zaybxcwd12
Well-Known Member
Blind_Io said:All those "Sticky out bits" is what makes the B-17 a visually interesting and photogenic aircraft. Even with all of those big guns it still looked graceful. Oh, and it shot down more German fighters than Allied fighter cover for the first year of operation. (I think it was the first year)
Oh, as for the P-51D vs Spitfire. The P-51 has a better power to weight ratio, better time-to-climb, better wing loading, heavier armament, higher top speed and higher operational ceiling, and better cockpit visibility.
In a fight the P-51 would win.
Mustand P-51D
Ceiling 41,900 feet
Top Speed 437 mph
Rate of Climb 3,475 feet per minute
Armament: Six Browning M2 .50 Caliber Machine Guns
Spitfire XIV
Celing 44,012 feet
Top Speed 446 mph
Rate of Climb 4,580 ft per min
Armourment 2x20mm Cannon, 4x0.303 Mg's
Wikepida quote "20mm cannon was adapted by Britain to be used in the Royal Navy for the short-range anti-aircraft role. It was fielded in United States Navy ships starting in 1942, replacing the M2 Machine Gun, which lacked range and firepower"
"Turning Circle: The Spitfire XIV can easily turn inside the FW 190. In the case of a right-hand turn, this difference is not so pronounced."
The XIV came into service b4 the P-51D taking range and exterinal fuel tanks out of the picture, 1 on 1 the Mustang would loose.
Apart from all that, just look at the thing, thats the DB9 of prop fighters, or fighters for that matter.