GERMAN FIGHTERS
DEFECTS CONFIRMED COMBATS SHOW FAULTS (British Oflicinl Wireless.) Reed. 9 a.m. RUGBY, Nov. 10. Aerial actions on the Western Front confirm the pre-war reports of Norwegian, Swiss and Spanish pilots that the German standard, singleseater fighter, Messerschmitt 109, though extremely fast, lacks manoeuvrability and stalls very easily. The first defect was displayed in a number of combats in which the Messerschmitt was outclassed by the French Curtiss machine as well as by the British fighter, the Spitfire. An example was provided in the two "dogfights" on November 6. each between, nine Mcsser.schmitts and seven Curtiss machines. In all. four Messer.3chmitts were destroyed with no French losses. The effect of the consciousness of inferior manoeuvrability on the pilot is not to be underestimated. Regarding the liability of the .Messerschinitts to stall, it is regarded as significant, that, very few Messerschmitls have flown at night, presumably owing to this defect.
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Bibliographic details
Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20098, 18 November 1939, Page 5
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150GERMAN FIGHTERS Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20098, 18 November 1939, Page 5
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