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mik · 2 November 2009, 06:25 AM

I was aware of a combat ceiling, and that it was when climb reached 500ft/min.
I was not sure how to, or even if that it could be applied to WW1 aircraft as an RE8 would have a combat ceiling of about 1000ft.
I think an SE5a with 500ft/min climb capability would be far more agile than a Spitfire with 500ft/min.
I have also read that 500ft/min is service ceiling for Jet aircraft. Having said that I accept your definition of combat ceiling.
It is a shame that combat ceiling is not defined as that altitude where an aircraft is still usefully manoeuvrable. Then you might have 500ft/min for WW1 fighters 250ft/min for WW1 two-seaters, and perhaps 1000ft/min for WW2 fighters.

2 November 2009, 06:25 AM	#5 (permalink)
mik Observer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Devon England Posts: 83	I was aware of a combat ceiling, and that it was when climb reached 500ft/min. I was not sure how to, or even if that it could be applied to WW1 aircraft as an RE8 would have a combat ceiling of about 1000ft. I think an SE5a with 500ft/min climb capability would be far more agile than a Spitfire with 500ft/min. I have also read that 500ft/min is service ceiling for Jet aircraft. Having said that I accept your definition of combat ceiling. It is a shame that combat ceiling is not defined as that altitude where an aircraft is still usefully manoeuvrable. Then you might have 500ft/min for WW1 fighters 250ft/min for WW1 two-seaters, and perhaps 1000ft/min for WW2 fighters.