Bf109 test data

[JtD]

I don't think it is questionable if aircraft's condition is representative enough for a standard 109E. I'd say it is close enough, there are always differences between individual aircraft, even if all of them are brought up to the same specs. Weight is pretty much irrelevant at high speed, and drag from wing installed weapons was shown to be small. I also think the methods employed are sound, and the data is as solid as test data can be.

So far so good, but for me there are other open questions, mostly regarding high altitude performance. It was brought up in another topic - a plane going 500 at SL should manage a lot more than 575 at 5000m, if it has slightly more power available at altitude. Doesn't make sense the way it is. Also, V15 having a DB601Aa engine, the full throttle altitude of 4900m is unreasonably high, no answer found as of yet.

Spitfire tests do not show this kind of problems, which makes it easier for me to accept their results. They are more plausible. OTOH, Spitfire test results usually get less corrections and would therefore be less accurate.