If you take a look at the performance of the 44'D-9 and P-51D and give the planes the same amount of fuel, you'll find that the P-51 has a very similar power loading and a lower wingloading than the Fw 190. It bleeds about the same energy as a Fw in a turn. It really depends on the altitude you're fighting at, the Fw's best altitudes being down low and between 4000 and 6000m, but between 1000m and 4000m, the P-51 is much better performing.
Weight with 500kg fuel: D-9: 4270, P-51D: 4420
maximum power output: D-9: 1750, P-51D: 1720
wing area: D-9: 18.6, P-51D: 21.4
But the main advantage, and the most important advantage to me, is the speed advantage the P-51D maintains at nearly all altitudes. It allows the pilot to engage and disengage at will. It helps to maintain high speeds after a dive, and thereafter, a better zoom climb. Not that a zoom climb with someone on your tail is a good idea, ever.
I've attached Il-2 compare data for a 44'D-9 and P-51D, both with 500kg fuel. Illustrates my points nicely (blue Fw 190, red P-51).
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02-11-2013, 08:51 AM
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