the fastest that can compete at tnb by BOP standards (i.e., anchored fight, most kills wins, deaths don't matter) is the la5. La7 is much faster, but spits get all the angles on it within about 5 loops.
The problem with using an la5 in BOP furballs is that first, it's almost impossible to avoid having to go nose-to-nose against spitfires. The furballs end up on the ground, so the only 3d motion available after the pass is a vertical turn. Going nose-to-nose against something with that short a turn radius and powerful and accurate of a cannon is perilous. I can beat them 1 on 1 fairly well, but it means every nose-to-nose vertical has to be done with enough speed for a jink at the top to spoil the spit's shot, then keep climbing till it can't follow.
The la5's corner speed is about 350kph. Most people fly their spits slower than that and will end up in the low to mid 200's. You'll notice they start looking sluggish at that point, then they're vulnerable.
In multiplayer fights it matters who aims best, more than who has the best-turning plane.
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