Hartmann: claims vs. victories

[Broncazonk]

Originally Posted by HGabor

Long story in short: Erich Hartmann’s six P-39 ‘victories’ (#244, #246, #247, #248, #249, #250) on June 4, 1944 were most likely just damaged planes (not destroyed ones), which later returned to combat service. If we consider the force landed planes as ‘victories’, then max. 1-2 victories vs. 4 overclaims, - however the times of Hartmann’s claims and the soviet missions are a bit different.

This ratio (again) matches Hartmann’s max. ~30% reliability.

Gabor

In my opinion, this latest research supports my, "boom and zoom" hypothesis, that being, Hartmann was claiming one pass, boom and zoom engagements as victories. Visualize Hartmann (and a trusted wingman) diving to engage Russian aircraft, full power, rocketing out of the sky, guns blazing for one pass--one pass only--then zooming clear and away to safety.

As they look back the Russian aircraft is smoking and in a dive: that's a kill.

Going back to confirm the kill or mixing it up with the other Russian guys was a darn good way to die.

Except for his wingman he was outnumbered 3-5-7-10 to 1 most of the time, outnumbered and alone on a free hunt, correct?

How else do you go into combat every single day, and usually multiple times a day, being outnumbered 3-5-7-10 to 1 most of the time and survive? Boom and zoom is the only way--and hanging around to confirm a kill was a sucker's bet.

Thoughts?

Bronc