[Robotic Pope]

Originally Posted by David603

Both the IX and XVI could have versions of the Merlin 66. MkIXs were built with the Merlin 61(later replaced by Merlin 63), 66 and 70 engines as F.MKIX, LF.MkIX and HF.MkIX respectively. The F.MkIX was the initial production version, and was the standard fighter model. Over time refinements were introduced, with a pointed rudder, bubble canopy, and the E wing armament (2x20mm+2x.50cal) being introduced, but not all at one time. The LF.MkIX had the Merlin 66, which was tuned to produce more power low down, at the expense of power high up, and was commonly fitted with clipped wingtips. The HF.MkIX was a high altitude version, with a Merlin 70 and often fitted with extended wingtips. Same refinements as per the basic F model were applied to these versions as these became available.

The MkXVI was produced with the Packard built equivalent of a Merlin 66 only, giving it the exact same performance as a LF.MkIX. Since they were introduced late in the MkIX's production life, most of the 1,000 odd Mk.XVI's produced had bubble canopies and the later E wing armament, and most were fitted with clipped wingtips to suit their role as a low altitude fighter.

In short, you could have a LF.MkIX with exactly the same features as the MkXVI in BoP, with clipped wings, bubble canopy and 2x20mm plus 2x.50cal armament or a MkXVI with standard wings, a high back and 2x20mm plus 4x.303cal armament which would look exactly like the MkIX we have in BoP.

Yes I know all that. What I am saying is the mk IX plane in the game is an early production mkIX not a late production mkIX, so it makes sense that the late production mkXVI in the game is faster.