[jim]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

Giving this one last shot for someone to answer before retiring it.

Hmm, I seem to remember that the Luftwaffe claimed a kill ratio of 15 to 1!

I cannot say that I believe it to be true over the full course of the conflict, however in the first year of war against Russia its probably true.

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by jim

Hmm, I seem to remember that the Luftwaffe claimed a kill ratio of 15 to 1!

I cannot say that I believe it to be true over the full course of the conflict, however in the first year of war against Russia its probably true.

Good one Jim. According to the analysis by Sundin and Bergstrom, the Luftwaffe fighters did, indeed, have a 15 to 1 edge in kills over the Soviets early on---1942, to be specific. However, as the Russians fielded better planes, higher proportions of skilled pilots and began to swarm the over-extended Germans, things changed. By March-April 1945, the Red air force was often bagging as many---and sometimes more--- German planes that it lost in return. Over-all, from 1941-1945, the Luftwaffe had an 8 to 1 edge in the East, but was fought to a draw by the Western allies in this respect.

[jim]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

Good one Jim. According to the analysis by Sundin and Bergstrom, the Luftwaffe fighters did, indeed, have a 15 to 1 edge in kills over the Soviets early on---1942, to be specific. However, as the Russians fielded better planes, higher proportions of skilled pilots and began to swarm the over-extended Germans, things changed. By March-April 1945, the Red air force was often bagging as many---and sometimes more--- German planes that it lost in return. Over-all, from 1941-1945, the Luftwaffe had an 8 to 1 edge in the East, but was fought to a draw by the Western allies in this respect.

Interesting information Epapazian,
There is no doubt that the Russains were gifted at making basic but exceptionally good equipment.
Their aircraft proves this point to the full.
Once the Germans were forced to fight a war of attrition they were doomed.

[Captain Eddie]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

Ok. Let's try one about engines.

Which of these is not an advantage for a fighter using an air-cooled ( radial ) engine versus a liquid cooled engine?

1) Air-cooled offers greater speed

2) Air-cooled can absorb more battle damage and still work

3) Aircooled gives the pilot more protection

# 1

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Captain Eddie

# 1

You are right on the money. In fact, the gaping shape of most radial engines reduces rather than enhances air speed. It takes a huge horse power advantage--as we had over the Japanese and Germans in WWII-- to make up for this deficiency,

[Captain Eddie]

Here's a relatively easy WW I question (the very FIRST WW I question!). On what day was Manfred von Richthofen shot down, and who was he persuing at the time?

[Captain Eddie]

Another one. Who was tossed out of his aircraft while trying to change the drum on his upper-wing Lewis gun, and lived to tell the tale?

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Captain Eddie

Here's a relatively easy WW I question (the very FIRST WW I question!). On what day was Manfred von Richthofen shot down, and who was he persuing at the time?

The date 21 April 1918 and the Sopwith Camel pilot he was in pursuit of was Wilfred May.

[Epapazian]

Let's return to a bygone era to explore the advent of "strategic" bombing.

It all began during a war between Italy and the Turks in 1911. Lieutenant Gavotti of the fledgling Italian air arm was given the risky job of attacking Turkish forces encamped at the vital Taguira oasis in lybia. Flying a German Taube, Gavotti flew over the oasis and hurled improvised 4.5 pound bombs in the general direction of the startled foe. Things moved rapidly after this modest beginning. Five or six tear later, during WWI, the Germans were terrifying Londoners with their twin engined Gotha and four engined Staaken bombers. The latter was a brute, but how big a bomb load could it haul across the English Channel?

1) 1000lbs
2) 2000lbs
3) 3000lbs
4) 4000lbs
5) 5000lbs

[Cruver Collecter]

Who was the highest scoring United Kingdom ace of WWI? (WWI questions are cool.)