What was the most feared plane in WWII?
During World War II, the most feared German plane was likely the Messerschmitt Bf 109, also known as the Me 109. It was a highly maneuverable and powerful fighter aircraft that played a significant role in many battles, particularly during the early years of the war. The Focke-Wulf FW-190 was widely believed to be the best fighter aircraft of World War II. As the war went on the FW-190 was manufactured in no fewer than 40 different models. The appearance of the new aircraft over France in 1941 was a rude surprise to the Allied air forces.
What replaced the Spitfire?
Supermarine Spiteful. The Supermarine Spiteful was a British fighter aircraft designed by Supermarine during the Second World War as a successor to the Spitfire. Supermarine Spitfire. The Spitfire was the iconic aircraft of the Battle of Britain and became the symbol of British defiance in the air. Designed by Reginald Mitchell, it had an advanced all-metal airframe, making it light and strong.Supermarine Spiteful. The Supermarine Spiteful was a British fighter aircraft designed by Supermarine during the Second World War as a successor to the Spitfire.
Who shot down the most Spitfires?
Hans Assi Hahn claimed 53 of his 108 kills against Spitfires and Josef Pips Priller claimed 68 of his 101 victories against the type, making him the highest scoring Spitfire killer in the Luftwaffe. Most of these victories were against the Mark V. Flight Lieutenant Eric Lock was considered Britain’s top-scoring ace during the Battle of Britain shooting down approximately 16 German aircraft and up to 22 confirmed kills. Squadron Leader Archie McKellar achieved approximately 19 confirmed kills, and shot down five Bf 109s in a single day.
Which pilot shot down the most planes in WWII?
Luftwaffe fighter pilot Erich Hartmann was exceedingly good at aerial combat. While serving in Germany’s Luftwaffe in World War II, Erich Hartmann flew more than 1,400 missions in the Messerschmitt Bf 109, enabling him to score an astonishing 352 kills. Erich Alfred Hartmann (19 April 1922 – 20 September 1993), nicknamed Bubi, was a German fighter pilot during World War II and the most successful fighter ace in the history of aerial warfare. He flew 1,404 combat missions and participated in aerial combat on 825 separate occasions.Erich Hartmann: The German World War II Pilot Who Was the Deadliest Flying Ace of All Time, ATI. Delve, K. The Story of the Spitfire: An Operational and Combat History.
Did the Germans fear the Spitfire?
The Spitfire’s Perception For the Germans, it seems, it was more acceptable to have been shot down by the RAF’s Spitfire, rather than any other aircraft. Later, in 1944, the same thinking applied for the Allies in Normandy. The Bf 109 was arguably the best fighter in the world in 1940. It was faster than the Spitfire at high altitude, could dive more rapidly and carried a more effective armament of two cannon and two machine guns.The P-47 was one of the toughest Allied planes during WWII and had the most firepower from its eight . It was even more effective as a ground attack aircraft; it was capable of carrying as much as 3,000 pounds of external ordnance.The ME262 was the first operational jet fighter of WWII. It shocked the allies with its speed and massive firepower from its 4 x Mk108 30mm cannons. It was able to shred a B17 or B26 with a single pass.
Was the Hawker Typhoon better than the Spitfire?
In some sense – yes, but planes were different. Typhoon was interceptor/ground attack plane, good in both roles, and Spitfire was pure fighter. Spitfire was lighter, had better power to weight ratio, and had slightly better climb – so it was much better dogfighter, than Typhoon. During WWII Axis pilots tested captured Allied aircraft: they deemed the Spitfire a miserable fighter, the LaGG–3 poorly maneuverable and the P-51 disconcerting.Overall, the German test pilots had favourable opinions of both the Spitfires and Mustangs and generally speaking found them comparable fighters to the BF109s and FW190s with different strengths and weaknesses.Both planes were close in speed (early versions 360mph Spit vs 348mph 109), with the Spitfire having a slight advantage in turning and climb, and the 109 faster diving against the Brit. The Spitfire was a poor diving plane and that was a true weakness.
Which was better, the Mustang or the Spitfire?
Spitfire helped save Britain and was more defensive. Mustang could fly longer and escort the bombers so was more “offensive” both played their respective roles well -love them both …. Depends on the role to a point. Long range missions (eg escort) the Mustang, short range intercept/local defence probably the Spitfire. Based on those numbers you could say the Spitfire was slower, couldn’t carry as much, ran out of fuel faster, and would therefore be outperformed by the Mustang every time.Depends on the fight. Spitfire is extremely limited in ammo but with the cannon more lethal. Mustang has more ammo and 6- 50 cal guns the B model only 4 guns , One on one turn fight the Spit wins,, Drop about 10% flaps in the Mustang and its almost dead even . In a boom and zoom encounter the Mustang wins hands down.Mustang was faster, Spitfire climbed better. Mustang had much better range. Mustang was cleaner aerodynamically for better speed. Spitfire was 2500# lighter for better climb.