[brando]

Originally Posted by Skoshi Tiger

I wonder how performace will be altered for older planes.

Less Power?
rough running?
More chance of a breakdown?
Harder to start?
More likely to overheat?
Run out of oil quicker?
Smokey exhaust?


As an aside, I've just upgrade my PC a month or two ago and I'm already going through what I'll need to upgrade for Bob in year or so's time! I think my wife will be unimpressed!

I would expect the usage time to be more modelled on airframe stress than engine wear. From an engine standpoint the maintenance schedules were pretty rigorously maintained even at the height of the conflict, certainly in the RAF - and undoubtedly by the LW as well, I just haven't researched their procedures. It's also worth remembering that the supply of fighters was never a big issue at this period. An unserviceable aircraft was taken out of the line and replaced - it was a shortage of skilled pilots that the RAF had to deal with.
Of course, some planes were known to be 'lemons' - and, sad to record, were parcelled out to inexperienced replacement pilots, based on the callous but logical assessment that the best equipment should go to the best pilot.