F4U-1A v F4U-1D?

[DVDA]

Whats the difference? Been away for a long time just returned to see it on the list....

I use FW190-D9 but when i need to take off from Carrier i use F4U-1D, so how is 1A compared to 1D and the other F4Us?

[whiteman]

1A doesn't carry as much ord but i think is lighter so better in a turn fight. I'm no expert but think thats right.

[WaRLoCkL]

F4U-1A is a far superior fighter than the -1D. It is FASTER, however it is a slower accelorator, but second fastest only to the -4. It is lighter and more agile since it does not carry lots of pylons.

Also it as wing tanks so a drop tank is not even needed, making your climb rate better when u are heading to a fight over distances.

The stall properties are not as harsh as the -1d also.


My recommendations are the -4 and -1a for dog fighting, and the -1d and -1c for primary attack goals, they are the slower craft and less manuverable.

the -1 is also very comparible to the -1a but has a slightly weaker engine and not so great views.

[Saxman]

Actually, Warlockl, if you set it right the straight-back view in the -1 can actually be somewhat better than the bubble-top Hogs due to the cutouts along the side of the fuselage and because you don't have that big metal hood over your head. However overall, yes, the views in the birdcage are poor, especially when looking straight ahead and trying to gauge a deflection shot.

For a more specific comparison, the F4U-1A has roughly similar range to the -1, is faster by a few mph, and has a few feet shaved off her turning circle, with the acceleration and vertical performance of the 1D (1D has very slight advantages in acceleration and climb, but they are minute enough as to have no real impact in a fight). While this elevates her acceleration and vertical from the bottom-end of comparable fighters to maybe just above average at best, combined with her speed (capable of 410+ TAS at altitude) and turning ability she's easily the best pure dogfighter of the non-perked Hogs (the -4 stands so far above the rest of the family she just doesn't compare).

I still think she could arguably be given a very light perk, (maybe about 5 points) ESPECIALLY when she's available in the Mid War arena (at least a couple maps have the 1A available in MW).

[SkyRock]

as far as turn fighting, the d-hog owns the 1-A!

[Widewing]

Lets compare the general performance of the F4U-1A and F4U-1D. Data taken with 25% fuel, zero burn rate. Clean configuration. Note that a bomb rack essentially nullifies the advantages the F4U-1A has over the F4U-1D in terms of drag.

Max Speed, Sea Level.
F4U-1A: 366 mph
F4U-1D: 354 mph

Max Speed, 10k.
F4U-1A: 392 mph
F4U-1D: 380 mph

Max Speed, 15k.
F4U-1A: 412 mph
F4U-1D: 402 mph

Max Speed, 20K.
F4U-1A: 419 mph
F4U-1D: 409 mph

Sea Level Acceleration, 150 mph to 250 mph.
F4U-1A: 23.37 seconds
F4U-1D: 24.42 seconds
Note that the -1D accelerates slightly faster from 150 mph to 200 mph. However, due to less drag, the F4U-1A catches up by 220 mph and is slightly ahead by 250 mph.

Time to Climb From Sea Level to 10K.
F4U-1A: 2:30.34
F4U-1D: 2:27.96
This is directly related to the F4U-1A carrying more fuel weight at 25% capacity, which more than offsets the slightly greater weight of the F4U-1D basic airframe.

Minimum Turn Radius, Sea Level, Full Flaps.
F4U-1A: 422 feet
F4U-1D: 427 feet

In terms of dogfighting, the differences between these two are insignificant, being totally dependent upon weight of fuel and ammo. Invariably, pilot skill is a far bigger factor.

In general terms, the F4U-1A is a slightly better fighter than the F4U-1D. On the other hand, the F4U-1D is a far superior attack aircraft. With performance differences not being large, the F4U-1D is clearly the better all-around aircraft. So, it basically comes down to your purpose. For pure air-to-air fighting, take the -1A. For Jabo, then switching to air-to-air, take the -1D. My personal taste leads me to prefer the -1C over the other two. Its air-to-ground under-wing load is only slightly less than the -1D, and the four 20mm cannons more than make up for that. The -1C's lethality more than offsets the reduction in turn radius (443 feet), acceleration and climb associated with the greater weight of the cannons and their ammo. Either way, you won't go wrong selecting any of these fighters.

My regards,

Widewing

[Saxman]

Point of order regarding fuel:

Most experienced 1A pilots will burn off the wings either entirely, or at least down to between 1/8 and 1/4 before engaging. I know from my own experience before we received the 1A that a LOT of 1D pilots will carry a drop tank or two if they're going in as a pure fighter because of the more limited internal fuel load (even full internal just doesn't seem like enough to me, though not nearly as bad as the gas-guzzling -4). So generally by the time the two aircraft actually enter combat, any advantage the 1D may have because of its lighter internal fuel load is going to be negated.

Because of this I'd be much more interested in seeing how the two aircraft compare under equal fuel loads (say, 50% in the 1A and 75% in the 1D, which leaves the 1A's wings dry and fills both to roughly 75% in the main tank), as I think this would better simulate fuel status during actual combat.

[TequilaChaser]

Originally posted by Saxman
Point of order regarding fuel:

Because of this I'd be much more interested in seeing how the two aircraft compare under equal fuel loads (say, 50% in the 1A and 75% in the 1D, which leaves the 1A's wings dry and fills both to roughly 75% in the main tank), as I think this would better simulate fuel status during actual combat.

did they change the -1A to have the same fuel loadout as the F4U-1?  I thought the -1A shows 50% in all tanks......

[Saxman]

Yeah, they changed it on the last patch, I think.

[SAS_KID]

With my experience of flying both planes. I find that when using lots of rudder in a knife fight the -1D is more responsive and stable compared to the 1A.

[Saurdaukar]

Originally posted by SAS_KID
With my experience of flying both planes. I find that when using lots of rudder in a knife fight the -1D is more responsive and stable compared to the 1A.

Agree.  Ive been going back and forth with these two for a couple weeks now and the 1D seems to have a softer starboard wing stall at low speed.  No data to support.

[AKDogg]

Widewing, can U redo the tests with all the hogs.  I always thought the -1 was the fastest in top speed of all the non perked hogs but slower accelerate then all but -1c.  I just would like to see actual test data to confirm if u don't mind.

[Widewing]

Originally posted by AKDogg
Widewing, can U redo the tests with all the hogs.  I always thought the -1 was the fastest in top speed of all the non perked hogs but slower accelerate then all but -1c.  I just would like to see actual test data to confirm if u don't mind.

Ok, I retested for speed at sea level. 25% fuel, zero burn. I let each run until out of WEP. My method is to climb to 2k, establish 300 mph and dive to 50 feet ASL. I then let the aircraft settle down to max MIL power speed and then apply WEP.

Result...

F4U-4: 376 mph
F4U-1A: 366 mph
F4U-1: 360 mph
F4U-1D: 358 mph
F4U-1C: 357 mph

My regards,

Widewing

[moneyguy]

i believe the -1 was the fastest non-perk hog till we got the -1A.

[Murdr]

Did you happen to collect the turn DPSs Widewing?