[fozzy]

The good old spiral climb used by Spit pilots to out manouvre a 109, my question is...what is the optimal speed for this manouvre and how big or small should the turn radius be?

[Lt.Wolf]

the spiral climb is like a constant chandelle
the spitfire turns best at around 192mph IAS and
Bf109 G2 176mph IAS
B109 G6 197mph IAS
Bf109 K4 197mph IAS

my advice is research your opponent.
Source is Il2 Compare

[Trooper117]

The good old spiral climb used by Spit pilots to out manouvre a 109, my question is...what is the optimal speed for this manouvre and how big or small should the turn radius be?

The spiral climb (to the left) was a favourite manouvre of many Luftwaffe pilots who employed it to great effect in the west, and on the eastern front.. I finished a book recently, (I flew for the Fuhrer) that made great reference to it. :wink:

[High Plains Drifter]

I have used it to whip the heck out of P-51's and p-47 in my 109.. 8)