DCS: Spitfire Mk LF IXc Discussion

[hughlb]

Can anyone shed light on the differences in aerodynamic drag between the K4, D-9, and IX? I'm just curious about which airframe cuts through the air better.

[gavagai]

Can anyone shed light on the differences in aerodynamic drag between the K4, D-9, and IX? I'm just curious about which airframe cuts through the air better.

 

Depends on airspeed and angle of attack.

 

If you just just mean straight and level flight you'd have to compare power to airspeed ratios. But it's not a linear comparison because parasite drag is proportional to airspeed cubed...do I remember that right?

 

Or look up the zero lift drag coefficient for each airframe. Smaller numbers are better.

[Kurfürst]

Can anyone shed light on the differences in aerodynamic drag between the K4, D-9, and IX? I'm just curious about which airframe cuts through the air better.

 

For level flight drag, its K-4, D-9 and the IX, with the D-9 and K-4 probably being fairly close. A simple comparison of level speeds and power required at SL will tell you so. Exact drag would be harder to assume, since there are many unknowns like propeller effiency, exhaust thrust etc. Parasitic drag dominates that scenario.

 

Lower, i.e. climbing speeds might be well different, since its dominated by increased AoA and far larger share induced drag and the IXs large wings help it out plenty in arriving at a relatively good total drag in this scenario (low speed, moderate AoA), even though its parasitic drag is still great. Climb rates here might give you a hint. I'd say that the K-4 or Spit IX will lead the front cluster, and the D-9 somewhat behind.

[hughlb]

For level flight drag, its K-4, D-9 and the IX, with the D-9 and K-4 probably being fairly close. A simple comparison of level speeds and power required at SL will tell you so. Exact drag would be harder to assume, since there are many unknowns like propeller effiency, exhaust thrust etc. Parasitic drag dominates that scenario.

 

Lower, i.e. climbing speeds might be well different, since its dominated by increased AoA and far larger share induced drag and the IXs large wings help it out plenty in arriving at a relatively good total drag in this scenario (low speed, moderate AoA), even though its parasitic drag is still great. Climb rates here might give you a hint. I'd say that the K-4 or Spit IX will lead the front cluster, and the D-9 somewhat behind.

 

Thanks for that explanation, makes a lot more sense now :) Having only just purchased the K-4, I'm amazed by how slippery it is, very hard to slow down, though it might have more to do with the giant engine at the front.

[Skjold]

I'm sure there is a mention of it somewhere in this gigantic thread, but what sort of weapons can we expect on the Spitfire Mk. IX, both internally and externally? Looks like 2x 20 mm Hispano and 2x .303 Browning interally, correct?

[Foul Ole Ron]

2 x 20mm cannon and 4 x. 303. Not sure about bombs. I think it was able to carry a bomb load of 1 x 500lb on a centreline rack and 2 x 250lb bombs on wing racks but not sure how much this was used in practice in WWII by the RAF at least as they had other planes for ground pounding.

[Cripple]

2 x 20mm cannon and 4 x. 303. Not sure about bombs. I think it was able to carry a bomb load of 1 x 500lb on a centreline rack and 2 x 250lb bombs on wing racks but not sure how much this was used in practice in WWII by the RAF at least as they had other planes for ground pounding.

 

Sounds about right. :) The later pilot's notes certainly cover the switching for said bombs, and the shot's we've seen of the DCS Spitfire show the bomb release switch on the throttle grip.

[MiloMorai]

2 x 20mm cannon and 4 x. 303. Not sure about bombs. I think it was able to carry a bomb load of 1 x 500lb on a centreline rack and 2 x 250lb bombs on wing racks but not sure how much this was used in practice in WWII by the RAF at least as they had other planes for ground pounding.

 

As Luftwaffe a/c were hard to find, 2TAF Spitfires were used in ground attack with bombs.

[Krupi]

I recently read Duncan Smith autobiography and the Desert Air Force "Cab Rank" system made for a very interesting read hopefully we can imitate this tactic in DCS Normandy as they did in 1944.

 

I hope we one day get a Italian front and Desert Air Force, we will have the Spitfire and P-40 we need the right luftwaffe and Italian aircraft for this front :thumbup:

[Cripple]

As Luftwaffe a/c were hard to find, 2TAF Spitfires were used in ground attack with bombs.

 

Makes you wonder why this particular period is being simulated, eh?

 

The poor Spitfire, a thoroughbred point-interceptor, reduced to ground-pounding due to a (historical) lack of aerial opponents.

 

Luckily, in DCS-Normandy, the Luftwaffe's finest will be out to play. :)

[Reflected]

What is the latest news about the Spitfire? It's been awfully silent here, I was hoping it would be the silence before the storm, though.

[Krupi]

The silence is deafening :cry:

 

I have been anticipating the pre-order announcement for the last three Fridays, some news would be nice!

[NineLine]

The silence is deafening :cry:

 

I have been anticipating the pre-order announcement for the last three Fridays, some news would be nice!

 

True, the screenshot you got a week and a half ago was pretty silent ;)

[Reflected]

True, the screenshot you got a week and a half ago was pretty silent ;)

 

The screenshot is really cool, but I have no idea about software development. So all I see is that there is a Spitfire that looks pretty finished to my inexperienced eyes, but I have no idea whether it will be released in a couple of weeks or not before Christmas.

[NineLine]

The screenshot is really cool, but I have no idea about software development. So all I see is that there is a Spitfire that looks pretty finished to my inexperienced eyes, but I have no idea whether it will be released in a couple of weeks or not before Christmas.

 

Racoon mentioned the Spitfire might be getting a little extra love. That said, its closer than we all might think :)

[Cripple]

Hands up if you'll be pre-ordering? :)

 

<raises hand>

[Rangi]

I pre-ordered 2 years ago..... so yes.....

[Lensman]

It's on my Backers list :thumbup:

[TwilightZone]

Racoon mentioned the Spitfire might be getting a little extra love. That said, its closer than we all might think :)

:joystick:........awesome.......:thumbup:

[bart]

Racoon mentioned the Spitfire might be getting a little extra love. That said, its closer than we all might think :)

 

I'm thinking madly.....but I still can't see it :(

 

Good news there SiTh :thumbup:

 

 

Hands up if you'll be pre-ordering? :)

 

<raises hand>

 

Raises both hands and feet, all at the same time!!! :D

[Brigg]

Racoon mentioned the Spitfire might be getting a little extra love. That said, its closer than we all might think :)

 

Is it gonna be on Friday.

[klem]

.............

 

Raises both hands and feet, all at the same time!!! :D

 

"bart has fallen over" (old non-PC joke) :)

[Redglyph]

Is it gonna be on Friday.

 

You said that in your 109th post. It's bad omen ;)

[rrohde]

Well, if he keeps saying it, it will be true eventually! :)

[Redglyph]

Actually, he didn't say this Friday... he might be onto something.