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Originally Posted by knusel
The basic concept seems to have been so sound that the plane could be improved again and again over a period of 8 long years.
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Should have it, that's another question (that also valable for the Spitfire).
Quote:
Originally Posted by knusel
I have a German book featuring a graphic that suggest that the Fw190 was so manoeuvrable in a dive that it easily could shake of a pursuer.
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The Bf 109 was also maneuvrable in dive, but like the Mustang, it should not be put under to much G. So the Bf 109 and Fw 190 can shake P-47 and P-38 in dive but a certain speed should be reached and timing was critical.
Quote:
Originally Posted by knusel
Would you have preferred to serve in an Fw190 unit if given the choice between the two ?
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Despite the few advantages of the Bf 109 over the Fw 190, except the pilots who know the Bf 109 like the back of their hand for flying it for a long time, most pilot would chose the Fw 190, particulary rookie ones.
But fact is pilot didn't have choice and it's likely that if the production had fully switched to the Fw 190 (something unthinkable knowing the power of Messerschmitt lobbying), they wouldn't have been able to cope with the losses and continue to create that much new Jagdgruppe.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick Beale
a Spitfire V had 2 x 20 mm and 4 x MG, double what the 109 F carried.
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Yes the Spitfire V have twice more firepower but the Bf 109 F-4 would fire its 20 mm cannon for three more time (200 rounds vs 60x2 rounds) and its machine guns one third more time (500x2 rounds vs 350x4 rounds). And also engine mounted weapons tends to be much more accurate, a fact that should not be downgraded.
However the situation was different with later variants, the Bf 109 losing performances to cope with Spitfire's level of firepower, despite better ammo and comparable cannons and machine guns.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick Beale
Also, there never was a Bf 109 with a sliding canopy, let alone a "teardrop" hood giving all-round vision such as the Spitfire, Typhoon, P-47 and P-51 all acquired. The Fw 190 had very good all-round vision from the start, of course.
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Yes that's a much important advantage in favor of the Fw 190 I forgot.