However, if a Spit14 or a Bf109G-10 has to engage a P-38 of simular pilot skill as oneself, starting out from co-E, then the only real safe way to gain a decisive edge is to take the fight long and slow.
Lots of climbs, long and boring extensions.. etc etc... until the pure vertical separation between the two aircraft is large enough to give the Spit14 a one-sided BnZ opportunity, using the speed and climb advantage to the fullest
I dont concur with this..(the g10 part i do it doesn't turn well) the spit14 turns just as well as any other aircraft at highspeeds, and that is limited by 6g blackout..
at low speeds < 250 the p38 gets to deploy flaps and can out turn and out radii the spit14 (the out radii being the big one; they turn very similiar until engine torqing occurs..)
as for long boring extensions while that is common in the ma those who do such are inexperienced.
A smart spit14 will high yoyo and saddle.. high yoyo and saddle.. if the fight gets into the str of the p38, looping, low speed turn/radii etc.. the spit14 has major advantage in acceleration and high speed climb to zip away and gain seperation for a quick reverse, and then a long boring extension (heh) in the form of a spiral climb that no aircraft can match except maybe for the g10... then down on top of the p38's head.. nowhere to run.. big fat arse too for hispano's
the key is to keep the pressure on.. those who do the loopy (i call it the la7 syndrone) never ending extensions are really blowing whatever advantage they just thought they made by losing time from sandbagging and being passive..
using lag pursuit the spit14 turns with about any aircraft in the game when the throttle is managed.. throttle to wall i can see how some may underestimate the spit14....
granted many aircraft will out radii the spit14.. its attributes actually lend to this to boot.. but who is going to blow all their e trying to out radii a spit14 is asking for trouble if the spit14 has a clue.. acceleration up to speed then a highspeed reverse.. (spitfire reverse) hence conserving e while reversing (usually 3-5 turn.. i like 4g turns in it..)
and then gain e advantage and then blow that advantage for a solution/lag pursuit saddle.... thats how you do it.. if necessary repeat the above tactics till con is dead.... thats spit14 flying..
(not a dig Kwessa just difference in opinions..)
DoctorYo