Oh boy..what fun..
T6.. no offence to the P40, but it was introduced at a time when the rate of development was so fast that it quite quickly lost the lead.
And due to its basic design, at the time quite advanced, it did not offer the potential of other airframes...the front mounted rad really hindered it.
But we have to acknowledge its widespread use and ability and it robustness...a plane that can actually fly is always better than one which cannot due to maintenace or damage (esp the North African campaign).
Bob,
I think we could spend a lot of time definiting 'a' mission, so can we have two generic ones.. the first being a defensive fighter, one designed to operate in an 'interceptor role' design primarily to close to its own base, aimed at destriying bombers etc etc...
This would aim to keep the Bearcat, later Mk Spits etc in the frame..
The other is a longer range escort fighter/ or strike fighter...this focuses on the Mustang/ P-47, 190D and so forth...
But excluding the Sea Fury is a bit much....
It was good but was it such a step forward?......is it really that much better than the P-51?
