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Old 28th June 2013, 22:55
HGabor HGabor is offline
Alter Hase
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
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Re: 659 IAP KOLDUNOV

Hi Paul,

I think it is very hard to determin how newer fighter types changed the battles. Number of planes and combat experience of the pilots was still a main -if not the most critical- factor in combat. Surprise attacks, position of the sun, etc. Regardless of side, large number of rookies vs. the ambush of just a few veterans could result huge losses even on the very best planes in a few minutes.

As far as I know only the 151. GvIAP flew the Yak-9U planes in the region having only minimal loss rate. Some other units also got re-armed with newer models, eg. 809. and 995. ShAP received IL-10s, handing over their old IL-2s to their fellow regiments in their division.

Gabor
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