I've flown the Ia-100 octane and IIa online (ATAG Server) for a couple of patrol sorties at 18,000 feet between Dover and Dungeness (the "English point"). Got in a couple of dogfights with 109's at various altitudes and situations. However, my observations would be purely anecdotal with no data, charts, or graphs to support them. Also, a couple of random engagements are hardly enough to form any opinion or conclusion, and certainly subject to change as I fly 'em more. But, here's my initial thoughts:
1) Ia -- at first blush, disappointed. Going "through the gate" seemed to produce more noise and vibration, but little increase in performance. Using the overboost at 3000 rpms produced, after an estimated 30 seconds, a lot of oil on the windscreen when I tried, unsuccessfully, to outclimb a zooming 109 (he had energy advantage on the zoom). The Ia at 2650 rpms and 6.5 lbs boost felt "heavy" and slow to climb to patrol height (50% fuel load). To anyone, though, I'd be the first to say Your Mileage May Vary. It's never a good idea to do what I did, though: go straight into an online combat environment without first "wringing out" a modded plane to get a solid idea of what it can/cannot do. I didn't win any victories over the 109's I engaged, but felt lucky to escape with a few holes and streaming glycol.
2) IIa -- felt like a different plane altogether. At 6.5 lbs/2650 rpms/50% fuel was able to climb ~3000 fpm at 180 mph IAS to 18,000 feet. Felt "nimble & spirited" at all engine settings. At sea level at full boost (no ammo) was able to keep ahead for full Channel crossing of 109E4, neither gaining nor giving ground. This was observed by two fellow Spits flying high above that bounced and ultimately splashed my target-fixated pursuer (which is how I know it was an E4!) The needle was bouncing, but quick glances showed ~280 IAS at sea level at full overboost (12 lbs now?). I engaged in 4 individual dogfights with 109's at relatively high altitudes (est 15 - 18K feet). In each case we spotted the other at roughly the same time. I felt from co-energy/co-alt encounters the 109 had the edge in climb, but not so much that I felt frustrated as in countless times with the earlier patch. Not the same advantage as the 1.59590 "retail patch" where the uber-IIa can charge up the hill to overtake a climbing 109. Playing the angles there's enough power to keep in the fight: dodging the tracer streams and getting a few shots in myself. I never achieved what I felt were out 'n out victories. In each case the 109's dove away streaming white smoke, and I never followed them down. Much later I was credited with 1.00 kills, but I never saw the aircraft actually crash. I suspect they each made it back and I got the so-called "kill" when they despawned, or they simply ditched in order to respawn immediately. Dunno.
So, my first thoughts are that the IIa (in my incompetent hands) is roughly the equal of the 109; the Ia is badly lacking in oomph. But I hasten to add I need more time in the Ia to fully assess it, properly.
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