If you mean German 100 octane (designated C-3) use, indeed the exact units are unclear, but the matter is simplier because in practice it only effects those 109/110 units that were re-engined to the DB 601N.

We know from the transcript of the Generalluftzeugmeister meeting on 19 July 1940 that 1 Gruppe (Wing, usually with 3 Staffeln, or Squadrons. Most likely one of the JG 26 Gruppen, evidenced by the photos) of Bf 109E and 3 Gruppen of 110C had been already converted to 601N. That's roughly 30-40 109s and 100-120 Bf 110s with 601N/C-3 at the time of the start of the Battle.

A fourth 110 Gruppe was converted IIRC in September, so its more of an issue for the 110s, much of them (roughly half) had the 601N, and it was a significant performance boost, with the 601A the 110 did something like 520 kph at altitude, the 601N had better output accross the whole altitude range, so it works out as 550-560 km/h, practically as fast as 109s/Spits, and faster than Hurris.

And the 601N wouldn't take anything else but 100 octane C-3, else they wouldn't fly at all. No headaches here which LW airfield got the fuel and which didn't. ;) As a matter of fact British analysis of captured LW fuel samples shows that C-3 was even found in the tanks of some Ju 88s, but that seems fairly irrelevant, as there would be no performance increase compared to 87 octane, to my best knowledge, with their Jumo engines.

Initially 110s had priority for 601Ns, the 109s got priority and begun receiving/retrofitting them at around October 1940.

As of 1 January 1941 there were 112 109Es of all subtypes and 5 109F-1s, 153 Bf 110C/D/Es around, plus 4 He 111P and 34 Do 215s.

See: http://www.kurfurst.org/Engine/DB60x...asheets_N.html

But then again, I have trouble catching up with frigging Blenheims in the Quick Missions.. even with CEM disabled. So there are far more serious issues to be dealt with, either with the sims bugs, with my flying, or with both. :D

Some (two?) Bristol Blenheim Squadrons also seem to have used it.

Bloody heck, well that does surprise me! Just checked in the Blenheim IV pilot notes and you're spot on the Blenheim can use 100 octane fuel. Wll they say you do learn something new everyday.

Was just about to mention this myself, yes.

Thanks for the info above Kurfürst, certainly the fact that the 601N could only use the C3 fuel does simplify matters considerably.

Moggy: Thanks for that info! Now we have to work out what 'operational' means! :lol: It's also worth considering whether it's a later edition of the manual, perhaps? It's definitely worth making sure we're 100% on the matter.

It's most likely II./JG 26 which received the DB 601N-powered aircraft but I am still hesitant to see this type as more than a "candy bar" for the most successful pilots (still too much of a guess rather than knowledge). "White 4" (of Uffz. Perez) was the personal aircraft of Hptm. Karl Ebbinghausen (the commander of II./JG 26, hence the killmarks on said aircraft) before it was passed on to 4./JG 26. Having either the Bf 109 E-4/N or the Bf 109 F-0 tested by Stab/JG 51 in October 1940 would be interesting if the campaign engine allowed for such "rewards for outstanding performance". ;)

The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away. I've just checked the date on the top of Section 2 and it's January 1942. :(

Maybe someone had better get coding one. ;) I wouldn't bet on a Maddox Games campaign engine any time soon.

I thought it might be, I knew there were two variants going about, sorry about that Moggy. :(

No worries, the closest I've got to 100 octane fuel being mentioned in pilot's notes are from June/July 1940 and the Spitfire IIa and I can't see any ammendment dates on that all. My Hurricane Mk.I notes pre dates 100 octane fuel and only mentions 87 octane as a result.

Yeah, I've got those Hurri notes, as well, they only mention the two-blade fixed pitch wooden prop! :o

Well, I couldn't code if my life depended on it. But unfortunately I have to agree with you WRT a dynamic campaign from 1C:MG. :(