Allied Silver-Match (Biplanes)

[Soren]

Originally Posted by mosquitoman

enclosed cockpit, I don't like the feeling of the wind in my air

[mosquitoman]

I meant hair, surely you've had someone fart in your face before

[Soren]

Originally Posted by mosquitoman

I meant hair, surely you've had someone fart in your face before

No, not that I can remember atleast !

[cheddar cheese]

I havent. It goes against the geneva convention

[DAVIDICUS]

CC, you said, "Ive looked for that pilot account but I cant find it. I belive Kiwimac posted it here a while back. Does anyone else have any paticular accounts of pilots who flew both planes?"

Did you see my last post? Captain Eric Brown flew both and commented on the CR.42. His comments reflect his experience having flown the Gloster Gladiator.
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More from: http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/gladiator.htm

The Gloster Gladiator was, as the famous test-pilot Captain Eric M. Brown put it, undoubtedly one of the greatest biplane fighter ever built, but, appearing almost simultaneously with the first of the new breed of heavily armed monoplane fighters and bombers, it was pitched into a combat era where it was outgunned and outperformed, though never outmaneuvered.

Brown also stated that combat between the Fiat CR.42 Falco and the Gladiator would bee a fascinating duel between the two best biplane fighters in the world. The CR.42 had a slight speed advantage, the Gladiator a slight armament advantage. In the matter of maneuverability the aircraft were about equal, and each was lightweight in construction. A combat between them would be decided on the skills of the opposing pilots. The outcome could go either way.

From: http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/falco.htm

The famous test-pilot Captain Eric M. Brown, RN, had an opportunity to fly the captured CR.42 MM5701, which was captured after a forced-landing in the later stages of Battle of Britain. He reported that the aircraft was an aerobatic gem. It was remarkably fast for a biplane with a top speed of 270 mph at 12,400 ft and a marginal stability, the hallmark of a good fighter. The CR.42 was a superb biplane that gave an outstanding performance for its type, but as a fighter it was under-gunned. Though highly manoeuvrable, like all aircraft with a lot of fabric covering it was very vulnerable to enemy fire.

Captured CR.42 being flown by RAF

[DAVIDICUS]

Beautiful and deadly CR.42 Falco.


Frightfully ugly and feeble Sea-Gladiator aka Sea Hag.

[the lancaster kicks ass]

i still don't see how the .42 was more manouverable.........

[DAVIDICUS]

You might be right Lanc. I found a photo of some Gladiator pilots celebrating their manueverability.

Pilots of the Malta based 203 Squadron celebrate a successful mission in February, 1940.

[cheddar cheese]

Well I dont see how it was less manouverable, and everthing ive read points the the CR.42 having the manouverability advantage.

[Nonskimmer]

Originally Posted by DAVIDICUS

You might be right Lanc. I found a photo of some Gladiator pilots celebrating their manueverability.

Pilots of the Malta based 203 Squadron celebrate a successful mission in February, 1940.

I knew it! GAAAAHHHH!!!

[cheddar cheese]

Damn, I specifically told him not to put that picture of me on the site

[the lancaster kicks ass]

ewww....

[Sal Monella]

You crack me up David. Definitely the funniest poster.

[the lancaster kicks ass]

careful now, that's not something you say lightly........