Spitfire Hurricane V the BF109e

[Juha]

A point to add to George Hopp's informative post. In Bf 109E the pilot could use flaps to better its turning ability. IIRC 8 degree flap was usually used. By doing so one got better lift, the price been more drag. In British fighters of 1940 that was not possible, their flaps had only 2 positions, fully open or closed. And I thing the British test pilots who tested the Bf 109E didn't figure out that possibility of using flaps to enchance the turning ability. Also the slats in Bf 109 allowed a competent pilot to fly the Bf 109 to the limits in low speed turning fight even if their popping open and close again upset many less experienced ones.

Juha