Documents
The information in the two pdf documents linked below is to a large extent contained in my book WW1 Aircraft Performance and give a good idea about the type of data and text it contains. The book itself is described in more detail here.
The first paper deals with a subject that there are many different views on: In a matchup between the Fokker Dr.I and the Sopwith Camel, which was the better fighter? While there is historical data available for metrics such as speed and climb rates, solid data on turn performance is non-existent, and it’s in many cases anecdotal evidence that is used to argue either side. The paper linked on the left below attempts to answer this question from the perspective of turn performance: Which one was the best turn fighter and why?
The paper linked on the right covers an even more arcane subject: How do WW1 scouts compare when it comes to dive performance? How fast or slow did they accelerate in a dive, and can we say anything about their terminal velocities, i.e. what was the maximum speed they could hope to attain in close to vertical dives? In addition, how well did they perform in so-called dive and zoom attacks?
The analysis done in both these papers is based on results derived from computer simulations utilizing a C++ program I have developed and which is described in more detail under the About tab on this website.
The paper linked below analyses the performance of the Kh-47 M2 Kinzhal, and how likely it is that this type of missile can be intercepted by air defenses. However, in order to keep this homepage free of text that could be construed to be politically sensitive (thus avoiding removal of links to this page from certain forums), the paper has been redacted so that only the parts relevant to the technical analysis remain.
I did this paper because there have been so many claims and rumors circulating in the media regarding the actual performance of this missile, and some of these have been overly optimistic in my opinion. At least that is what my simulations outlined in the paper indicate.
However, I in no way claim this to be the gospel truth, and this is just my assessment based on a number of assumptions that I outline in the paper. And I would welcome any constructive input on it, which you can send to me via the form on the “Contact” tab on this homepage.
Link to paper analyzing a Patriot PAC-2’s probability to intercept a Kh-47 M2 Kinzhal missile
