(Michael) wrote in message . com...
Cub Driver wrote in message . ..
On Thu, 12 Feb 2004 12:46:20 -0500, Stephen Harding
wrote:

It's not yet clear to me that the tactic of "sticking with
the bombers" was not known as the *wrong* tactic by early 1944.

As I recall the Battle of Britain, the German fighters were difficult
to cope with because they did *not* stick with the bombers --

As I understand it, they were most successful when they were permitted
a "frie jagd", where a gruppe would sweep out ahead of the bombers
they were escorting. The powers that be incorrectly thought close
support was the way to go and reined the fighters in, taking the
initiative and advantage away from them and helping the RAF.


This may have much to do with the characteristics of the 109s vs
the Hurricans and Spitfires. The 109 was faster, and from the
E-4 (I think) onward had cannons. But the British planes
had a much tighter turning radius, that is they were better dog
fighters. The sucessful German tactic was to come in fast, rely
on deflection firing, and bug out. Hanging out with the bombers
would lead them into a turning contest where they would be at
a disadvantage.

--

FF