Allied Opinion of IJN vs. IJA Fighter Pilots

[Leo Etgen]

Hi Bronc

Prior to the war Chennault warned the US War Department of both the Nate fighter of the IJAAF and the Claude fighter of the IJNAF noting that not only did these possess excellent performance but also equally noteworthy being the fact that these were autonomously designed and constructed by the Japanese. He also passed along information concerning the Zeke estimating its top speed as 322 mph and its maximum climb rate as being over 3,500 fpm as well as the type's incredible maneuverability. The US Navy Fleet Air Tactical Unit Intelligence Bulletin of 22 September 1941 estimated the Zeke had a top speed between 345 and 380 mph, a cruise speed of between 210 and 250 mph and an armament of two 7.7-mm machine guns and two 20-mm cannons. It was these estimates that led to the development of the Thach Weave as a tactical counter to enable USN fighter pilots to engage the Zeke on somewhat level terms. Another aspect that should be mentioned that proved crucial to the ability of USN fighter pilots to hold their own against a well-trained foe with a superior aircraft was the emphasis the USN placed on training in deflection shooting which was unique in the world.

Hi GuerraCivil

The latest estimates that I am aware of have Dutch pilots claiming some 15 to 20 victories with the Buffalo. Unfortunately, I do not have losses of these units at hand but the usual estimate is some 30 or so. I do agree that the type actually was not that bad as is commonly thought; RAF/RAAF pilots over Malaysia and Burma felt the aircraft was faster than the Japanese fighters they encountered although inferior in climb and maneuverability. They quickly learned that to engage in a classic dogfight was suicidal and that the correct tactic to deal with the enemy was to engage only when enjoying an altitude advantage and to avoid turning combats. Unfortunately, due to the lack of advance warning or ground control, such a favorable situation was rarely to be experienced often resulting in the Buffalo units being bounced by the Japanese fighters while still attempting to gain altitude. It should also be pointed out that inevitably the Buffalo pilots of both the RAF/RAAF and KNIL met the enemy in conditions of numerical inferiority; the British, for example, never succeeding in putting up more than a dozen fighters in the air at any one time. The five RAF/RAAF squadrons equipped with the Buffalo lost 28 aircraft in aerial combat over three months which actually was not excessive when one takes the situation in the theater the Allies found themselves into consideration.

Horrido!

Leo