The combat record of the 109F was frankly not particularly impressive against the P40s flown by USAAF and the RAF. Again, combat record is ultimately where it counts. We have shown on this thread the experiences of the US 325th F.G. against Luftwaffe in '43 where they operated against 109 F types and some G's too, and I see nothing in the record that indicates the Luftwaffe ever ran a theatre wide positive kill ratio against the RAF's Kittyhawks in Africa. To the extent that I have found records it seems to indicate the RAF P40s fought at the very least on even terms with the Luftwaffe F models during that entire time (1942-1943). Some of the combat record seems to indicate that the 109F models were having trouble competing with the early P40 Tomahawks.

 

Check Six

 

Rocky

 The squadron's main roles — escorting daylight raids by Douglas Boston bombers, and ground attack missions in support of the Eighth Army — were hazardous and resulted in relatively heavy losses. Nevertheless, between February 1942 and May 1943, 450 Sqn pilots claimed 49 German and Italian aircraft destroyed in air combat, for the loss of 28 Kittyhawks.^[3]...

 

So far I have posted two allied units with positive kill ratios against primarily Bf109 in the '42-'43 time frame. I know its wiki but this info just does not seem widely disseminated. Too obscure I'd imagine.

 

Check Six

 

Rocky

 

P-51 pilots were known to take 6G turns on occasion, though they couldn't hold it for very long without risking damage to the airframe.

 

You sure those aren't fought with Merlin engine P-40s?

The Merlin equiped version didn't start limited production until mid 41. 150 were supposed to be delivered to the RAF for Africa but not very many actually made it, maybe a couple dozen, got into British hands. Production then went back to the Allison engine because the American licensed built Merlins were needed elsewhere (P51D's). They were not a factor in North Africa and certainly not in the time frame that Caldwell, Barr, & co were holding back the Huns over El Alemein. The Merlin equiped birds did help the Yanks over Africa, but as I said, production reverted back to the Allison engines for the next variant "K" and the single stage Super Charger was back.

 

 

Something that strikes me as odd in your analysis of P-40 v. Bf-109 or A6M is the use of what appear to be (based on the language of the quotes) claimed kills v. own losses.  I don't know that the claimed numbers are not reliable, but I think it's safe to say the number of claimed kills certainly aren't going to be less than the number of actual kills, at any rate.  Have you read any accounts/assessments of the P-40 by its opponents in the air, i.e., by German or Japanese pilots?

 

In fact I have presented the combat record in terms of kill ratios in two of the primary combat theaters the P40 participated in. The USAAF, the RAF, and the RAAF in the Med and in the Pacific. Without exception the P40 sustained a favorable or at least an even tactical record against its contemporary Axis numbers. These comparisons are valid early in the conflict during the period of time that the Axis pilots were every bit as good as the Allies (before the Axis crew qualilties began to seriously diminish) Nobody has been able to document any circumstances to the contrary. Based upon that performance I am forced to the logical conclusion that the P40, in the words of RAAF P40 ace Clive Caldwell, "had almost no vices".

 

This is a great aircraft that deserves more respect than I think it is getting today.

 

 

Check Six

 

Rocky

So far, the P&W 1830 with a GE-centrifugal supercharger looks like the upgrade path. Still working out the kinks.

Herald

Herald,

 

What about the R2600?  The diameter is 7" larger than the 1830.