Appendix D. Combat Evaluation: F6F-5 and Zeke 52

The following document was prepared in December 1944 by the Royal Navy for distribution to its Hellcat pilots. It was appended to Naval Air Tactical Note Number 106, and was provided by British aviation historian David Brown.

Comparative Combat Evaluation Trial between a Hellcat and a Zeke 52

Introduction

1. The following is the summary of a report on comparative performance trials between an F6F-5 and a captured Zeke 52 undertaken by Technical Air Intelligence Centre at N.A.S. Patuxent River, Maryland.

Brief Description of Aircraft

2. Hellcat F6F-5 with 250 gals, fuel, guns and ammunition, All-Up Weight 12,285 lbs.

3. Zeke 52 with Nakajima Sakae 31A Engine, not equipped with water injection. Armament consisted of two Mk.II 20-mm M.G.s and two 7.7-mm M.G.s. The all-up weight of the aircraft as flown: 6,094 lbs.

Results of Trials

Climbs

4. The Zeke 52 climbed about 600 ft./min. better than the F6F-5 up to 9,000 feet, after which the advantage fell off gradually until the two aircraft were about equal at 14,000 feet, above which altitude the F6F-5 had the advantage, varying from 500 ft./min. better at 22,000 feet to about 250 ft./min. better at 30,000 feet.

The best climbing speeds of the F6F-5 and Zeke 52 were found to be 130 and 105 knots indicated, respectively. (150 m.p.h. and 120 m.p.h. respectively)

Speeds

5. The F6F-5 was much faster than the Zeke 52 at all altitudes.

At sea-level the F6F-5 was 41 mph faster than the Zeke 52.

At 5,000 feet the F6F-5 was 22 mph faster than the Zeke 52.

At 10,000 feet the F6F-5 was 45 mph faster than the Zeke 52.

At 15,000 feet the F6F-5 was 62 mph faster than the Zeke 52.

At 20,000 feet the F6F-5 was 69 mph faster than the Zeke 52.

At 25,000 feet the F6F-5 was 75 mph faster than the Zeke 52.

At 30,000 feet the F6F-5 was 66 mph faster than the Zeke 52.

Top speeds attained were 409 mph at 21,600 feet for the F6F-5, and 335 mph at 18,000 feet for the Zeke 52.

Rolls

6. Rolls of the Zeke 52 were equal to those of the F6F-5 at speeds under 200 knots (230 mph) and inferior above that speed, due to high control forces.

Turns

7. The Zeke 52 was greatly superior to the F6F-5 in slow speed turns at low and medium altitudes, its advantage decreasing to about parity at 30,000 feet. In slow speed turns it could gain one turn in three and one-half at 10,000 feet.

Dives

8. Initial dive accelerations of the Zeke 52 and F6F-5 were about equal, after which the F6F-5 was far superior.

The F6F-5 was slightly superior in zooms after dives.

Vision

9. The Zeke 52 was considered to permit better vision in all respects, the rear vision being good due to the use of a bubble canopy and the complete absence of armor behind the pilot’s head. There was no rear vision mirror installed in the Zeke 52 tested. The small gun sight did not interfere with forward vision.

Maneuverability

10. The maneuverability of the Zeke 52 is remarkable at speeds below about 175 knots (200 mph), being far superior to that of the F6F-5. Its superiority, however, diminishes with speed, due to its high control forces, and the F6F-5 has the advantage at speeds above 200 knots (230 mph).

Suggested Tactics

11. The following tactics are suggested for use against the Zeke 52 by the F6F-5:

DO NOT DOG-FIGHT WITH THE ZEKE 52.

DO NOT TRY TO FOLLOW A LOOP OR HALF-ROLL WITH PULL-THROUGH.

When attacking, use your superior power and high-speed performance to engage at the most favourable moment.

To evade a Zeke on your tail, roll and dive away into a high-speed turn.

Naval Staff

Admiralty (A.W.D.742/44)

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