It might help to note that Arsenal aircraft are almost always
forgotten when WW2 aircraft are mentioned. It is little known that the
VG 30 attained 500 mph in a dive between 13,125 and 6,260 ft in July
1939*- before the Corsair hit 400 mph in Oct 1940. Arsenal then tried
to produce the VG 33 through VG 39 fighters but the surrender ended
everything.
Yet even under occupation, Arsenal was planning the VB 10 which first
flew in July 1945:

http://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contri...borg/2162L.jpg

Not a bad start from scratch, all things considered.

Rob

*The Complete Book of Fighters by William Green, 1994, Salamander