Who Would Win: Corsair and Hellcat vs BF 109 and FW 190
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When the U.S. Navy’s F4U Corsair and F6F Hellcat entered combat, they quickly proved themselves in the Pacific. But how would they have stacked up against the Luftwaffe’s best — the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 — if the fight had been over Europe?
Speed and Turning
The Corsair was the fastest of the four, capable of over 430 mph, while the Hellcat topped out lower but excelled in maneuverability. U.S. Navy tests showed the Hellcat had an astonishing turn rate, outclassing the Bf 109 and Corsair, and leaving the Fw 190 well behind. Still, at high speeds the German fighters could hold their own, especially the 109.
Climb and Energy Advantage
Here the Luftwaffe fighters shined. The Bf 109, even on modest power settings, climbed faster than all three rivals, while the Fw 190 could use high-speed climbs to disengage and return with an energy advantage. In sustained turning fights, though, the Navy planes held the edge.
Firepower and Survivability
The Hellcat and Corsair packed six .50 caliber Brownings, reliable weapons that punched through German armor. The 190’s cannons offered more explosive power, while the 109’s optional 30mm Mk 108 could bring down a Corsair with a single hit. Yet U.S. Navy aircraft were heavily armored, often tougher than Army fighters, giving them a survival edge.
Range and Mission Suitability
Here lay the decisive factor. The Navy fighters simply lacked the range for long European escort missions. Their fuel systems were designed for naval operations, not sustained high-altitude flights with heavy bombers. That role remained with the P-51 and P-47.
Final Comparison
Had Corsairs or Hellcats tangled with German fighters, they would have held their own. The Germans enjoyed climb advantages, but the Navy planes offered ruggedness, excellent turning ability, and heavy firepower. In the Pacific, those qualities helped them dominate the Zero. In Europe, they would have been competitive — but not the escort solution America needed.
