Inaccurate performance data for BOB fighters in COD comparing to RL data

[NZtyphoon]

"These are, or will be operational Stations although they have no Hurricanes or Spitfires at the moment. In the near future these stations will have Merlin engine aircraft that will require 100 octane fuel." 9 December 1939

Not might require, not maybe require but will require 100 octane fuel. Clear recognition that as early as December 1939 Merlin engine aircraft such as the Hurricane and Spitfire required 100 octane fuel, and that bases operating Merlin powered aircraft needed stocks of the fuel.

[Crumpp]

If we assume that 16 squadrons operated on 100 octane at one time, by summing up the Spitfire, Hurricane and Defiant* squadrons in No. 11 Group we get:

Good work. My original post also noted that in September, 16 squadrons was a significant portion of Fighter Commands combat power.

The points to think about:

It was not until sometime in September the RAF had 16 fighter squadrons using 100 Octane. That could be the 1st of September or the 30th of September that 16 squadrons were operational. We don't know the exact date. I point this out because during the 100/150 grade debacle, knowing the exact dates revealed the fuel was used for several weeks before being withdrawn in the 2nd TAF. During that time, many squadrons converted back to 100/130 grade on their own because of the unreliability of the engine when using 100/150 grade. As a pilot myself, I have an aversion to flying with anything that will stop that propeller from turning, too. I like it when it works and don't like dying.

Second point is the logistical planning of the RAF in many ways was much better than the Luftwaffe. I would be willing to bet the RAF did not wait and suddenly stand up those 16 squadrons at once. Instead, at the completion of operational trials, the units were stood up on 100 octane as soon as the field built up the required reserve, the aircraft converted, and the logistical support in place to maintain combat operations.

This would make for a gradient curve and by sometime in September a full 16 squadrons were using the fuel. A word of caution, this is just my opinion and stated to participate or add fuel to any "make my gameshape better" butchering of history.

Unfortunately, we don't have the facts to fill in the gaps in our knowledge on that part so the very presence and actual slope is just more guesswork.

Given time, the facts will be revealed. Five years ago, I know very little about the development details or extent of operational use of either GM-1 or Alkohol-Einspritzung on the FW-190. We just knew we wanted our aircraft to be as authentic a restoration as possible. After several years of ploughing archives the gaps in our knowledge have narrowed considerably and the picture is much clearer.

The same will happen with the introduction of 100 Octane. I highly doubt it will be solved here and now. The answer is probably collecting dust in the files of an archive somewhere.