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Old 27th March 2010, 07:41
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Jim Oxley Jim Oxley is offline
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Phenomenal Turn Rate

When it comes to dogfighting both the Spitfire (Merlin engined) and the Yak-3 are considered without peer over Europe. Only the Hurricane Mk. 1 could turn tighter than the Spitfire (by 1 second), but subsequent versions gained heavily in the weight department, degrading performance.

The Spitfire Mk.1, at a corner speed of 133 mph (214kph) @ 12,000ft (3,600m), had a radius of turn of 696 ft (212.1m), completed in 19 seconds.
http://www.spitfireperformance.com/spitfire-I.html

The Yak-3 1944 model ( considered by many the best dogfighter of the European conflict) could complete a 360 degree turn at an entry speed on 165 mph (265kph) @ 1,200m (3,950ft) in 18.4 seconds. Even the Yak-1M (prototype for the Yak-3 series) could only complete a 360 degree turn in 16.5 seconds.
"Soviet Combat Aircraft in the Second World War Vol.1", by Yefim Gordon.

Both possess very impressive figures, most fighter aircraft get around in 22 - 26 seconds. However the Spitfire and the Yak pale in comparison to the Type 1 Fighter Hayabusa, commonly called the 'Oscar'.

Light construction coupled with a very large wing area (boosted by butterfly flaps) puts this aircraft in a totally different league.

Type 1 Fighter, model 2
Max speed 515kph @ 6000m (2700rpm +200 boost); 504@3000 (2700 +125)
Stalling speed w/o flaps 120kph; with 30 deg flaps 105kph

Turn performance - left 93.7m radius, 10.8 secs (330kph, 2700rpm, +200)
right- 91.9m, 11.0 secs at altitude 600m

Climb to 1000, 1m13sec, 13.87m/s, 235kph (2700 +200)
Climb to 6000, 7m24s, 9.9m/s, 210kph (2700 +110)
Loop initiated at 350kph, speed at top 130kph
Loop roll (Immelmann?) Initiated at 350kph and 2300rpm altitude gain about 500m
Initiating climb at 350kph a 50 deg climb can be maintained 1000m, final air speed 180kph
Although possible to perform the following maneuvers are to be avoided - half rolls, fast barrel rolls, spins, inverted climbs, and steep pull ups at high speed.

"Pilot manual issued by Akeno Flying School (16 Jan 43)", courtesy of Rick Dunn from J-Aircraft http://www.j-aircraft.org/smf/index.php

The following video well illustrates its manoeuverability:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6sLyivy8VM

Unfortunately I haven't been able to find any turn rate figures for the Navy Type 0 Fighter. But from contemporary reports the Type 0 is every bit as manoeuverable as the Army Type 1.
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