Spit 8 ENY?

[Xasthur]

This is just a question because I don't really understand why the Spit 8 is at 10 ENY when the Spit 9 is at 20?

Apart from a better WEP performance, I don't really see a 10 ENY difference unless I missed something?

This is coming from a Luftwobble nut who has little idea about Spits and has spent little time in them. I've taken to the Spit VIII lately because I was reading about some Australian pilots in their Spits and I was inspired.. It turns out that it's actually a monster of an aircraft once you learn how to use the rudder and guns correctly.

Anyway, any information on this issue would be appreciated. 

[Lusche]

Spit 8 has almost identical performance to Spit 16. Less roll rate, somewhat lesser armament (though it's still having the Hizookas), but greater stability and much longer range.

And 20 mph more speed and ~800 fpm better climb rate at sea level and a very noticeable better acceleration than the Spit 9 are definitely huge assets in the LW MA.

[SmokinLoon]

I've always thought the Spit 9 to be a better than 20 ENY plane.  It is limited to the fighter mode only since it cant carry ords.  Not sure why they give it the attack scoring option.

[BnZs]

Yeah, top speed on the deck is below 325 mph. Chances are if you are in something that has no business dogfighting a SpitIX, you are almost certainly faster, and if you are slower, you almost certainly competitive in turning.

[Angus]

Once you are in a close fight, IMHO the IX and the VIII are quite similar. The VIII may feel a tad heavier, but bear in mind that you may have twice the fuel aboard....

[Lusche]

[SectorNine50]

Wow, those stats definitely do not show through in-game for me.

I find the Spit 8 much easier to fight in a turn fight than the Spit 9, at least from the driver seat of my usual aircraft, the 51B.

[BaldEagl]

This is just a question because I don't really understand why the Spit 8 is at 10 ENY when the Spit 9 is at 20?

Mostly engine power.  The VIII is faster and climbs better.  It also carries more fuel.  There's very little difference between the VIII and XVI other than roll rate but that is a HUGE difference between them particularly at faster speeds.  The VIII is also saddled with the .303's rather than the more effective .50's that the XVI carries.

That said, I think the IX is a better aircraft than the VIII.  It's silky smooth handling makes up for all of it's deficits to it's bigger brother.

[Angus]

which we do not have modelled in AH....
The VIII was noted for being better by the ones who tested it. I suspect though that these would be things hard to model.

[iTunes]

Mostly engine power.  The VIII is faster and climbs better.  It also carries more fuel.  There's very little difference between the VIII and XVI other than roll rate but that is a HUGE difference between them particularly at faster speeds.  The VIII is also saddled with the .303's rather than the more effective .50's that the XVI carries.

That said, I think the IX is a better aircraft than the VIII.  It's silky smooth handling makes up for all of it's deficits to it's bigger brother.

I've alwyas thought that as well my friend, I wish the spit  drivers would grab a 9 and take it out more.

[Bruv119]

For a one on one straight up fight I would take the 9 over the 8.  It just feels that little bit lighter.

For the MA, the longer legs on the 8 coupled with the slightly more powerful engine make it a better overall choice.

[Angus]

The longer legs, yep, - indeed.
Take a 1/2 tank Mk VIII with a slipper. You can spend quite some time one sector away and drive home.
The low alt speed will also help in such a business 

[Xasthur]

Coming from late 109s and 190s to a Spit VIII, I don't think I could handle any more turning ability. 

If you use decent angles the Spit VIII will chop it with a Zeke for a couple of turns. With a bit of luck, that's all you'll need.