Factual error: The German fighters depicted in the film are Messerchmitt Bf 109 G-6s, and every single one of them is using the Rüstsatz VI gun pod, that is, 2 extra 20mm Mg 151 cannons. The Luftwaffe only equipped their Bf 109s with the gun pods when they were going to intercept bombers. In this movie, even on the fighter vs fighter missions, they have these gun pods, which is inaccurate, because the gun pods dramatically reduced the turning performance of the Bf 109s.
Red Tails (2012)
Directed by: Anthony Hemingway
Starring: Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard, David Oyelowo, Gerald McRaney, Nate Parker, Andre Royo
Factual error: Me 262's were armed with 30 mm cannon in the nose, a round penetrating a canopy would leave a hole much larger than was depicted, and being high-explosive, once it detonated inside the cockpit, the pilot was toast. One of the red tails had a number of holes in his canopy.
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Suggested correction: Reports suggest twenty mm cannon fire through the canopy will not inherently detonate and can pierce through. The 30 mm of the particular enemy craft however may be unique enough to differ, but is ambiguous then for now until someone finds new data. As for size, keep in mind the nature of how penetration does not look right and I believe care to not exaggerate the size not be taken. Personally am not aware of comparison enough to inform on true size.
Factual error: Before receiving the North American P-51D Mustangs, the Red Tail squadron was using the Curtiss P-40E Warhawk. The movie shows the Warhawks being able to keep up with the German Bf 109 G-6s quite easily, fighting on even terms. In reality, the Bf 109 G-6 could easily outperform the Warhawk, being able to easily outrun and out-turn the Warhawk. Still, the Bf 109s are no match for the Warhawks.
Colonel A.J. Bullard: We have a right to fight for our country. The same as every other American.
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