What is the real difference between the Mk Ia and Mk IIa? The stats card are probably misleading, it
say the Mk Ia is better. Maybe the Mk IIa engine, the same as the Mk IIb, is more manageable in terms of overheating?
MK2 has Merlin 12 engine with 110hp more power, but it also weighs more due to extra protection being added which eats up the extra power.
Not sure if that protection was modeled in game though.
That’s why I’m asking here.
So is it practically the same aircraft? I mean in terms of its performance in battle. And if the merlin III overheats even more than the merlin XII, then that’s a vote for the Mk IIa for me. (I know Merlin XII from Spitfire Mk IIb)
Yes. Both are historically significant, but game wise, its just something else to grind thru.
Yes, the end result is that they preform pretty much the same. if you can get more WEP before over heating in a fight that is helpful, but you should be fine to just play which ever one you like and not be handicapping yourself.
Barring a slightly smaller wing and slightly less speed pretty much. It’s more to help bulk the line up in AAB, GRB or Naval battles
Yesterday I got into a 1v3 situation with the Mk IIa (vs I-185, P-38 and Hurricane) and I had to turning, I got I-185, P-38 was killed by a teammate very soon after that, and I stayed in the turning against the hurricane, I had to keep turning, already on the deck, he couldn’t get on my six, nor could I get on his six, I waited for my teammate to take him down, it took forever, when it was over, my engine was overheated so much that i can’t cooled it. I didn’t reach the airport. That engine couldn’t handle a longer stay at a speed of only 250 km in which my turning duel with the hurricane took place, and I didn’t even have full throttle during this.
The Spitfire’s overheating is a really high stakes game.