Quote:
Turn radius is for turns at sea level. Estimated best sustained turn. Corresponding turn times from same calculation:
Hurricane I: 17.6s
Spitfire I: 18.2s
Bf 109E-3: 20.5s
Bf 110C-4: 20.5s (was also calculated, with radius of 840ft)
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While absolutely correct for relative performance, just examining a single point of best performance does not give one the best picture of the relative dogfighting capability.
Looking at one single point in the envelope tells us the Bf-109E3 is hopelessly outclassed IF it tries to match the Spitfire at the Spitfires best performance velocity.
Fortunately, all airplanes have their own unique best performance speeds and the Bf-109E3 is no different.
Here we can see the entire sustainable load factor envelope for both aircraft.
What is shows us is that in order for the Spitfire to realize it's turn performance advantage, it must go slower than the Bf-109E3 by some 30Kph or 18 mph.
That means the Bf-109E3 gains the initiative in the fight if the Spitfire tries to use its sustained turn advantage.
Once more, the Bf-109E3 pilot can take his aircraft all the way to its best sustained turn performance point without fear of losing the initiative.
Factor in the stability characteristics and these airplanes are very evenly matched in close quarters dogfighting.