With reference to "No where in the historical record…etc."
I am not talking about individual encounters and combats. Think about it.
Jacko: Are you seriously suggesting the P-51D could roll faster or get a better initial or sustained turn than the 109G, and if so, which G model.
Battle of Britain. Aircraft performance was the deciding factor was it? If so, which types and why?
The Winter War. Finnish Air superiority, Why?
Battle for Berlin. How was AC type performance a factor?
Pacific 1941-45. Japanese aircraft are highly manoeuvrable, yet are lost in huge numbers. Aircraft performance a factor?
Korean War. US victory yet the MIG-15 generally out performed the F-86E.
War over North Vietnam. US Air superiority. Yet VNAF aircraft have superior agility in most types they employed.
Same as above for Arab Israeli conflicts.
India - Pakistan. Pakistan gains a greater number of kills. Why? Aircraft type?
Falklands. FAA get consistent AA kills with no (?) AA losses. Why? Sea Harrier?
Yes Jacko, your points are very well made and support my hypothesis. The Side that Gains Air superiority, seems to achive it with less manouverable aircraft!
In fact, the only GENERAL conclusion I have drawn from these studies, is that the side with the FASTER aircraft TEND to be the winning side.
[ 17 August 2001: Message edited by: Low and Slow ]