10.01.2008, 06:53
Since the Brewsters are my favourite planes, I have long been annoyed by the inaccuracies in their performance. Turns out that the FB/PF Buffalo Mk. I has the same Flight Model as the B-239, which is totally incorrect; the Buffalo Mk. I was faster thanks to its more powerful engine (1100 vs. 950 hp and lower drag due to its new cowling) but due to its considerably higher weight had a lower rate of climb and wasn't as manoeuverable. I sent data on the Brewsters to 1C ages ago, but nothing was done, except when patch 4.03(m) was launched: on the Buffalo, the ammo load for the wing guns was cut from the historically accurate 500 rpg to 250 rpg, without any mention in the readme as to the reason for this.
Examining the 4.05m Flight models reveals a number of discrepancies and I will be correcting them based on data from the following:
Warplanes of the Second World War: Fighters volume 4 by William Green
Porfile Publications 217: Brewster Buffalo
F2A Buffalo in Action by Jim Maas
Le Brewster Buffalo by Jean-Louis Couston.
The B-239 FM is pretty accurate as far as top speeds go at sea level and rated altitude, but the empty and loaded weights are a bit high. These figures are totally inaccurate for the Buffalo Mk. I however and this will require a separate FM to do justice (or injustice?) to this bird.
The F2A-2's FM is out with regard to speeds: 428 kph (1C) vs 466 (Couston) at sea level; 480 at 4750 m (1C) vs 554 at 4500m (Couston and Maas). Also, there are weight discrepancies.
I will also add the Dutch B-339C (1100 hp Cyclone) and B-339D (1200 hp Cyclone) with their different armament, and possibly the F2A-3; this one presents some difficulty since it has several extra fuel tanks which the other Brewsters did not have, so I may have to compromise on this one with regard to fuel capacity. Other possibilities are a Buffalo Mk. I Field Mod (also known as SSSS, or Shadow Super Sport Special) and an unarmed PRU Buffalo. If there is enough interest I will release the new models, which can be added like the Bf-109F-1 and Spitfire IB and IIB were. These mods will be available for 4.05m ONLY and NOT for 4.08m.
Examining the 4.05m Flight models reveals a number of discrepancies and I will be correcting them based on data from the following:
Warplanes of the Second World War: Fighters volume 4 by William Green
Porfile Publications 217: Brewster Buffalo
F2A Buffalo in Action by Jim Maas
Le Brewster Buffalo by Jean-Louis Couston.
The B-239 FM is pretty accurate as far as top speeds go at sea level and rated altitude, but the empty and loaded weights are a bit high. These figures are totally inaccurate for the Buffalo Mk. I however and this will require a separate FM to do justice (or injustice?) to this bird.
The F2A-2's FM is out with regard to speeds: 428 kph (1C) vs 466 (Couston) at sea level; 480 at 4750 m (1C) vs 554 at 4500m (Couston and Maas). Also, there are weight discrepancies.
I will also add the Dutch B-339C (1100 hp Cyclone) and B-339D (1200 hp Cyclone) with their different armament, and possibly the F2A-3; this one presents some difficulty since it has several extra fuel tanks which the other Brewsters did not have, so I may have to compromise on this one with regard to fuel capacity. Other possibilities are a Buffalo Mk. I Field Mod (also known as SSSS, or Shadow Super Sport Special) and an unarmed PRU Buffalo. If there is enough interest I will release the new models, which can be added like the Bf-109F-1 and Spitfire IB and IIB were. These mods will be available for 4.05m ONLY and NOT for 4.08m.