Originally posted by WMLute
Yak-9U dominates 16-17k. Only thing faster w/o wep @ that alt (prop plane) is a Tempest. 190D and 190K are a bit faster w/ wep. (and of course the temp)
Of the 4 planes that are "close" or en par to it's speed @ that alt, it out maneuvers 'em handily.
Great ride.
Well, the P-51B is faster at 17k at MIL power and faster yet in WEP. The F4U-4 is also faster, as is the P-47N. It's largely a dead heat with the Spit14, but the Spit is much better in the vertical and accelerates much faster.
High speed turns are g limited. At low speeds (below 200 mph) the Yak is nothing to sweat, being unstable at the limit and will snap-spin at high AoA. Only between 200 mph and corner speed is the Yak a threat to out-maneuver another fighter.
When compared to the F4U-4, it's almost helpless. This F4U out-performs the Yak in every parameter.
At 17k, the Yak accelerates in a leisurely fashion, and the climb rate isn't much to write home about. At that altitude, the P-51B accelerates faster, climbs faster and can run down the Yak in a chase.
Comparing the Yak's speed to the 109K at 16-17k tells you little. The 109K accelerates and climbs much faster. Getting to max speed takes almost twice as long for the Yak as it does for the 109K. While the Yak has an impressive top speed, it takes forever to get there.
I agree that the Yak-9U is a very good fighter, but it's not exceptional. I'd take an F6F-5 over the Yak any day. Ditto for the F4U-1A/-1D. I'd take a P-38J/L over the Yak too. Same goes for the Spit8. Now the Yak is 20 mph faster than the Spit8 at sea level and 17k (the Spit is its equal at 20k). However, the Spit8 accelerates so much faster that it can run down the Yak before it can build enough speed to escape, getting from 150 mph to 300 mph 15% quicker. The higher you go, the bigger the gap in acceleration.
I don't want to discourage people from flying the Yak-9U, but I want them to understand that a slow Yak is usually a dead Yak. Keep it fast and avoid getting into slow turn fights.
My regards,
Widewing