Ignoring for the moment the propulsion, there is no difference between a maneuverable jet or a maneuverable prop airplane. What ever configuration works for one will work for another. You need low wing loading, light weight, large surfaces (well large enough to turn the airplane rapidly) and low moments of inertia.

Any airplane that fits those requirements will work. Look at the airplanes used in RC combat today. Ugly but good maneuvering machines.

Throw in the powerplant and the airplane still should be the same. If either prop or jet produces the same thrust for equal airspeeds then both will fly equally well. Its just F=ma.

The problem I believe is that there is a variation in airspeed between the prop and the ducted fan jet that allows the prop to develop more thrust for a given power input than a ducted fan.

With a big and powerful enough ducted fan it would certainly beat up on a prop airplane but with our technology that is not likely to happen.

Put a nicely swept twin ducted fan of the type you are talking about against a mean junk dog combat model and the ducted fan model becomes a target.

Did I miss anything here guys, I have a migraine and am trying to keep my mind off it with the forum. However the headache makes me tend to go senile at the same time (well that's what my wife says). No she is sweet, she let me buy a new Canon 1Ds to take airplane photos with next year. Look out Joe Nall, here I come.