Using the fockewulf 190

[David603]

Originally Posted by Soviet Ace

Well of course, the D9 is meant for speed, and really for high altitudes. But the Yak-3 would never have challenged a D9 because it was meant for T&B fighting, and T&B fighting with prop planes, does not involve high speeds since the main point, is to turn inside your enemy, and just let them have it. So the D9 and Yak-3 would not have been a good match since between the two, there is no middle ground for a good even dogfight.

Yeah, I agree a Yak-3 pilot probably won't want to challenge a D9 to a duel, but given the D9s speed advantage he might not have the choice. Really these are two planes that have a very strong orientation towards different styles of fighting, if either tries to play the others game they will be outclassed.

The Yak-3's problem here is that the faster, quicker climbing plane in any confrontation gets to choose which game both will play. That's why I love flying planes like the 109K and Spitfire XIV myself.

[Soviet Ace]

Originally Posted by David603

Yeah, I agree a Yak-3 pilot probably won't want to challenge a D9 to a duel, but given the D9s speed advantage he might not have the choice. Really these are two planes that have a very strong orientation towards different styles of fighting, if either tries to play the others game they will be outclassed.

The Yak-3's problem here is that the faster, quicker climbing plane in any confrontation gets to choose which game both will play. That's why I love flying planes like the 109K and Spitfire XIV myself.

That's true to a sense, but just look at the Zero and the way they fought. They were light, fast, and maneuverable, but they chewed the American Wildcats, and P-40s up because of their low and quick tactics. I think it just depends on the situation really?

[David603]

Originally Posted by Soviet Ace

That's true to a sense, but just look at the Zero and the way they fought. They were light, fast, and maneuverable, but they chewed the American Wildcats, and P-40s up because of their low and quick tactics. I think it just depends on the situation really?

Zero Vs Wildcat is biased pretty heavily in the Zero's favour, not only are they more manoeuvrable but they are faster and climb better. Zero Vs P40 is another matter, because while the Zero is still more agile and climbs better, the P40 does have a speed advantage, and combined with the P40s better high speed handling it gives the P40 an edge the P40 pilot can exploit over the Zero.

I suppose it does depend on the situation, but with a Yak-3 vs a Fw190D9 the 190 pilot is the one who decides the situation, and he would be stupid to pick the situation that favours the Yak-3.

[Soviet Ace]

Originally Posted by David603

Zero Vs Wildcat is biased pretty heavily in the Zero's favour, not only are they more manoeuvrable but they are faster and climb better. Zero Vs P40 is another matter, because while the Zero is still more agile and climbs better, the P40 does have a speed advantage, and combined with the P40s better high speed handling it gives the P40 an edge the P40 pilot can exploit over the Zero.

I suppose it does depend on the situation, but with a Yak-3 vs a Fw190D9 the 190 pilot is the one who decides the situation, and he would be stupid to pick the situation that favoured the Yak-3.

I dunno, I think a GM built FM2 Wilcat would be better, since they were A LOT better than the F4F series. But anyway, it just depends on the situation, and who gets the jump on who first?

[David603]

Originally Posted by Soviet Ace

I dunno, I think a GM built FM2 Wilcat would be better, since they were A LOT better than the F4F series. But anyway, it just depends on the situation, and who gets the jump on who first?

Yeah, the FM series of Wildcat is an improvement over the older models, but the A6M5 is at least as big an improvement over the A6M2, so given the choice I would rather be flying a Hellcat or Corsair against Zeros.

Anyway, while it is quite possible the Yak-3 pilot could get the jump on the D9, all other factors being equal the plane that flies higher and faster is more likely to be the one that jumps the other or at least enters combat with an energy advantage.

[Tentacle19]

Regarding the D-9 in real life:

"Kurt Tank had designed this model to operate as a high altitude fighter but the cabin design was unable to provide adequate pressurization. The aircraft was used to replace The FW 190A at lower altitudes and coincidentally was sometimes humorously referred to as “Downstairs Dora” or “Maid”."

A great plane that while achieving parity with allied fighters suffered heavy losses ( no experienced pilots left ). None the less it is still my favorite german fighter looks wise.