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Author Topic: p-38 green horn  (Read 376 times)

Offline pwnorris

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p-38 green horn
« on: March 01, 2004, 09:45:09 AM »
Been watching the threads on the P-38/Niki controversy, as well as the Seafire.  Interesting!

Just one question.  Since this would be a good situation to learn how to use the advantages of the p-38 against the tight-turning aircraft, is there someone who can help us P-38 greenhorns?

I mean I've given Storch enough target practice, maybe he'd like to earn the next kill.:D

Pat
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Offline Sakai

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Re: p-38 green horn
« Reply #1 on: March 01, 2004, 10:34:54 AM »
Quote
Originally posted by pwnorris
Been watching the threads on the P-38/Niki controversy, as well as the Seafire.  Interesting!

Just one question.  Since this would be a good situation to learn how to use the advantages of the p-38 against the tight-turning aircraft, is there someone who can help us P-38 greenhorns?

I mean I've given Storch enough target practice, maybe he'd like to earn the next kill.:D

Pat


My best bets have been in keeping it fast, zoom climb out, coming back on the prey.  I think it out turns the Ki-61 or the difference is marginal.  

Use your rudders in the 38, if you bank to stay on a tail too much you lose mucho e in my experience.  

Sakai
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"The P-40B does all the work for you . . ."

Offline mos

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p-38 green horn
« Reply #2 on: March 01, 2004, 01:37:41 PM »
Another tip:  a spiral climb works wonders against unwary N1K pilots.  They just can't keep their nose in the air as long as the Lightning can.
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Offline pwnorris

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Spiral Climb
« Reply #3 on: March 01, 2004, 01:42:49 PM »
By a spiral climb I take that you mean the following:

1. put the nose up,
2. try to maitain a good airspeed,
3. turn in your favorite direction,
4. maintain previous conditions until you or your opponent decides his plan can't go any higher

Does that sum it up correctly?:cool:
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Offline Ack-Ack

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p-38 green horn
« Reply #4 on: March 01, 2004, 03:45:41 PM »
Yep, pretty much.  Against a N1K2 I always make my spiral rope climb to the right.  The reason is that the N1K2's engine torque is to the left and at low speeds, the N1K2 pilot will find himself having to counteract the torque forces that want to pull his plane left as he's turning right.

You should do a search of the AH forums for P-38 films.  Quite a few of us dedicated Lightning dweebs have posted films or have posted good threads on P-38 tactics.



Ack-Ack
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"If Jesus came back as an airplane, he would be a P-38." - WW2 P-38 pilot
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Offline Xjazz

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p-38 green horn
« Reply #5 on: March 01, 2004, 03:56:51 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by mos
Another tip:  a spiral climb works wonders against unwary N1K pilots.  They just can't keep their nose in the air as long as the Lightning can.


Sounds like place for Lag Pursuit in time
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Offline mos

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p-38 green horn
« Reply #6 on: March 01, 2004, 05:26:18 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by Xjazz
Sounds like place for Lag Pursuit in time

That'd be the point.  ;)
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