21st January 2006, 20:52
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 246
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Re: P-47 Actions 29 Mar 44 near Berlin
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Originally Posted by Franek Grabowski
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Originally Posted by Six Nifty .50s
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Originally Posted by Franek Grabowski
Please, prove me that M=0,83 that Herb Fisher was unable to exceed is more than M=0,89 achieved by Martindale.
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These speeds were achieved at what heights? |
It does not matter, due to nature of Mach. |
Another strange notion not sustained by facts. RAF test pilots were first to admit the maximum speed of the Spitfire declined rapidly when diving into denser air -- reduced to about .67 Mach at heights just below 20,000 feet. Not very impressive, and probably overoptimistic for anyone but highly experienced pilots. That explains why the 109s and 190s could out-accelerate Merlin-powered Spitfires if the dive was started from heights below 30,000 feet.
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Originally Posted by Franek Grabowski
This was simply realised in 1943, when it was a little bit too late. Had it been found earlier, no doubt Spit pilots would have been encouraged to chase their enemies.
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The laws of physics did not change in 1943. The only way Spitfire pilots could increase dive acceleration was to add more horsepower and more weight. Unfortunately for the RAF, the Germans did the same.
In RAF diving trials, the Griffon-powered Spitfire XIV could just barely out-accelerate a worn out Fw 190A-3 and Bf 109G-6. That advantage was short-lived, thanks to the Bf 109G-10, Bf 109K and Fw 190D.
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