Interesting as I remember reading wartime books claiming that the Mk IX was greatly superior to the Mk V.
Either they fly now better than new which is possible or alternatively combat pilots expect somethin else that to-day display pilots…
There is a great universal truth concerning aircraft, in that they almost always get heavier with each version. This weight increase is usually accompanied by an increase in horsepower, which can be seen in greater speed and possibly altitude capabilities, but the victim is wing loading, with increased stall speeds and decreased turn performance.
Weight is a huge factor when considering the handling and performance characteristics of a vintage fighter. By removing the armor plate, the guns and ammunition, the self sealing fuel tanks and the tube type radio gear you can shed hundreds of pounds, maybe thousands if you consider external stores and ordnance. This is usually somewhat tempered by the fact that most piston engine fighters today fly at lower max power settings than were used while in military service, but the advantage today is still remarkable. All of this helps to lower the wing loading, lower the stall speed and increase the takeoff and climb performance. It also makes them much more enjoyable to fly.
When the Sea Fury is fitted with full drop tanks the weight increases by nearly 1700 pounds, and you can really feel it. This isn’t quite as bad as it sounds, as the drop tanks mount directly on the CG, but add a passenger in the back and you can definitely tell the difference. Same thing for you guys flying around in Cessna 172s. Fly by yourself and it’s a great airplane. But put a couple of 200lb. guys in the back seat a you’ve got your hands full.
I had the chance to “dogfight” a Buchon last year. I could control the engagement with horsepower through speed and vertical penetration, but that little devil could turn on a dime. Great fun. The same would be true if you used an early Mk. V Spit vs. a late Mk. Griffon Spit.
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