Topic: Big P-51 Show

perseus · September 30th, 2007

The Mustangs range allowed a wider range of missions, but the Spitfire Mk XIV have a far superior rate of climb.

http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/avi...stang-881.html

Here is a comparison, although this seems to be with an earlier version of MUSTANG, the III or P-51B or P-51C. The problem with comparisons is that these aircraft were being improved at an astonishing rate. I think the Spitfire was the only fighter aircraft to remain competitive throughout WW2 except for a brief period in 1942 against the FW190

TACTICAL COMPARISON WITH MUSTANG III

Radius of Action
31. Without a long range tank, the Spitfire XIV has no endurance. With a 90 gallon long-range tank it has about half the range of the Mustang III fitted with 2 x 62 1/2 gallon long range tanks.

Maximum Speed
32. The maximum speed are practically identical.
Maximum Climb
33. The Spitfire XIV is very much better.
Dive
34. As for the Spitfire IX. The Mustang pulls away, but less markedly.
Turning Circle
35. The Spitfire XIV is better.
Rate of Roll
36. The advantage tends to be with the Spitfire XIV. Conclusion
37. With the exception of endurance no conclusions can be drawn, as these two aircraft should never be enemies. The choice is a matter of taste.
http://www.spitfireperformance.com/spit14afdu.html

However, I vaguely remember about a potential post WW2 scenario where these might have come into conflict and based on the above it is not surprising that the best strategy for the Spitfire was to approach the Mustang from below.

September 30th, 2007
perseus Centurion	The Mustangs range allowed a wider range of missions, but the Spitfire Mk XIV have a far superior rate of climb. http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/avi...stang-881.html Here is a comparison, although this seems to be with an earlier version of MUSTANG, the III or P-51B or P-51C. The problem with comparisons is that these aircraft were being improved at an astonishing rate. I think the Spitfire was the only fighter aircraft to remain competitive throughout WW2 except for a brief period in 1942 against the FW190 TACTICAL COMPARISON WITH MUSTANG III Radius of Action 31. Without a long range tank, the Spitfire XIV has no endurance. With a 90 gallon long-range tank it has about half the range of the Mustang III fitted with 2 x 62 1/2 gallon long range tanks. Maximum Speed 32. The maximum speed are practically identical. Maximum Climb 33. The Spitfire XIV is very much better. Dive 34. As for the Spitfire IX. The Mustang pulls away, but less markedly. Turning Circle 35. The Spitfire XIV is better. Rate of Roll 36. The advantage tends to be with the Spitfire XIV. Conclusion 37. With the exception of endurance no conclusions can be drawn, as these two aircraft should never be enemies. The choice is a matter of taste. http://www.spitfireperformance.com/spit14afdu.html However, I vaguely remember about a potential post WW2 scenario where these might have come into conflict and based on the above it is not surprising that the best strategy for the Spitfire was to approach the Mustang from below. __________________ Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country. Herman Goering Last edited by perseus : September 30th, 2007 at 16:03.