The best fighter of WWII

[GraveyardJimmy]

Originally Posted by Skoshi Tiger

It was the Hurricane....because Biggles flew one!

Ah, but he flew a spitfire in the desert!

http://yabs.isambard.com.au/images/e.../673-cover.jpg

[Moggy]

It all depends on what you want to do with the aircraft. According to 1 magazine I read a few years ago, they came up with the P-47 (based on 4 mission criteria) as the best overall aircraft of the European theatre and the Hellcat in the Pacific theatre.

I found the list and the criteria...

Constant production improvement in combat capability
Four mission capability (air to air, air to ground troop support, bomber escort and photo recon)
Pilot compatibility
Service record

7. P-38 Lightning
6. BF-109
5. Yak-1 and Yak-9
4. P-51 Mustang
3. Spitfire/Seafire
2. FW-190
1. P-47

[taildraggernut]

Pilot compatibility

Explain this one, I thought if it had a seat and controls it was pilot compatible.

[Moggy]

If memory serves it was ease of use, it's a long time since I've seen the magazine. Perhaps someone still has the magazine, I remember it was an American publication.

[SiThSpAwN]

Originally Posted by taildraggernut

Explain this one, I thought if it had a seat and controls it was pilot compatible.

I am sure some planes were better designed for pilot function than others, I am sure that's what they mean with that.

[Moggy]

I've found the details on another website so excuse the typing. The magazine was Flight Journal from August 2003 and the author was Corky Meyer;

Pilot compatability
experienced pilots didn't fight wars; hastily trained conscripts that BECAME experienced pilots fought them.
the plane should therefore be comfortable for a 200hr, wartime-trained pilot to fly.
docile flight characteristics, high performance, good cockpit design & outside visibility, comfort, armored/self-sealing fuel tanks, and the resulting low accident rate.

[taildraggernut]

Originally Posted by Moggy

If memory serves it was ease of use, it's a long time since I've seen the magazine. Perhaps someone still has the magazine, I remember it was an American publication.

Originally Posted by SiThSpAwN

I am sure some planes were better designed for pilot function than others, I am sure that's what they mean with that.

Yes that does make sense thanks.

[6S.Manu]

Originally Posted by Moggy

It all depends on what you want to do with the aircraft. According to 1 magazine I read a few years ago, they came up with the P-47 (based on 4 mission criteria) as the best overall aircraft of the European theatre and the Hellcat in the Pacific theatre.

I found the list and the criteria...

Constant production improvement in combat capability
Four mission capability (air to air, air to ground troop support, bomber escort and photo recon)
Pilot compatibility
Service record

7. P-38 Lightning
6. BF-109
5. Yak-1 and Yak-9
4. P-51 Mustang
3. Spitfire/Seafire
2. FW-190
1. P-47

I agree with this list but I would ignore the service record (who's the enemy?).

But I don't see the Tempest, that in IL2 1946 it's probably the best plane out there.

And before anybody comes claiming the uber IL2's 109s, think about the G6...

[pstyle]

This reminds me of those silly "10 most dangerous fish" programmes on discovery channel

[fruitbat]

Ha, if you went by il2, then it would be the La7B20