when I'm flying with my brain on I'm not doing flat turns. the sky isn't flat.
I don't know how to classify the p-38 but it is not and will never be a true turn fighter, it's not a 6000 lb spitfire. I can't do insane maneuvers with the ease i can in a spitfire like flying inverted through multiple hangars in formation etc.(yes I have film of this if you want it
)
the p38 weighs 12000 lbs empty and 20,000 lbs loaded. with full fuel it turns like a 190 even with flaps and rolls like crap. if I remember correctly the aux tanks are in the aft part of the inner wing while the mains in front of inner wing so its good to have no fuel in aux tanks when forced into a classic dogfight battle. but that goes without saying...
Fuel is good for going where you want and bad when you get there in any plane.
The p-38 especially since it holds so much fuel.
it only has 1 or 2 good turns even with flaps which give you the snapshot for the kill before they work around on you. So basically don't miss your shot or you die.
getting close to the ground is also dangerous for the P-38 with its inherent gravitational enhancement. if your not careful you will sink into the rolling terrain.
I find the p-38 to be much better at altitudes of 20k where it can fight with more power against n1k2's and La5's.
so I guess McGuire's rules for the P-38 ring true in AH as well:
Never attempt combat at low altitude.
Never let your airspeed fall below 300 miles per hour.
Never keep your wing tanks on in a fight.
fly with brain on
however when flying with brain off 1 or 2 notches of flaps for turns less than 250 mph and all flaps you need for squeeking over the top.
make sure flaps up any time you not turning.
well good luck.
I'm in the Training Arena a lot furballing at the free for all field if you need a big fat P-38 to shoot at
[This message has been edited by Citabria (edited 04-25-2000).]