Quote:
Originally Posted by Thunderbolt56
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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It should surprise nobody that even WWII veterans are likely to tell a good tale now and again and use a fair bit of exaggeration. I'm sure firing the guns felt like a kick in the pants but I doubt the actual impact to the plane was that significant.
In another Mustang pilot story the Mustang pilot was locked in a battle with a 109...and at the end of the fight the Mustang pilot ended up behind the 109 at low altitude. In the process 3 out of 4 guns (was a B model) were jammed. I believe the interview references the need to counter the additional yaw from firing a single .50cal but that it was easily countered with the rudder. That never sounded to me like it was reducing the planes power by 400hp or 100hp or anything like that.
I think its just a bit of a tall tale.
01-16-2009, 04:42 AM
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