Hurri/Spit, both have the Merlin, so why is the hurri so much slower?

[mattmanB182]

Dont make fun of me for the question, but I just dont get why two planes with the same engine could have such drastically different top speeds. Do they have different versions of the Merlin? Or is it just aerodynamics?





Of course its my opinion that the DB605 was superior to the Merlin, but thats a debate for another day.

[David603]

Originally Posted by mattmanB182

Dont make fun of me for the question, but I just dont get why two planes with the same engine could have such drastically different top speeds. Do they have different versions of the Merlin? Or is it just aerodynamics?





Of course its my opinion that the DB605 was superior to the Merlin, but thats a debate for another day.

Its a combination of the things you mentioned, plus the Hurricane is heavier than the only Spitfire in the game with a similarly powerful engine.

The Hurricane MkIIb we have in the game has a loaded weight of around 6700lbs and is powered by a 1260hp Merlin XX, giving a top speed of 340mph, while the Spitfire MkIIb weighs 6000lbs and has a 1170hp Merlin XII, for a 362mph top speed.

The later Spitfires in the game, the MkIXc and the MkXVIe, are heavier but have considerably more power, with the MkIX weighing 7400lbs but having a 1720hp Merlin 66, and the MkXVI being a similar weight and having a similarly powerful American built Packard Merlin 266. Both these planes have a top speed of around 408-410mph.

[Soviet Ace]

Just like the Merlin with it's different versions, the DB601-605 had their own versions as well. That's why there's different speeds etc. for certain 109s, that were powered by either a 601 or 605. I mean a early 109 powered by a 601, and a later 109 powered with the 601 as well, will more than likely have different speeds because they did this and that to increase the power of the 601 or 605.

[Robotic Pope]

Hurricane also has a lot more drag. The wings being a lot thicker than the spitfire's.

[HauptmannMolders]

I have to assume this also comes down to aeordynamics, simply have a look at how thick the wings are on the Hurri, they are positively massive! Also (and this is splitting hairs) wouldn't the fact that the Spitfire is aluminium vs the fabric of the Hurri cause less friction with the air? Lots of reasons I guess...

[David603]

Originally Posted by HauptmannMolders

I have to assume this also comes down to aeordynamics, simply have a look at how thick the wings are on the Hurri, they are positively massive! Also (and this is splitting hairs) wouldn't the fact that the Spitfire is aluminium vs the fabric of the Hurri cause less friction with the air? Lots of reasons I guess...

Well, the fabric used in the construction of the Hurricane could be a factor, but only the rear fusalage, tail assembly and control surfaces of the Hurricane are fabric covered, with the wings and centre fuselage/cowling being all metal, so I would think the difference would be minimal.

[Vulcan607]

Also i believe the thick leading edge of the spitfires wing (designed because of the possibility of a water cooled engine) creates a better air flow over the wing as it tapers.