why the spit turns most effectively at the limit edge and the 109 doesnt

[Kurfürst]

Originally Posted by Rumcajs

There are plenty of resources on the internet. Not sure if one can find exactly the spitfire's lift distribution, but generally there are many sources for elliptical and other shaped wings.

Again the problem is that the Spitfire does not have an elliptical wing from the aerodynamic POV as explained above, so the theoretical lift distribution properties of a aerodynamic wing do not apply to the Spitfire.

What I have pointed out that you have made a very specific claim about the relative lift distribution on the 109 and Spitfire, based on generalisations. I wonder if even Supermarine or Messerschmitt were aware of how it looked like back in the 1940s...

Size, shape, weight, airfoil .... many variables go into the equation. No need to make simplifications like this.

It's a simplification but its ultimately giving the right results as can be cross-checked by practical examples. I am quite certain that the airfoil shape has next to non-measurable effect on the Spitfire turning characteristics and it shows no special qualities - fighters with low wingloading tend to turn well, nothing new in that.

Whatever increased efficiency they may or may not have gained by using the shape they lost it as they sacrificed the aspect ratio in return. Elliptical wings seemed to be a nice idea in 1930s, and the theory was that they would offer some advantage, but as it turned out it simply did not, and everybody dropped them quickly, including Supermarine when it first got a chance (Mark 2x series Spitfires).