[Robo.]

Originally Posted by NaBkin

Well, it's not wrong what you say. But maybe lets put it that way: it probably needs a too experienced pilot to tap the full potential of the 109. I also agree that in the JG27 there are some of the best pilots, but even they do complain about their plane's performance. Go on TS with them and ask themselves

Well I don't know. You need to be very experienced in any aircraft to tap its full potential, even Hurricane or Spitfire. And everybody complains, no matter what About own plane, about 'their' plane, about anything. The main problem is that most people usually stick to one side only and they simply don't understand what the 'other' side is talking about.

Originally Posted by NaBkin

I can't really tell since I didn't fly red back then. It was too much fun to fly my 109 against the red fighters but I can imagine that it is true because it really was too easy to compete against them. And since I want historical correct FM on both sides I'm glad that the devs did correct this issues.

Well there you go. Flying for the RAF prior to the latest FM reissue patch was pure masochim I wouldn't mind at all if that had some historical reason, but the gap simply was not as huge in RL as it was portrayed in the game. Difficult to explain if you didn't fly it back then. Some people still see that 'FM fix' by the devs as listening to the red agenda etc. Fair enough, as long as we have more realistic game.

Originally Posted by NaBkin

By the way, I found a good way to test and sort of measure the fighting performance of the planes: REPKA Server. I never tried ict because Of the map end icons and everything. But today I flew like 2h on it just to find out if I can climb out a Spit (I couldnt try it with my squad members because nobody was on tonight but I will do it for sure to gather better info soon).

I agree, I spent hours on Repka 4 practicing shooting and maneuvres, you will find that most of the guys in there fly the 109s on boths sides. Guess why Of course you can be successful in a Spitfire, but you have to be good. Even with the models as they are presented now, you can still outperform the RAF planes in your 109 - but your speed and climb is not as superior as it used to be and you can't afford as many mistakes as before. Flying for the RAF, you are still competetive if you fly well and smart, no huge complaints on my end.

Originally Posted by NaBkin

- I CAN out climb avery other plane in my 109 BUT rather slowly. it seems that 300 kmh +-20 and 2400rpm is a good performance to gain as much distance as fast as possible (because icons and outside view are on you can see how fast you gain distance, very cool).

BUT can I escape from shooting range to a non shooting range fast enough? It don't seems so, unless maybe the red pilot is a very bad shooter. You gain distance just too slowly.

So the first bit is pretty much historical and just as expected in the game - and I agree, this is correct. You can often get the 109 using good tactics and flying clean, keeping your E and chosing good trajectory. Some 109 pilots just keep climbing in front your guns because they 'know' 109 is a better climber. They are actually right, it is a objectively better climber and faster, just not in that particular moment.

The second bit implies that if you happen to have a Spitfire on your 6 you expect to extend from his guns before he shoots you down. Why would you expect anything like that, you did a mistake already if you let him that close, you still have some options, some neg G maneuveurs, barel roll or scissors. But if he's good you're dead, simple as that. But not because of the 109 but because of you.

Mind you Repka 4 has got overheating effects OFF so the RAF can fly full power no matter what (3000rpm) - you would wreck your engine on ATAG by flying like that or it would splutter if you go above 2600 rpm at certain altitudes. You can fly the 109 just like on Repka enywhere else. You still outperform any RAF in there, even on 3000 rpm yet on full real servers you're obvously limited to slightly lower performance.

Originally Posted by NaBkin

- If I sit in a Spit and a 109 does a rather slow BnZ on me, I easily can do a 180 turn and still be able to deal a few hits or even shot the 109 down. Sometimes I almost didn't believe how fast I could make that single turn and still being able to maintain the speed. I feel that the spit looses a bit too less energy in tight turns.

I hear this very often from 109 pilots who often underestimate Spitfires E-state (or the Spitfire pilot makes them underestimate it) or fly in front of its nose and climb in a nice linear curve. I often have Spitfires Mk.II turning 180 after the BnZ pass but they can't touch me unless I allow them that by making some mistake. I've heard one extremely capable 109 pilot saying thet Spitfire in a headon merge will do a 180 high G - turn and catch the 109 flying straight past him. I'd like to see that one day, we'll certainly meet on Repka and I'd like you to show me how Spitfire doesn't bleed E in tight turns because my Spit certainly does, that's why I am usually sticking to flying it as energy fighter

Originally Posted by NaBkin

- If you don't want to die in a 109 you don't have to (at least on Repka). If you fly perfectly and savely you'll stay alive, but its pretty hard to shoot enemys down then. You have to be a excelent shooter and very disciplined (which either I'm just partially)

I agree. Some pilots on that server are extremely good shots, they will get you if you blink too slow. Deflection shooting is an art to master, that's why I also keep practicing almost every day and you're right there, Repka is perfect playground for that.

Originally Posted by NaBkin

- Its very hard to survive in a Hurry though.

Tell me about it. But that's why it is my favourite ride, it is actually pretty good fighter, not as good as Spitfire or 109, you have to work harder, but is not too bad either. The good thing about flying her (even on Repka) is that you have to be really better pilot than the other guy, no mistakes, solid shooting, solid flying... bleeds E like crazy... Very rewarding for me. All imho of course.