Like the "Flying Tigers" but in the USSR.

Bot

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http://777avg.com/unithistory/

Very cool, I had never heard of them before.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I think I've read minor refferences to them before. It was a good read and very informative for me. I also like to see that some of our 2nd line fighter planes did well when not out numbered. From what I read, the russians really like some of our fighters. They usually took out a few of the machineguns and lightened up the plane. Also, good tactics and pilot skills play a big role in who sees another day.
Tom

Cool article; thanks, Bot! When I was in Fairbanks a few years ago, I went to the aviation museum there. They have several pieces of aircraft wreckage, much of which was headed for Russia during WWII. Many of the pilots who shuttled the Aircobras to Russia were female; fascinating stuff!

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1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

Yeah the P39 was somewhat overshadowed by its more famous contemporaries.

It couldn't keep up with the Zero the way the Hellcat could, however it seems in the hands of good pilots it was a match for the 109. Which was all the Germans had until the 190 came online.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I had a friend who always referenced the FW-190 when I'd drive up in my W201 190e. Wonder if there was any consideration (even of the coincidence) when the 190e nomenclature was designated by MB?

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1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

Doubt it, if my memory serves me MB was building the engine for the 109 so they wouldn't like the 190 at all since it used a radial.

__________________
2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I think the P-39 was capable of matching the Zero below 15,000ft. Much over that an the Zero had the upper hand. I think it was used in Russia as more ground attack. I could be wrong on that. Some say the original Brewster Buffallo could dogfight with the Zero. It was slower though. Part of the problem was added weight and some poor engines in latter models. Also, as mentioned 5;1 ratios and better pilot skills, plus tactics gave the Japanese and Germans an advantage in the early years. In Russia, the russians had more planes, but they flew like drones. There were a few squadrons that flew well, the Red Guards I think. I am referencing either Gallands or Hartmanns book.
I think the Wildcat was slightly outclasses by the Zero, but it could take a licking. Suburo Sakia's account account vs Pug's Wildcat is fairly impressive. The story of both returning another day to fight is amazing. I think the Zero's main ability was its rate of climb. That let it have a higher ceiling or altitude advantage. It couldn't dive with American planes though.
Tom

It was also light with no armour, so you didn't need to put many rounds into it before it burst into flames.

If I remember correctly the rule was that you never dog fight with a Zero because they will out turn you; you came in from above shot at them and than dove away.

Or as one Hellcat pilot proved early on you went vertical and got them to follow you. The Zero would run out of steam first and drop away so you could just slip your Hellcat right in behind him and light em up.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

That's a very interesting read... I had to laugh on at the main intro page when the "Black Sheep Squadron" theme started playing...

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-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250