 | 
04-18-2008, 09:32 PM
|
#586 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 2,273
Country:  | I said AS bad a problem, it was certainly still a disadvantage. (But the Seafire had other problems as well, personally I think the Sea Hurricane was a better choice despite the lower performance, untill they had better fighters like the Corsair anyway)
The F4F was at a range disadvantage as well, albeit not as much. (and the 2x 50 gal drop tanks had to be hand pumped if fitted)
The F2A-2/3 had excelent range (1,500+ mi clean, drop tanks were never fitted), in fact the F2A-2 had the longest range of any fighter when it first entered service, only surpassed by the A6M shortly after. (and only then with a drop tank) But let's not get into this discussion here. (about the F2A) It's been/being done in other threads. (let's just say the development of the design and company its self was badly mismanaged, the best all around vaiant probably being the F2A-2)
Last edited by kool kitty89 : 04-18-2008 at 09:36 PM.
| 
|  | |
04-18-2008, 09:48 PM
|
#587 | | Member
Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lethbridge, AB Canada
Posts: 56
Country:  | The only fault i see with comparing the much Vaunted Japanese Shiden Kai, with other examples of the best fighter, is the others fought, while this new plane was designed...yes in performance, etc, it was great, but so was other countries planes developed at the very end of hostilities...not trying to ink, or erk fans of this plane, but would maybe be like saying the best plane in European theatre was say...Gloster meteor with 4 20mmcannons, 16, 60pound 3" rockets, etc...but a spec or limited duel with an adversary is hard to judge...The ShidenKai, may have battled with Allied aircraft...How did it do, or kill ratio??? likewise with the Meteor???
the US of A had the lockhead P-80 flying in january of '45, can we count this plane as to one of the best in Europe, or Pacific??
bf109 Emil | |
| | |
04-18-2008, 10:02 PM
|
#588 | | IP/Mech THE GREAT GAZOO
Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado, USA
Posts: 13,587
Country: | Quote:
Originally Posted by bf109 Emil  the US of A had the lockhead P-80 flying in january of '45, can we count this plane as to one of the best in Europe, or Pacific? | Neither...
The P-80 in 1945 was still a very volatile aircraft - In actuality it wasn't combat ready till the end of 1945.
__________________ "IF ITS RED OR DUSTY, DON'T TOUCH IT"  | |
| | |
04-18-2008, 10:09 PM
|
#589 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 8,477
| Today is the 65th anniversary of the Yamamoto shoot down mission (see my thread for the details).
P38's were chosen for the mission over Corsairs.
__________________
"Pilot to copilot..... what are those mountain goats doing up here in the clouds?" | |
| | |
04-18-2008, 10:36 PM
|
#590 | | IP/Mech THE GREAT GAZOO
Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado, USA
Posts: 13,587
Country: | Quote:
Originally Posted by syscom3
P38's were chosen for the mission over Corsairs.
| I wonder why????? 
__________________ "IF ITS RED OR DUSTY, DON'T TOUCH IT" | |
| | |
04-18-2008, 11:34 PM
|
#591 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 2,273
Country: | The Meteor was far from a fully combat capable aircraft at the end of the war as well. The Meteor III wasn't much faster than the Mk.I (~450 mph max, opposed to ~420 mph of the Mk.I at ~10,000-15,000 ft) untill long chord nacelles were fitted, which allowd ~495 mph at altitude with Welland engines and ~520 mph with Derwent I's. These also reduced compressability problems quit a bit. (crit Mach ~.83, but buffeting and control problems still experienced down to ~.78 mach due to aiflow separation over the tail, mach limit same as Mk.IV at .8 mach; this was improved with the addition of a new tail on the F-8 )
Due to structural issues with the wing (a failure was experienced in testing high speed maneuvers) the ailerons were wired heavy on the F.III to prevent the wings from being overstressed which allowed it to be cleard for aerobatics. It aso resulted in a poor roll rate and was tiring for the pilot to operate. (clipping the wings would have helped as well for both stress and roll rate, but this wasn't implemented until the Mk.IV, along with a strengthened airframe)
It was also noth that great for range without the long nacelles due to the high drag of the short nacelles. The F.III could acheive a max range of ~1,300 mi, but only with a conformal belly tank bolted on (not droppable) which would reduce performance somewhat.
Last edited by kool kitty89 : 04-18-2008 at 11:39 PM.
| |
| | |
04-19-2008, 02:19 AM
|
#592 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 8,477
| Quote:
Originally Posted by FLYBOYJ I wonder why????? | Best pilots for the job no doubt. Whenever you need something done, call in the AAF.
__________________
"Pilot to copilot..... what are those mountain goats doing up here in the clouds?" | |
| | |
04-19-2008, 02:33 AM
|
#593 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,003
Country:  | Quote:
Originally Posted by syscom3 Best pilots for the job no doubt. Whenever you need something done, call in the AAF. | I seriously question that air force boys would be better than the marine flyers in the theatre. Wasnt Pappy Boyington a Corsair joc in the solomons at this time???
Maybe the P-38s were just at the right place at the right time, maybe they had a better performance arc at the point of interception, but pilot quality???? seems very unlikely to me
__________________
Do not judge on abilities, but on choices | |
| | |
04-19-2008, 07:35 AM
|
#594 | | IP/Mech THE GREAT GAZOO
Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado, USA
Posts: 13,587
Country: | Quote:
Originally Posted by syscom3 Best pilots for the job no doubt. Whenever you need something done, call in the AAF. |  Quote:
Originally Posted by parsifal I seriously question that air force boys would be better than the marine flyers in the theatre. Wasnt Pappy Boyington a Corsair joc in the solomons at this time???
Maybe the P-38s were just at the right place at the right time, maybe they had a better performance arc at the point of interception, but pilot quality???? seems very unlikely to me | In actuality the P-38 was deemed reliable and it also had the range to carry out this "aerial assassination."
__________________ "IF ITS RED OR DUSTY, DON'T TOUCH IT" | |
| | |
04-19-2008, 10:28 AM
|
#595 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 8,477
| Quote:
Originally Posted by parsifal I seriously question that air force boys would be better than the marine flyers in the theatre. Wasnt Pappy Boyington a Corsair joc in the solomons at this time??? | The Corsair pilots were at the officers club during the mission.
__________________
"Pilot to copilot..... what are those mountain goats doing up here in the clouds?" | |
| | |
04-19-2008, 11:52 AM
|
#596 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Montrose, Colorado
Posts: 2,283
Country: | Either at the O Club or on the beach with the nurses. Shows good judgment. | |
| | |
04-19-2008, 12:21 PM
|
#597 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 8,477
| Quote: |
In actuality the P-38 was deemed reliable and it also had the range to carry out this "aerial assassination."
| The bullets from the P38 had parts of an arrest warrant glued to them.
They were only delivering them.
__________________
"Pilot to copilot..... what are those mountain goats doing up here in the clouds?" | |
| | |
04-20-2008, 03:37 AM
|
#598 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,003
Country: | Good answer...Ill take it....
__________________
Do not judge on abilities, but on choices | |
| | |
04-20-2008, 04:38 AM
|
#599 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Fresno, CA
Posts: 2,562
Country: | Quote:
Originally Posted by syscom3 The bullets from the P38 had parts of an arrest warrant glued to them.
They were only delivering them. | The interception of Yamato was as task that transcends American history and delves into mythology.
David vs Goliath
Battle of Thermopile
Stalingrad
The evisceration of the architect of Pearl Harboir
__________________ “Despite the threat of SAMs and increasing visibility on 31 January 1991, one gunship opted to stay and continue to protect the Marines. A SAM subsequently shot down this AC-130H, call sign Spirit 03. All 14 crew members of Spirit 03 perished."  www.NewMediaPerspective.com  | |
| | |
04-20-2008, 11:58 AM
|
#600 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Adelaide
Posts: 3,727
Country: | Quote:
Originally Posted by FLYBOYJ The Spit's performance in the Pacific wasn't that stellar, | I have to pretty much agree with Joe here, the spit wasn't really suited to combat in the PTO, however it did serve a purpose especially in point defence of Allied air bases ie Darwin, Kiriwina, Morotai etc freeing up longer ranging a/c to undertake offensive operations. Regarding Spits V Zero's over Darwin, I'm holding my judgement until more research has been undertaken, especially regarding Japanese losses. Quote:
Originally Posted by FLYBOYJ The Beau served well but again in air-to-air, not even close. | Agreed, an excellent aircraft that served with distinction in the Pacific not in dogfighting but in the air to ground/maritime strike role. However RAAF Beau's did have great success in air to air combat against the Japanese especially over Taberfane, Timor etc however this was mainly against Pete's, Rufes, Nicks and other twin engined bombers. Quote:
Originally Posted by FLYBOYJ The Mossie - I'd guess they would of dry rotted! | Pretty much. Though an excellent a/c it was introduced too late in the Pacific to make much difference in that theatre. Infact I'm unaware of any aerial victories scored by mossies in the Pacific (not talking CBI here).
As for the best fighter, I like most here, believe it's between the P38, F4U and F6F and seeins as I can't decide which one, I'm no real help to this discussion!! 
__________________  | |
| | | Thread Tools | Search this Thread | | | | | Display Modes |  Linear Mode | 
Posting Rules
| You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off | | | All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:50 AM. | | |
