Question - Spitfire IXE

[Ken5421]

Does the Spitfire 1XE have a boost button?

 

If yes, once activated can that boost be controlled?

 

Also what is the point of a super charger? What does it do? Is that used at altitude to cope with thin air? 

 

I use one of those condensed keyboards and when I key map the boost option not working along with T+- and T+= to control boost. So not sure what i'm doing!!

 

Cheers

 

Ken

[Mauf]

The Mark 9 does not have a boost button. In fact, "boost buttons" on spitfires that had them were simply little blockers that limited the range of the throttle and could be flipped out of the way to allow for higher boost.

 

The super charger is basically an air compressor that squeezes air together to thicken it before it goes into the engine. That effectively allows boost to remain higher with normally too thin air to sustain high boost. Super chargers are costly though because they're driven by the engine and thus generate an overhead. So it's not a good idea to have them in a high stage when not high enough. Effectively, there is a certain altitude for different super chargers where switching into a higher gear becomes more beneficial than the overhead it costs to run the thing. The Mark 9 has an automatic super charger, you don't need to deal with it.

[ShamrockOneFive]

The thing that isn't talked about much with the Spitfire Mark IX is how automatic everything is. RPM, mixture, radiator, and supercharger stage control are all automatic which makes it very easy to fly.

Edited February 25, 2019 by ShamrockOneFive

[dburne]

Yes the supercharger for Mk IX is automatic, however it can be controlled manually also - though not sure why one would.

[ShamrockOneFive]

12 minutes ago, dburne said:

Yes the supercharger for Mk IX is automatic, however it can be controlled manually also - though not sure why one would.

 

Everything can be controlled manually. I'm going to make a stab in the dark and suggest that those are a backup and meant to be purely in the advent of a systems failure (or battle damage).

[AKA_Hollywood]

44 minutes ago, ShamrockOneFive said:

Everything can be controlled manually. I'm going to make a stab in the dark and suggest that those are a backup and meant to be purely in the advent of a systems failure (or battle damage).

 

 

Aren't the spits rads automatic..? I read that you can only open them fully or closed fully, but doesn't work for me.

[HBPencil]

1 hour ago, ShamrockOneFive said:

 

Everything can be controlled manually. I'm going to make a stab in the dark and suggest that those are a backup and meant to be purely in the advent of a systems failure (or battle damage).

It could be but usually it was for use by ground crew to check that the gear change worked.

[ShamrockOneFive]

44 minutes ago, AH_Hollywood said:

 

 

Aren't the spits rads automatic..? I read that you can only open them fully or closed fully, but doesn't work for me.

 

Yes they are fully automatic. You can override them but ... I never do.

[EAF19_Marsh]

Most things had a manual override in that period in case it was not working or a special circinatance required an abnormal setting - both of which probably related to battle-damage or system failure.

[MasserME262]

11 hours ago, ShamrockOneFive said:

The thing that isn't talked about much with the Spitfire Mark IX is how automatic everything is. RPM, mixture, radiator, and supercharger stage control are all automatic which makes it very easy to fly.

Full automation + easy airframe to fly = god mode.

At least in skilled hands, or at least against noob players (if I have a spit on my 6, Im dead).

Its a pleasure to fly, for real

[CountZero]

11 hours ago, ShamrockOneFive said:

The thing that isn't talked about much with the Spitfire Mark IX is how automatic everything is. RPM, mixture, radiator, and supercharger stage control are all automatic which makes it very easy to fly.

Yes, you only worry how to df in it, no unneccesary strain on player like in usaf airplanes, no wonder its go to airplane in bobp missions. 

3 hours ago, EAF19_Marsh said:

Most things had a manual override in that period in case it was not working or a special circinatance required an abnormal setting - both of which probably related to battle-damage or system failure.

 

It just goes to 100% open you cant control it when turn off automatic, and you cant go back to automatic after you turn it of.

3 minutes ago, ME-BFMasserME262 said:

Full automation + easy airframe to fly = god mode.

At least in skilled hands, or at least against noob players (if I have a spit on my 6, Im dead).

Its a pleasure to fly, for real

You do know its slow compared to axis fighters, so all you need is run away and then attack when he dosent look at you, speed is more important then anything els and when you have faster airplane you dictate fights.

[EAF19_Marsh]

Quote

It just goes to 100% open you cant control it when turn off automatic, and you cant go back to automatic after you turn it of.

 

I'll have to try this, did not try. Not clear why it could not be changed back.

 

Quote

You do know its slow compared to axis fighters, so all you need is run away and then attack when he dosent look at you, speed is more important then anything els and when you have faster airplane you dictate fights.

 

In theory, yes, but reality rarely matches theory.

[CountZero]

27 minutes ago, EAF19_Marsh said:

 

I'll have to try this, did not try. Not clear why it could not be changed back.

 

 

In theory, yes, but reality rarely matches theory.

 

Its for emergancy use probably when something is broken, "The water and oil radiators shutters are operated automatically, but there is a special manual mode that forces radiator shutters to open completely."

 

if player has poor SA then yes he dosent know how to use his speed and hell usealy get shoot down in faster airplane in game by slower airplane, but if you know what your doing only time you get shoot down in faster airplane is when you make mistake, by not eing aware of all enemys before you attack, or having to long fight alowing others to join.

 

[Art-J]

RPM is neither more nor less "automatic" than in any other plane in the sim with constant speed propeller , so one still has to be careful about limitations of such system and the plane is still less automated than German birds. Unless they implemented here the late-war option to manually interconnect RPM and throttle levers? Don't know, haven't flown it in this sim all that much, as with current FM the plane's a bit of a roflcopter, though pleasant one I admit.

 

Radiators should go back to auto after switching back from override, if they don't then that's another wonky thing about the way the plane's modelled.

[CountZero]

since bos even on 109g2 if you turn of auto rads, you cant go back to it from manual, so to me nothing strange that if i go on manual rads in spit9 that i cant turn auto again.

Compared to other allied airplanes you see on late war missions spit9 is by far easyer for player to manage, as you only think about controling trottle and rpm, and you have only 1 limit to worry about of 5min for emergancy, you have limit of 1h for combat but youll run out off fuel if you use it that long before you run out of that time limit. So not as demanding as P-47 or even la5fn, perfect for new players to not get owerwhelmed by managing its engine and just think how to df and fight enemy.

Edited February 26, 2019 by 77.CountZero

[MasserME262]

4 hours ago, 77.CountZero said:

You do know its slow compared to axis fighters, so all you need is run away and then attack when he dosent look at you, speed is more important then anything els and when you have faster airplane you dictate fights

Read again my comment.

"At least in skilled hands, or at least against noob players". That means, if you catch me with a spit while I'm flying a 109, Im dead. What you said only applies to players that know how to fly a 109/190/german plane properly, which I still dont know how to do for real.

[Ken5421]

Thanks for all the replies and feedback guys! Very helpful. Cheers Ken5421

[E_Davjack]

On 2/25/2019 at 3:16 PM, ShamrockOneFive said:

The thing that isn't talked about much with the Spitfire Mark IX is how automatic everything is. RPM, mixture, radiator, and supercharger stage control are all automatic which makes it very easy to fly.

 

 

I just flew a QM with the Spit 9 and the RPM is not automatic.  What do you mean? Is there a mode I dont know?

[ShamrockOneFive]

13 minutes ago, II./JG1_EmerlistDavjack said:

 

 

I just flew a QM with the Spit 9 and the RPM is not automatic.  What do you mean? Is there a mode I dont know?

 

It's a CSP... of course the RPM is managed automatically. Am I missing something?

 

Right from the aircraft notes:

Quote

Engine RPM has an automatic governor that controls the propeller pitch to maintain the required RPM

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/25993-aircraft-flight-and-technical-specifications-and-operational-details/

 

Edited February 27, 2019 by ShamrockOneFive

[crigby46]

For clarity; the rpm can be set manually with a simple single lever;

 

 The process by which that rpm is attained and kept constant is automatic. You set the rpm you want, say 2600rpm, and the automatic pitch governor manages the pitch of the blades to keep the rpm you've set. The RPM does not automatically increase for take off and landing, or decrease for cruise; that is your job. 

 

 If I remember rightly, the earlier models had only two settings, coarse and fine. Failure to switch from coarse to fine between taxi and takeoff cost Douglas Bader at least one aircraft. 

[E_Davjack]

1 hour ago, ShamrockOneFive said:

 

It's a CSP... of course the RPM is managed automatically. Am I missing something?

 

Right from the aircraft notes:

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/25993-aircraft-flight-and-technical-specifications-and-operational-details/

 

 

 

We may have different definitions of automatic...in most 109s, all you need to touch is the throttle, and the plane figures out pitch for prop speed.  In the Spit 9, it seems like I have to use both an RPM and a Throttle lever to get the values in the right ranges for the moment.  The prop may be governed in dives, but you need to set the prop.  In most 109s, the throttle is all you use to enter "Combat" or "Boost" mode. In the Spit 9, it seems like you need to use both a throttle and an RPM control to set "Continuous" or "Combat" or "Boost."

 

That, to me, seems less automatic. Correct me if I am wrong, I haven't spent a lot of time in Spits. 

 

EDIT: How does it compare to the P-47?  In that plane, you can Interlock the throttle, RPM, and even the turbo, and use them all together. One lever can control the engine state. 

Edited February 27, 2019 by II./JG1_EmerlistDavjack

[ShamrockOneFive]

2 minutes ago, II./JG1_EmerlistDavjack said:

 

 

We may have different definitions of automatic...in most 109s, all you need to touch is the throttle, and the plane figures out pitch for prop speed.  In the Spit 9, it seems like I have to use both an RPM and a Throttle lever to get the values in the right ranges for the moment.  The prop may be governed in dives, but you need to set the prop.  In most 109s, the throttle is all you use to enter "Combat" or "Boost" mode. In the Spit 9, it seems like you need to use both a throttle and an RPM control to set "Continuous" or "Combat" or "Boost." 

  

That, to me, seems less automatic. Correct me if I am wrong, I haven't spent a lot of time in Spits. 

 

I must be missing something. With the Spitfire and with most aircraft with a CSP... all I need to do is be a bit gentle on the throttle and the RPMs will automatically catch up. Yeah you need to watch it in a dive but most of the time its a very short delay (a second or two) and the RPMs are exactly where they need to be. I focus more on boost in the Spitfire than the RPM.

[E_Davjack]

5 minutes ago, ShamrockOneFive said:

 

I must be missing something. With the Spitfire and with most aircraft with a CSP... all I need to do is be a bit gentle on the throttle and the RPMs will automatically catch up. Yeah you need to watch it in a dive but most of the time its a very short delay (a second or two) and the RPMs are exactly where they need to be. I focus more on boost in the Spitfire than the RPM.

 

You replied right as I edited...so, compare to the P-47 or a 109.  In either plane, you have interlocks (P-47 is explicitly chosen, 109 has them built in).  That is Automatic IMO.

 

In the Spit 9, the pilot has to set the RPM independently of the throttle, yes?  The CSP may maintain that RPM, but it isn't linked nor is it automatic.  Yeah?

Edited February 27, 2019 by II./JG1_EmerlistDavjack

[ShamrockOneFive]

16 minutes ago, II./JG1_EmerlistDavjack said:

 

You replied right as I edited...so, compare to the P-47 or a 109.  In either plane, you have interlocks (P-47 is explicitly chosen, 109 has them built in).  That is Automatic IMO.

 

In the Spit 9, the pilot has to set the RPM independently of the throttle, yes?  The CSP may maintain that RPM, but it isn't linked nor is it automatic.  Yeah?

 

Ooooohh..... That's what you mean. I'm just being thick. Yes, of course, you set the desired RPM and then the CSP manages things from there whereas the Bf109 does the automatically from the get-go. Got it. ?

[E_Davjack]

Just trying to keep Spit pilots aware that they have to manage their RPM state with keys/levers as opposed to something like a 109. ?

[Higaluto]

18 hours ago, 77.CountZero said:

Yes, you only worry how to df in it, no unneccesary strain on player like in usaf airplanes, no wonder its go to airplane in bobp missions. 

 

It just goes to 100% open you cant control it when turn off automatic, and you cant go back to automatic after you turn it of.

You do know its slow compared to axis fighters, so all you need is run away and then attack when he dosent look at you, speed is more important then anything els and when you have faster airplane you dictate fights.

 Lets hope they bring in the 150-octane fuel that was used in mid 1944, since we are flying against the late K-4 and Dora 9. 

There was an interview with the developers that adressed this subject.

 

An increase of about 950 ft/min in rate of climb and about 30 mph in all-out level speed is achieved by the increase of boost from +18 lb/sq.in. to +25 lb/sq.in

[Kurfurst]

There are no V-1s to chase in Bodenplatte.

[EAF19_Marsh]

11 minutes ago, VO101Kurfurst said:

There are no V-1s to chase in Bodenplatte.

 

There were more 150 Octane Spitfires than both 1.98 K-4s or EZ-42 equipped 190 combined.

 

But don't let facts get in the way ?

[CountZero]

4 hours ago, Higaluto said:

 Lets hope they bring in the 150-octane fuel that was used in mid 1944, since we are flying against the late K-4 and Dora 9. 

There was an interview with the developers that adressed this subject.

 

An increase of about 950 ft/min in rate of climb and about 30 mph in all-out level speed is achieved by the increase of boost from +18 lb/sq.in. to +25 lb/sq.in

That they didnt add that from start for Spitfire 9s with so many evidance that it was used is big oversight by devs, adding that is no more complex then how they add less used 1.98 engine for K4, and they decided that has to be from start. That if it comes will probably be in game when they finish airplanes they need to make, i dont belive they will spend FMs guy time to return to work on spit9 before all airplanes are in game. Spitfire XIV should also be in game when axis get 262s, thats also other big oversight, its like they didnt know mutch about wsest front where they started this bobp project, just look how wer geting tempest and not typhoon. The better planset for allieds should be P-51, P-47, Spitfire IX, Typhoon and Spitfire XIV, that would be balanced and historical set compared to what axis is getting ( including 150 octane from start). They can easy fix that oversight and make some money on it by making first collectable airplane after BoBp Spitfire MkXIV, it would sell faster then they can code it, or it can fly

6 hours ago, II./JG1_EmerlistDavjack said:

Just trying to keep Spit pilots aware that they have to manage their RPM state with keys/levers as opposed to something like a 109. ?

Yes 109s are by far easest airplanes for player , you just control trottle and wory about one timer, you can focus on df and fights, on spit 9 you have same exept aditionaly you have to manage rpm lever.

Edited February 27, 2019 by 77.CountZero

[Higaluto]

From the interview:

On the multiplayer side, some players are concerned about competitive balance between jet fighters and some rarer engine mods for a couple of German aircraft. Is the team hoping to add additional modifications to some Allied types (i.e. engine boost options) to give them some added options as well? How difficult is it for the team to build these features into the sim?

 

Jason: “Adding more options takes valuable time, but I hope so. We know you want added boost and fuel options for certain aircraft. Battling the Me-262 is not the only reason they are requested of course. Maybe we’ll build the Meteor or P-80 just to give some jet on jet action. I’m sort of kidding, but anyone up for a Meteor, Shooting Star, Do-335, He-162 package?”

 

Daniel: “These features are hard to develop because it is means to have one more engine models and doubling of work of plane performance verification and fine tuning. But we always try to develop it for you because we know how it is important. For example, you may to look on Spitfire with its double engine settings.”

 

Link to interview: https://stormbirds.blog/2019/02/12/part-2-an-interview-with-jason-williams-and-daniel-tuseev/

 

I realy hope we will see the P51 with 75" Hg pressure, and spit with +25boost at some point after offical release of bodenplatte. 

[=362nd_FS=RoflSeal]

15 hours ago, ShamrockOneFive said:

 

It's a CSP... of course the RPM is managed automatically. Am I missing something?

 

Right from the aircraft notes:

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/25993-aircraft-flight-and-technical-specifications-and-operational-details/

 

Prop pitch is managed automatically. RPM is manual

[Voyager]

I'd be leary of any of the super-props being collectors planes. It feels to much like paying for an advantage.

 

I feel it would be better for the health of the game if the Spit XIV, P-47M, and possibly the Tempest mkII were in their own battle. They'd work well with a V-1 related campaign, but individually it feels like those would be edging into dangerous territory. 

 

The P-80 and Meteor would be more ok, since that would likely slide into jets only MP, rather than getting swirled in with the main line stuff. 

[CountZero]

13 minutes ago, Voyager said:

I'd be leary of any of the super-props being collectors planes. It feels to much like paying for an advantage.

 

I feel it would be better for the health of the game if the Spit XIV, P-47M, and possibly the Tempest mkII were in their own battle. They'd work well with a V-1 related campaign, but individually it feels like those would be edging into dangerous territory. 

 

The P-80 and Meteor would be more ok, since that would likely slide into jets only MP, rather than getting swirled in with the main line stuff. 

 

La5FN, Yak-1B, Bf-109G6  thats ship has sail long time ago

 

Regarding posible battle for them, Spitfire XIV fits this battel perfectly and youll not fined any area that is small enought for them in other places, for P-47M or Tempest II thouse 2 have no place in this game probably as they dont fit any area that this game could cover.

 

Also Meteor can easy be added in BoBp as it fits historicly, and youll again not have any other battle with small enought area to fit them exept this one, P-80 would fit only late Italy and thats also a streching it.

 

So for BoBp for allieds Spitfire XIV and Meteor fit perfectly as you cant add them in any other battle the way they do things so this is only chance to add them to game and have SP campoaign for them that is historical with take off and landings and targets for them.

Edited February 27, 2019 by 77.CountZero

[mumbojumbo]

45 minutes ago, Voyager said:

I'd be leary of any of the super-props being collectors planes. 

 

What's the definition of a superprop, and why doesn't the 1.98 ata k4 fall in to that category? 

 

The xiv absolutely suits this title, and it would be a shame if it doesn't come. The only option is for it to come as a collectors plane. 

 

As for the other two, they belong in another title (if at all). 

 

In the q and a on warbird Jason did joke about jet vs jet packages, would be cool to see them build on their high speed fm and jet engine modelling. 

[[TWB]Sauerkraut-]

On 2/25/2019 at 6:53 PM, dburne said:

Yes the supercharger for Mk IX is automatic, however it can be controlled manually also - though not sure why one would.

 

Short answer: To conserve fuel at the cost of performance

 

Long answer:

 

The Spit IX and later models and the Merlin P-51's had a three position switch for the supercharger with the following options, in no particular order:

 

High Blower

Low Blower

Automatic

 

The "Low blower" and "Automatic" positions act as regular switches, and the "High Blower" acts as a momentary switch, meaning the pilot would have to hold the switch in that position. If he let go, it would return to the middle position.

 

Why build it this way? Well, for all intents and purposes, you would want the switch in the "Automatic" position pretty much all the time. However, there may have been times when you were operating at a high altitude, but would want to manually keep the supercharger in "Low Blower" mode to conserve fuel (This works with all aircraft in IL2 BoX BTW). 

 

The "High Blower" mode was there only for testing purposes, to ensure that the supercharger gearing was working properly. This is why it was a momentary switch.

[ShamrockOneFive]

3 hours ago, Voyager said:

I'd be leary of any of the super-props being collectors planes. It feels to much like paying for an advantage.

 

I feel it would be better for the health of the game if the Spit XIV, P-47M, and possibly the Tempest mkII were in their own battle. They'd work well with a V-1 related campaign, but individually it feels like those would be edging into dangerous territory.  

  

The P-80 and Meteor would be more ok, since that would likely slide into jets only MP, rather than getting swirled in with the main line stuff. 

 

The Tempest Mark II didn't see wartime service so that'd be out but the other two are possible. I don't think we'll see a P-47M but I do think we'll see a Spitfire XIV. As potent as the XIV is, the Tempest V is already there as a very high performing Allied fighter alongside some other very good options. The XIV is just different with marginally lower low-level performance versus the Tempest and definitely better high altitude performance.

 

The Meteor is a stretch historically for the scenario selected but not a bad option as it saw service and destroyed Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground during April. Technically our campaign is over by then but ... Multiplayer works. A hypothetical single player Career I'd be ok with where the Meteors were allowed to engage in combat. That's the only thing that kept them back until April as they were already on the continent early in 1945.

[Voyager]

3 hours ago, Tarks91 said:

 

What's the definition of a superprop, and why doesn't the 1.98 ata k4 fall in to that category? 

 

The xiv absolutely suits this title, and it would be a shame if it doesn't come. The only option is for it to come as a collectors plane. 

 

I'd say the Bf-109K-4 is most definitely a super-prop, and it is one of the reasons I do not think it would be healthy for any of them to be stand-alone collector planes. 

 

Think about it: how would you feel if every time a K-4 1.98 goes ham, flies poorly and gets away with it because of its nuts raw power, you also knew that they'd paid $20 just to get just that plane? 

 

Likewise, what do you think would happen if the K-4 was a $20 stand-alone, that started getting locked out of maps in mass, because it was screwing up MP balance? 

 

Right now, anyone who got Bodenplatte has it, and if it gets tightly restricted, they'll also have the G-14, also a highly competitive 109 version.

 

That is why I believe, if they are going to introduce the best prop fighters ever built, they need be standard planes, part of the usual Battle of X system. 

 

A Mk XIV, especially if they introduce the +25lbs boost, will be one of the most dangerous WWII planes that one could go up against, bar none. 

 

Addendum; I suspect we will see the M eventually, since, once the devs sort out all the R-2800 configurations, it will be very easy to add, once they find a reasonable battle to put it in. I do think we'll see the Razorback, the Mk. XIV, and the +25lbs boost long before that, though. 

Edited February 28, 2019 by Voyager

[CountZero]

3 minutes ago, Voyager said:

 

I'd say the Bf-109K-4 is most definitely a super-prop, and it is one of the reasons I do not think it would be healthy for any of them to be stand-alone collector planes. 

 

Think about it: how would you feel if every time a K-4 1.98 goes ham, flies poorly and gets away with it because of its nuts raw power, you also knew that they'd paid $20 just to get just that plane? 

 

Likewise, what do you think would happen if the K-4 was a $20 stand-alone, that started getting locked out of maps in mass, because it was screwing up MP balance? 

 

Right now, anyone who got Bodenplatte has it, and if it gets tightly restricted, they'll also have the G-14, also a highly competitive 109 version.

 

That is why I believe, if they are going to introduce the best prop fighters ever built, they need be standard planes, part of the usual Battle of X system. 

 

A Mk XIV, especially if they introduce the +25lbs boost, will be one of the most dangerous WWII planes that one could go up against, bar none. 

I dont see any problem as they already did same thing after BoS you got best fighter for vvs as collectable in yak-1b, then after BoK you got again best vvs fighter as collectable as La5-FN, and both are limited in numbers on normal servers if that battle had low number of them.

Your explanation makes no sence to me, frm what we already have in game and how it works online now.

39 minutes ago, ShamrockOneFive said:

 

The Tempest Mark II didn't see wartime service so that'd be out but the other two are possible. I don't think we'll see a P-47M but I do think we'll see a Spitfire XIV. As potent as the XIV is, the Tempest V is already there as a very high performing Allied fighter alongside some other very good options. The XIV is just different with marginally lower low-level performance versus the Tempest and definitely better high altitude performance.

 

The Meteor is a stretch historically for the scenario selected but not a bad option as it saw service and destroyed Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground during April. Technically our campaign is over by then but ... Multiplayer works. A hypothetical single player Career I'd be ok with where the Meteors were allowed to engage in combat. That's the only thing that kept them back until April as they were already on the continent early in 1945.

they are depicting battles from september 44 to april 45, so they can have campaign for them easy, like they do for la5fn for example in kuban. And then they have sim that can brag that you can try to fly axis jet and allied jet in historical scenarious and on top you can try to fight them one vs other if you wont, not many sims have that. And with bobp they have excuse to do it. Meteor is probably not good match vs 262, but they could have braging rights of having 2 iconic ww2 jets 

[Voyager]

14 minutes ago, 77.CountZero said:

I dont see any problem as they already did same thing after BoS you got best fighter for vvs as collectable in yak-1b, then after BoK you got again best vvs fighter as collectable as La5-FN, and both are limited in numbers on normal servers if that battle had low number of them.

Your explanation makes no sence to me, frm what we already have in game and how it works online now.

 

While the Yak-1b and La-5FN are dangerous fighters and forgiving to fly, the 109G-4 and 190A-5 are both still better energy fighters and out perform them in important measures.

 

Planes like the K-4 and Mk. XIV significantly out perform other planes in contemporary service. 

[CountZero]

8 hours ago, Voyager said:

 

While the Yak-1b and La-5FN are dangerous fighters and forgiving to fly, the 109G-4 and 190A-5 are both still better energy fighters and out perform them in important measures.

 

Planes like the K-4 and Mk. XIV significantly out perform other planes in contemporary service. 

Yak-1b come to game befoer we even know about Kuban, when he had 109g2 and A3 to fight.

 

 La5FN was best fighter airplane in game when it was introduced after Kuban.

 

We have K4 and on top 1.98K4, and no XIV , so its nice first choice to add as collectors airplane for 19.98 $  , they can make money on their omision of not adding same top performer on both sides