Spit/109 sea level speed comparisons in 1.08 beta patch

[Crumpp]

how exactly would a 400kph sustained turn in a Bf 109E be useful in actual turnfight vs. a Spitfire Mk.I?

Robo,

This is the key performance parameter for a fighter. It gives the aircraft which can sustain a higher load factor at a higher velocity the initiative in a dogfight.

This characteristic allows the Bf-109E3 to force the Spitfire to a lower airspeed in order to survive the fight.

The outcome of any dogfight is not predetermined. There are too many "what if's" and pilot skills are the determining factor.

What it tells Spitfire pilots is if you enter a sustained turn fight at high speed, the Bf-109 will win if you don't slow your speed down to the point you have a better sustained turn rate.

What it tells the Bf-109 pilot is you can maneuver against the Spitfire, just don't drop your IAS below 400 kph. If he breaks off and zooms at the point the Spitfire begins to out turn him, the Bf-109 will be above his opponent, out of reach, and able to engage/disengage at will.

400 kph is not a difficult point for the Bf-109 to maintain especially given the stability of the design. It is the trim speed and given the correct amount of power, where the airplane wants to be....