Stability and Control characteristics of the Early Mark Spitfires

[Al Schlageter]

"One might wonder why anyone would use this manoeuvre. There were situations, especially in the Battle of Britain, where we were so outnumbered that the Spitfire had no chance. The maneuverability of the Spitfire was so superior to the Me 109 that in a dogfight I considered two or even three Me 109s equal opponents."

Crumpp has claimed in the past that the RAF was not outnumbered in the air battles over south-east England.