Fighting and operating the spitfire at high altitudes

[TED]

I’m fairly new to the spit and getting into the details of performance and management now. While doing an instant action escort mission, the bombers and escort are at 18000’ when we get bumped by some 109’s at the same altitude.

Of course at the higher altitude and lower density the lift vectors are less and airspeed all the more important, however it does seem like the 109’s have impossibly good performance at this altitude and trying to turn and maneuver to fight with the spit is extremely challenging. I was always under the impression the mk ix had a good advantage at high altitudes and up to 25000’ should be very doable. 
 

Am I missing anything key here or any good tips to see me right? 

[razo+r]

One thing to remember is you have a 1943 Spitfire. It may has had good performance, but against a late 1944 109K, it is simply outdated. You can still fight with it, it's just the only advantage you have is the turn radius, that's pretty much it. If the 109's came from above, you will be pretty much stuck. Try to get an energy advantage yourself before the fight by climbing a bit above the bombers.

But make sure the second gear of the supercharger has engaged and not that you are stuck in first gear up high.

Another thing is that the AI flies perfectly, so that does not help your cause either (assuming you were flying against AI).

[TED]

Ahh that makes sense. I actually didn't realise there was that generation gap between the two fighters in dcs. 

[Skewgear]

The 109K-4 is a substantially better aircraft in every respect except turn performance. If it has MW50 you cannot outrun it at any altitude. If it doesn't, you have the band from 18.5k-21,000ft, and even then your speed advantage is minimal.

Keep your energy up, learn to manoeuvre smoothly and without jerking the stick so you don't bleed unnecessary energy, keep the ball centred. Avoid following 109s in extended dives, a Spitfire above a bandit has many more options than at the same altitude or below.