i-185

[TinyTim]

Well, to be frank, I-185 with M-82 engine isn't any better than a La-5F (not the FN even!) performance wise (same engine). Might be a bit more durable due to all-metal construction and 3 cannons (vs 2) located close to centerline.

However, the 2200 HP M-71 engined version is indeed a monster.

[gaunt1]

Originally Posted by TinyTim

Well, to be frank, I-185 with M-82 engine isn't any better than a La-5F (not the FN even!) performance wise (same engine). Might be a bit more durable due to all-metal construction and 3 cannons (vs 2) located close to centerline.

But La-5F is seriously overmodeled. More than 30km/h faster than it should be (622 vs 590)
La-5FN is also overmodeled, but not to the same extent (640 vs 625)
(source: NII VVS)

So an I-185 M82 should be in fact far superior to La-5F, and just a little bit inferior to FN.

[TinyTim]

Originally Posted by gaunt1

But La-5F is seriously overmodeled. More than 30km/h faster than it should be (622 vs 590)
La-5FN is also overmodeled, but not to the same extent (640 vs 625)
(source: NII VVS)

So an I-185 M82 should be in fact far superior to La-5F, and just a little bit inferior to FN.

Maybe so. Still this doesn't make an I-185 (M-82) über in the sim. Competent LW pilots shouldn't have many problems fighting even the overmodelled 5Fs with their contemporary fighters. Only if I-185 had a substantially improved terminal dive speed over the La's (which it afaik doesn't), then it would become a real danger, and even that only at low to medium altitudes.

Take 4 vs 4 (equally skilled pilots) at 5km alt, G2s or God forbid A5s vs La5Fs and it will be cats vs mouses. Doubt it would be any different vs I-185s (M-82).