Unfortunately, the RAF DM's above 10K are no match for the 109's they encounter with the bomber formations. The 109's ROC is several magnitudes greater even at a co-alt, co-e situation. Further, the 100 octane Spitfires will quickly burn out their engines if they try to match, must less overtake, a 109's climb above 10K. The Hurricane's Merlins have been modelled to be much less prone to overheating, their ROC above 10K is reportedly superior to the Spitfires, but they lack the raw speed of their 109 opponents.
Flying any of the RAF fighters against 109's above 10K is a sucker's game.
Below 10K the RAF fighters, as currently modelled, come into their own. The Spitfires still don't have the sustained ROC that 109's have, but they are well-matched in level speed with their 109 opponents. Their Hurricane counterparts are slightly slower at level speed, but their sustained ROC is better and below 10K can also give good account against co-alt, co-e 109 opponents in the right circumstances.
This is a huge factor why the RAF fighters in this sim stay low -- the Reds prefer to fight on equal terms.
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