Monday, 20 July 2015

Book: Fighter Combat Study, No.1 - The Curtiss P-40C Tomahawk vs. the Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21 Zero-Sen


This is an old (1970's) study comparing the P-40 and A6M2. 
Long story short: The differences were much, much smaller than in WT AB, RB or SB modes. Even the low speed turn ability difference was rather subtle. We should keep in mind that experienced, talented pilots who know the limits of their fighter well can usually outmanoeuvre a slightly more agile fighter flown by a rookie pilot. German Bf109E expert pilots actually believed that the Spitfire was slightly less manoeuvrable in turnfights than a Bf109E, since this was their experience against most Spitfire opponents!

alternative links to the study (just in case one goes dead):

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