides, each day, listing aircrew, aircraft, unit, where and what happened, etc.  This includes the accidents.

This covers the July 1-October 31 time frame that is generally given for the B of B.

Royal Air Force airmen killed: 537
Luftwaffe Airmen killed: 2,662
Me109 and 110 airmen killed: 549

Royal Air Force aircraft lost: 1,017
Luftwaffe aircraft lost: 1,882
Me109 and 110 aircraft lost: 871


Dan/CorkyJr
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on May 04, 2005, 12:43:35 PM
Does it include Bomber Command and Costal Command losses?

Does it include RAF aircraft destroyed on the ground?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on May 04, 2005, 12:49:45 PM
From what I can find RAF Bomber Command lost 271 bombers from 1 July to 31 October 1940. I don't know if that number includes accidents and write-offs.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on May 04, 2005, 01:01:55 PM
With the loss of 271 bombers (62 in daylight raids and 209 on night operations) I find it quite unrealistic that the RAF lost only 537 airmen. I guess they are not included in your numbers. With a modest guess of 5 airmen lost per aircraft Bomber Command crew losses alone amounts to ~1300.

Anyone have data on Costal Command?
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on May 04, 2005, 01:08:09 PM
I have a very good essay about that.
Have to scrape it together and type, bit busy at the moment.
From memory the LW lost with almost complete verification some 1200 aircraft (elevenhundredandsomething) aircraft to RAF guns in a given period, which BTW does not cover the whole, if you go June to November, the stats AFAIK get worse for the LW.
100 are credited to ack and the rest to various other incidents, totalling some 1700.
Operations are all BoB related.
I belive I have posted those already, just can't remember where  :(
Anyway, the RAF losses are quite near the 900, and honestly, that high figure from Izzy is more or less impossible, - not enough planes to fill the figure.

Deightons book is actually quite good, and his book "Blood tears and Folly" is a worthy read, IMHO much better. Fighter is also good, but it has some bugs in it, and the one that triggered me was his turn calculation (109, Hurry, Spit) which is completely a contradiction to the laws of physics.
So, it's a worthy read, but take it with a grain of salt. Since Deighton easily broadcasts gibberish like that, I re-read his books from a little distance.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on May 04, 2005, 01:08:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by GScholz
Does it include Bomber Command and Costal Command losses?

Does it include RAF aircraft destroyed on the ground?


Covers the losses suffered by RAF Fighter Command and the Luftwaffe engaged in the B of B.

Yes it does include those destroyed on the ground for the RAF.  No it doesn't include Bomber Command losses.

Blenheims, Defiants, Spits and Hurri's and at least one Whirlwind listed in the losses.

It's specific to those units of both sides engaged in the Battle of Britain.

I think it's why they broke out the 109 and 110 losses to seperate the fighter losses from the bombers.

Heckuva book btw.  Details much of the aviation archeology that's gone on to recover the wreckage of B of B aircraft as well as missing aircrew from both sides.

Dan/CorkyJr
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on May 04, 2005, 01:10:27 PM
Oh, jeez, got outtyped.
Anyway, will be posting the stuff I have.
Have fun lads :)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on May 04, 2005, 01:12:37 PM
Quote
Originally posted by GScholz
With the loss of 271 bombers (62 in daylight raids and 209 on night operations) I find it quite unrealistic that the RAF lost only 537 airmen. I guess they are not included in your numbers. With a modest guess of 5 airmen lost per aircraft Bomber Command crew losses alone amounts to ~1300.

Anyone have data on Costal Command?


I think the question then comes down to how do you break down the B of B losses.

The numbers I listed are specific to the B of B air battle.  They don't include LW losses from operations outside of the scope of air operations over England.

So maybe we need to go back a step and define what the question is that folks want answered.  B of B losses
or RAF v Luftwaffe losses in total for the time frame the B of B was going on.

Two totally different questions don't you think?  If we are talking B of B, I think the focus should be on the air ops over the B of B.

But then again that's how these arguments always go I guess.  

Dan/CorkyJr
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on May 04, 2005, 01:18:05 PM
What I'm putting together is exclusively BoB related.

Patience.....

edit...
Have to milk the cows before I have time ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on May 04, 2005, 01:32:16 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Guppy35
I think the question then comes down to how do you break down the B of B losses.

The numbers I listed are specific to the B of B air battle.  They don't include LW losses from operations outside of the scope of air operations over England.

So maybe we need to go back a step and define what the question is that folks want answered.  B of B losses
or RAF v Luftwaffe losses in total for the time frame the B of B was going on.

Two totally different questions don't you think?  If we are talking B of B, I think the focus should be on the air ops over the B of B.

But then again that's how these arguments always go I guess.  

Dan/CorkyJr


Bomber Command was bombing Germany as reprisals for the LW Bombing British cities. If they don't count ... then the LW bombers don't count. I don't know the RAF Costal Command losses, but if they don't count then neither does the Ju-52's and other utility AC (like search and rescue flying boats) the RAF shot down in the channel. Germany and Britain were at WAR. If you single out a select few criteria or operational areas you can manipulate the numbers to what ever you like.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on May 04, 2005, 01:51:17 PM
Quote
Originally posted by GScholz
Bomber Command was bombing Germany as reprisals for the LW Bombing British cities. If they don't count ... then the LW bombers don't count. I don't know the RAF Costal Command losses, but if they don't count then neither does the Ju-52's and other utility AC (like search and rescue flying boats) the RAF shot down in the channel. Germany and Britain were at WAR. If you single out a select few criteria or operational areas you can manipulate the numbers to what ever you like.


So why are we talking numbers then?

There is no point cause you are right.  You can find numbers to fit anything you like.

The end result of the B of B still stands however

Dan/CorkyJr
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on May 04, 2005, 04:15:06 PM
Use ALL the numbers, not just the ones you like. The RAF won the BoB simply by continuing to exist. However some here like to think it was a foregone conclusion that they would.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on May 04, 2005, 04:22:06 PM
Quote
Originally posted by GScholz
Use ALL the numbers, not just the ones you like. The RAF won the BoB simply by continuing to exist. However some here like to think it was a foregone conclusion that they would.



It has nothing do do with what numbers I like, cause ultimately I could care less about the numbers.  

I just threw those numbers in there because they came from what appears to me to be an unbiased source that documents the daily losses for both sides so completely.

As near as I can tell the majority of books, websites, you name it,  DO NOT go outside the scope of Fighter Command vs the LW units attacking England.  That was the Battle of Britain.

And all the coulda, shoulda woulda's about what MIGHT have happened are irrelevent because they didn't.

Dan/CorkyJr
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on May 04, 2005, 04:25:08 PM
Well we are talking about what DID happen. And some here likes to be selective about the facts (on both sides, and most authors).

Every single plane flying to or from Britain was part of the battle. That's why they call it Battle of Britain, and not the Battle of Fighter Command or Battle of London.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: agent 009 on May 04, 2005, 04:55:12 PM
As for Brit fighters, one should consider the Fairy swordfish & Barracuda & subtract these from total fighter losses, ( If they were considered part of the 900 that is ),

 & yes it's true that many Hurries & Spits were lost to German bombers. Good point.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on May 04, 2005, 05:02:24 PM
The Swordfish and Barracuda were not fighters.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on May 04, 2005, 06:29:33 PM
Quote
Originally posted by GScholz
Well we are talking about what DID happen. And some here likes to be selective about the facts (on both sides, and most authors).

Every single plane flying to or from Britain was part of the battle. That's why they call it Battle of Britain, and not the Battle of Fighter Command or Battle of London.


So basically in your view, any aircraft that flew for Germany or Britain regardless of the part it took in the actual battle should be counted.

So a courier aircraft goes down in Germany.  It counts.  A cargo plane goes down between airbases in England.  It counts.

SO we are really talking about many more aircraft on both sides.

Again, what's the point as the numbers are going to be skewed one way or another with many aircraft having little or no impact on the conduct of LW operations over Britain or RAF operations in defense of Britain which is what the Battle of Britain was about.

Dan/CorkyJr
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on May 04, 2005, 07:07:11 PM
You missed the "to and from Britain" part. Learn to read.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Guppy35 on May 04, 2005, 07:34:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by GScholz
You missed the "to and from Britain" part. Learn to read.


Now yer gonna get pissy on me?  If you want them all, then anything involved in any way shape or form fits.  If it supported operations in the B of B then it counts.

I don't buy it, but again as you point out, some folks like to manage the numbers to fit their point and yours would be a good example

Bomber Command was a seperate entity from Fighter Command.  RAF bombers had been to Germany prior to the B of B.  It's not like those bombing raids started as a result of the B of B.  That they hit Berlin after the LW hit London was only part of their ongoing operations.

But you know, like all these threads there is clearly no point in carrying on as no one is listening anyway right?

Dan/CorkyJr
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: agent 009 on May 04, 2005, 07:49:13 PM
OK Schulz, if they weren't counted, disregard me comment. I read somewhere these were counted when they shouldn't have been.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: GScholz on May 04, 2005, 08:58:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Guppy35
Bomber Command was a seperate entity from Fighter Command.  RAF bombers had been to Germany prior to the B of B.  It's not like those bombing raids started as a result of the B of B.  That they hit Berlin after the LW hit London was only part of their ongoing operations.


What does the organisation of the RAF have to do with it? Are you saying if the Germans had separated its bomber force into a "Kampfwaffe" their losses wouldn't count? Clearly this is a fallacy.



Quote
Originally posted by Guppy35
But you know, like all these threads there is clearly no point in carrying on as no one is listening anyway right?


Right.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on May 04, 2005, 10:52:46 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kurfürst
Interesting, as the RAF admitted 900-odd of it`s fighters lost in combat, the total wastage being 1960 fighters during the BoB.

That would mean the LW completely destroyed the 11 Group 5 times during the battle. ;)


Well Barbarrosa  Isegrim if you want to play with numbers those 384 a/c of 11 Group destroyed 5 times their number. :) If you use your ratio (including non-opertiaonal losses), it is a 1:1 ratio. Not bad, eh? But tell me, how does the LW claim a/c that were 'lost' on non-operational flights?


Scholz,

Now you can take all operations for this time period if you want, and is legit, but as Dan said, BoB was from July 1-October 31 and BoB was area specific (over southern England and a couple of 'raids' in the north). The losses of RAF BC in raids into France would be part of BoB but not those missions to Germany.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: MiloMorai on May 04, 2005, 10:57:42 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Angus

Anyway, Milo, your LW  numbers are much higher than the ones I have!
(From memory)


Angus,

you can get the LW OoB from http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2072/LW_OBs.html It also includes the bases the a/c flew from as well as the a/c type.
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on May 05, 2005, 11:35:38 AM
TY Milo.
A most interesting website.
As for BoB, I think the specification is generally "LW versus fighter command" an offensive of the behalf of the LW to subdue fighter command, making British airspace completely safe for LW bombers and transport. The Phases were basically 4, first attacks on shipping in the strait, then attacks on radar sites, then attacks of British airfields among with other targets, and then it switched on to the Blitz.
Hitler's command was this:
"The English air force must be eliminated to such an extent that it will be uncapable of putting up any substancial opposition to the invading troops"
A rather clear objective, and if you read Deighton you will realize that the LW was actually rather good in the planning and altered its plans many times over the battle.

So, wins and losses relate to this.
Here are the numbers I have.
LW Losses:
To RAF fighters 1197
without credit 37
AA  100
unknown 102
Failiures 57
take off 28
collisions 22
lost bearings 8
out of fuel 11
weather 6
ballon cables 3
own AA 3
searchlight 1
total 1.609


Shot down by Spitfires 529
there off 109's 282
Shot by Hurricanes 656
there off 109's 222
110's killed by Hurrys 128
by Spits 80

Source: Aeroplane, - John Alcorn
Period July 1. to October 31

And it looks like a good job BTW ;)
Title: Spit vs. Messer : Design vs. Design
Post by: Angus on May 05, 2005, 05:16:34 PM
A little to add on.
The RAF losses are listed SQN by SQN. They total 830.
So, Deighton should rather stick with cooking :D