Just to clarify, in the book I've read this information in, the author didn't really write it. It is interviews and memoirs of different aces (yes, all are aces) and while one pilot in particular quoted the number "400 hp" it was just his statement and gave the impression it was just a number he might have pulled out of his arse.
I didn't think too much about it until I read in at least 3 other exerpts where each pilot was concerned about firing all his guns at a particular angle of attack or at a particular low speed for fear of wing departure. It may have been a thought bordering on pilot's superstition (kinda like gremlins in bomber squads), but it was mentioned enough to actually get my attention...that's all.
I'll try to go back through and mark the individual sentences and post them here. They may clarify a bit.
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