Hey TD can you look again at the Corsair..

[horseback]

Test Group #4: Yak-9, La-5F, and the Spitfire LF Mk IX at 80% and 100% prop pitch (2700 rpm and 3000 rpm, respectively).

Crimea map, noon, 3050m, 270 kph IAS, due west over the Black Sea.

From 270 to 350 kph: La-5F, 23 seconds; Yak-9, 17 seconds, Spit IX @80%, 14 seconds; Spit IX @100%, 12 seconds.

To 370 kph: La-5F, 30 seconds; Yak-9, 24 seconds, Spit IX @80%, 18 seconds; Spit IX @100%, 16 seconds.

To 380 kph: La-5F, 34 seconds; Yak-9, 28 seconds, Spit IX @80%, 21 seconds; Spit IX @100%, 18 seconds.

To 390 kph: La-5F, 40 seconds; Yak-9, 31 seconds, Spit IX @80%, 24 seconds; Spit IX @100%, 21 seconds.

To 400 kph: La-5F, 48 seconds; Yak-9, 35 seconds, Spit IX @80%, 28 seconds; Spit IX @100%, 23 seconds.

To 410 kph: La-5F, 58 seconds; Yak-9, 39 seconds, Spit IX @80%, 32 seconds; Spit IX @100%, 26 seconds.

To 420 kph: La-5F, 1 minute 8 seconds; Yak-9, 43 seconds, Spit IX @80%, 36 seconds; Spit IX @100%, 29 seconds.

To 430 kph: La-5F, 1 minute 17 seconds; Yak-9, 49 seconds, Spit IX @80%, 42 seconds; Spit IX @100%, 32 seconds.

To 440 kph: La-5F, 1 minute 47 seconds; Yak-9, 56 seconds, Spit IX @80%, 48 seconds; Spit IX @100%, 35 seconds.

To 450 kph: Yak-9, 1 minute 7 seconds; Spit IX @80%, 54 seconds; Spit IX @100%, 39 seconds.

To 460 kph: Yak-9, 1 minute 35 seconds; Spit IX @80%, 1 minute 4 seconds; Spit IX @100%, 43 seconds.

To 470 kph: Yak-9, 2 minutes 5 seconds; Spit IX @80%, 1 minute 20 seconds; Spit IX @100%, 48 seconds.

To 480 kph: Spit IX @80%, 1 minute 40 seconds; Spit IX @100%, 56 seconds.

To 490 kph: Spit IX @100%, 1 minute 5 seconds

Yak-9 overheats fairly consistently at 1 minute 40 seconds and La-5F overheats like clockwork right before reaching 440 kph, at a minute forty as well. I had expected the La-5F to be a bit faster, but the Yak is a beast by comparison; too bad it shoots BBs (and only carries about 10 of them). Things may be different at 1500-2000m.

All three aircraft twist & shake like a wet dog when full throttle is applied, usually resulting in a short climb and turn before I (over)compensate with stick & rudder; I can't help but think that I lose a couple of seconds of initial acceleration as a result, but it's harder to avoid than having to kiss that aunt with the big hairy mole at family reunions...

At 80% Prop Pitch Spit IX is still superior to most aircraft of the time, and not prone to overheat; however, if someone is shooting at me, I will take the (minor) chance of overheat and the much greater acceleration that comes with it.

The Spitfire IX wants to roll slightly right all the time, regardless of speed or power setting; since I calibrated my CH Combatstick before starting, I have to think it isn't me (although I also tend to roll right). It can't be trimmed out with rudder, and there apparently is no aileron trim. This results in little jerks of the stick as you catch the wings starting to come out of level. I have to mention that the climb indicator and the turn & bank thingie seem a good bit less accurate than on the Spit Mk Vb.

None of these aircraft want to trim out with button trim, particularly at their top ends; you have to be alert for little climbs and dives all the time, and at the very ragged edge, where the engine is straining to get to the next 10 kph of speed, a tiny variation in angle of attack can make a big difference in how long it takes. If you need to get outa Dodge in a hurry, put the nose down a fraction and fool the guy behind you into thinking you're still flying straight and level for that critical first couple of seconds.

cheers

horseback