Just a few final notes:
- A P-51 is really an unfair comparison, designed in 1940 as opposed to 1933 for the 109, and 1934.
- Early model Spitfires had the eight .303's, later had two Hispano 20mm's and four .303's.
- The 109 is the most produced fighter design in history, so that counts for something.
Now, to return to the original discussion:
There are similar circumstances in the fleet boat / u-boat debate.
When trying to compare the boats, we would do well to remember that the VIIA was designed in 1934, with the VIIB following in 1936. While the IX boats were conceived in 1936.
The VIIC which shouldered the bulk of the load was first commissioned in 1940, but as has been mentioned, it was essentially a WW1 design.
The U.S. Gato class was quickly conceived and built, and entered production in 1940. The Balao class entered production in 1942.
U.S. design included internal torpedo storage and many forward tubes, but had terrible torpedoes and inferior fire control, particularly in when surfaced at night.
Pre-war U.S. training was also inferior compared to the German submariners, with just about half of U.S. commanders being relieved of command within the first 8 months of the war. I will allow that the comparison in training is not necessarily a useful comparison due to the vastly different missions of the two nation's sub forces (fleet engagement vs. blockade action).
Summary:
Each boat has it's own advantages and disadvantages, because they are really two different tools.
Yes, they are both submarines and they go under water, but just because my tin snips and pliers go into the same tool box, it doesn't make them the same tool.
Each is used for it's own designed purpose.
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