Remember that Molders tested SPitfire MK1 with only 2-stage prop pitch ( not constant speed propeller unit) and lower boost settings( +6 1/2 lbs). But of course flying charactersitic (not peformacne) were the same. Also German report confirmed that both Hurricane and Spitfire could turn tigher then 109 E even with older 2-stage prop pitch and lower boost.

Yep, I added that in.

Geoffrey Wellum also mentions in his book that the Spit was more manageable in tight turns, with some practice, when you encounter the stall threshold.

I appreciate all the contributions made and many thanks to Fenrir in particular for his technical arguments wether you agree with them fully or not . On a personal note, I find the Bf's just as stable to fly and in many areas even better than the Spit, particularly the early Mk1 variants which are not modelled in the stock game. Interestingly, I see on other forums that pilots have noticed the LA7 has it's FM improved in 4.10 and it still retains a better rate of fire than what I have always believed it should have but I am no expert so accept that.

I have read accounts from BOB Spit pilots who said that young inexperienced flyers did not turn hard enough for fear of stalling and that one aspect of the Spit was the airframe would shudder and shake violently before the onset of stall making it very predictable even if somewhat unpleasant.

OK, let's accept that the previous FM of the Spit was too much in favour of the 'Reds' and that changes were necessary but it might just be that some aspects need questioning and supported with good technical evidence (for and against).

It will be very interesting to see how the MK1 Spit FM will be modelled in CoD given the new benchmark set by 4.10 (allbeit for the later variants which had many improvements). Hmmm,....I wonder if we will see similar Spit FM threads in the CoD forum if there is any discrepancy compared to 4.10?

I really wonder what engine settings ( boost preassure) will be used in Spitires MK1 with CS propeller and 100 octan fuel in Cliffs of Dover. With using 100 octan fuel in Spits MK1 during BOB time there were used new Boost seettings - + 9 lbs for climb ( 1/2 hour limit) and +12 lbs for emergency ( 5 minut rating). Before using 100 octan fuel MErlin III used +6 1/2 lbs maximum boost ( 1/2 hour limit) without any emergency power.

Dunno what data and information 1C gots for these early SPits.

IIRC, virtually all the Spits engaged in BOB had variable pitch props fitted, Geoffrey Wellum makes a point in his autobiography that he set his Spitty PP to 2650 rpm for combat as he considered it handled better! One thing's for sure, CoD is going to require 'up close and personal' before pressing the Spitty/Hurri trigger.......me thinks that maybe 'probables' should be awarded as opposed to just 'definite kills'........:grin:

Thanks Swiss, I'll look into this.

Also, to clarify, I don't want a return to the 4.09 Spitfire FMs; I quite like the new stall/energy characteristics.

The only issue I have is with the lateral trim.

Not variable pitch but constant speed propeller units (CSP). It is different thing that variable prop pitch which were used in early german fighters. In variable pitch you directly change prop pitch settings but in CSP you just set desire RPM settings and these system is trying to keep needed RPM by changing automaticly prop pitch.

+1

we have a winner;)

Then that should be the focus of any further argument...and once again, thanks for your input!