I kind of think the three bladed props were faster on the probably lighter A Model . But noisier for sure! I did quite a few Assault Landings & Take Offs on the A-model and 40 approx. 8 hr. Blind Bat missions, so I could tell the difference when cruising around in the Cadillac (E Model). I only was on my E Model for a few Assault landings etc. and they were just as fun as my A-model. I remember while at Naha, you could always tell when an E Model was on the ground being quieter and especially with Low Speed Ground Idle.
You know, I have forgotten all of the not so fun times over there, but I don't think I have forgotten a minute of the good times. I wonder if it is the same these days?
Ken
Left to right ---Me . Paul, & Chris somewhere over Laos-------1968