More Statistical Ratios

Does anybody know the ratios of kills to losses of any other plane beyond the camel? I believe the camel destroyed the most enemy planes of the war (1200 +-100) but actually lost more to the enemy (1400) and 300 or so were crashed in non combat situations. Anyone know what the best ratio for a plane was? I realize again that certain planes in the hands of expert pilots could be used much, much more effectively than your average pilot could weild. Like Ball thinking the SE5 was crap even though it really was a pretty good plane. But I'm looking for the best all around plane here. I realize how controversial straight statistics are for alot of people here but it gives us something to talk about. We shouldn't use a plane with a small production run. It's kind of like a batter with a 500 average only having gone to bat twice.

I'm guessing the Fokker D.VII had the best ratio but I'd be happy if I were surprised.

[Reinout]

I don't have trouble with stats themselves, I just have problems with some ways of interpretation.

Although I have no records the Fokker DVII probably has the best kill-to-loss ratio. It was built in enough numbers to be eligible and a great deal of victories were scored with it.

Kind regards,

Reinout

[stephen]

1) Don't forget the SPAD 13, who's combat survival ratio was excellent (sorry, no numbers). I do believe that overall, the inlines were more survivable than the rotaries if you look at their record over the entire war, although their kill ratio was down.

2) Here's what US ace George Vaughn told me about the SE 5 vs. Camel: He said the SE was the plane he would want as his personal aircraft to fly just for fun. Beautiful, robust, tame. Worthless top wing Lewis. He said if he were outnumbered in a twisting dogfight and had to shoot down a lot of Germans real fast, he'd take the Camel any day though it was a royal pain to fly.

3) The Camel is my favorite plane for the same reason that the Ferrari F355 is one of my favorite cars... anyone can drive it, but it takes phenominal skills to tap it's full potential. The Camel also demanded a first rate pilot but richly rewarded his abilities... and Fokker pilots had a better chance of tailing the space shuttle.

[Richard_Schrader]

I believe the Fokker DR-1 could slightly out turn the Camel, but the Camel had better speed. In either case the best pilot would win, unless one of the pilots was flying low over the enemies line, and was shot down by a Digger machinegunner.

[mike_baram]

I decided to put Richard's theory to a test...I flew a DR-1 against a Camel, and then a Camel against a DR-1. In both cases I got my ass handed to me.
The only logical conclusion is either a: I suck as a pilot, or b: my computer is malfunctioning. (Probably the latter.)

[Billy_Bishop]

Hey Mike, do like I do, blame it on old age and tendonitis.


Al Lowe 'Honourary Canadian Citizen'
"On the edge of destiny, you must test your strength. "
- Billy Bishop
Al's caveat to Bishop's Quote: Unless you have tendonitis in your fingers.

[mike_baram]

Al,
I use that excuse with my girlfriend.....
Mike

Mike,

You got an onboard computer in your Dr.I? Kewl. New tech meets old tech ;^).

Actually, if sims are beEmpirical Proof Ray Kowalchuk reigh@idirect.com 904888790 Hullo, what happened there? Server DDOOC...

Actually, if sims are being given credence, after all these postings about Voss and Camel torque, I got excited and fired up Red Baron (Rev. 1). I flew a Camel against Voss' Dr.I and (after my victory) I looked at it in the mission review mode (Does RB II still have mission review? As a video editor by trade, I find that one of the most intriguing aspects of the game). In a turn and burn viewed from way above, the Camel right-turned the Dr. I quite soundly if I was at full throttle with my nose 15 degrees above the horizon.

What more proof could you need; Dynamix knows all.

RK

[stephen]

All of which proves my original point... England's greatest contributions to modern civilization are clearly James Bond, the Electric Light Orchestra, and the Sopwith Camel.

Thank you.