17.10.2008, 21:52
AFAIK the B-wing mounted early Hispano cannon using a locally produced ammunition feed. It was found unreliable and a new feeder essentially copied from the original French was used and designated the C-wing. Basically same as B-wing but less frequent cannon jams.
I've always been confused about the Mark IX (Merlin 61 or 63) at any rate. Output ratings at typical combat altitudes (2-5km) aren't any different to the Mark V (Merlin 45). AFAIK the Merlin 61 was just a Merlin 45 with the two-stage unit fitted. I'd think this should improve high altitude performance, but performance without the recompression of intake (under say, 4km) should be roughly identical, particularly in the same, although slightly heavier and bulkier airframe.
The particular concern about the Fw-190A was low altitude performance, which was stated roughly 30mph over contemporary opposition at low altitudes (such as the Mark Vb). The Merlin 61 introduced vastly improved high altitude performance.
The new kid on the block at the time was the DB-605A with its 5.8km altitude rating (compared to circa 4km for the Merlin 45).
If the publications around weren't specifically stating otherwise, I mean if you just examined the facts and drew your own conclusions, it looks to me like the Merlin 60-series was rushed into service to combat the Me-109G H
I've always been confused about the Mark IX (Merlin 61 or 63) at any rate. Output ratings at typical combat altitudes (2-5km) aren't any different to the Mark V (Merlin 45). AFAIK the Merlin 61 was just a Merlin 45 with the two-stage unit fitted. I'd think this should improve high altitude performance, but performance without the recompression of intake (under say, 4km) should be roughly identical, particularly in the same, although slightly heavier and bulkier airframe.
The particular concern about the Fw-190A was low altitude performance, which was stated roughly 30mph over contemporary opposition at low altitudes (such as the Mark Vb). The Merlin 61 introduced vastly improved high altitude performance.
The new kid on the block at the time was the DB-605A with its 5.8km altitude rating (compared to circa 4km for the Merlin 45).
If the publications around weren't specifically stating otherwise, I mean if you just examined the facts and drew your own conclusions, it looks to me like the Merlin 60-series was rushed into service to combat the Me-109G H