05.02.2009, 00:18
I fly the 109 quite a bit off line and the things that stand out most about it, to me, are as follows:
Good low speed handling.
Good acceleration.
I don't know if the rest of the forum will agree but to me the best tactic be to exploit that low speed handling to cause an attacking Spitfire to overshoot so you can separate from him, the more distance you can put between you and him the better. Eventually your 109's responsive acceleration should allow you to escape a contemporary Spitfire. (I usually fly 109 E, F and early G)
I am not sure about comparative rates of climb from low altitude and would be hesitant to attempt much climbing until I was satisfied that my separation distance from the Spitfire was enough (4-5 km) to allow me to escape before attempting to get the upper hand on him.
Against Spitfires from the MkIX on I have no idea except to make yourself as difficult a target as possible and hope for a snap shot or a lucky break.
These tactics are by no means guaranteed but, to me, they present your best chance of survival. I hope they are of some use.
Hopefully there are some older heads than me who can give us a better appreciation of the 109.
Good low speed handling.
Good acceleration.
I don't know if the rest of the forum will agree but to me the best tactic be to exploit that low speed handling to cause an attacking Spitfire to overshoot so you can separate from him, the more distance you can put between you and him the better. Eventually your 109's responsive acceleration should allow you to escape a contemporary Spitfire. (I usually fly 109 E, F and early G)
I am not sure about comparative rates of climb from low altitude and would be hesitant to attempt much climbing until I was satisfied that my separation distance from the Spitfire was enough (4-5 km) to allow me to escape before attempting to get the upper hand on him.
Against Spitfires from the MkIX on I have no idea except to make yourself as difficult a target as possible and hope for a snap shot or a lucky break.
These tactics are by no means guaranteed but, to me, they present your best chance of survival. I hope they are of some use.
Hopefully there are some older heads than me who can give us a better appreciation of the 109.