Please read i need help!

[ChopSaw]

Originally posted by Ack-Ack
While the L is the best over all, the other models do have their strengths.  The G model is by far the best turner of the 3 P-38s but it's also slower than the J and the L and doesn't have WEP.  It has less legs than the other two fuel wise. The J is very good and comparable to the L in performance but lacks the dive flaps and boosted ailerons of the L and doesn't carry the ordnance payload of the L.  

I msyelf enjoy flying all three but because the 479th flew P-38Js before transitioning to the P-51D, I tend to fly the J more but recently have started to fly the L again because it really is a sweet plane to fly and it's easier to stall fight in due to the boosted ailerons.

Now all I need is a good book on how to get the most out of the machine.

[Ack-Ack]

Originally posted by RAIDER14
there are no really disadvantages or advantages to any planes its the pilot's skill that matters

What makes a pilot skilled is the abilitly to use his planes strengths and take advantages and exploit his opponents weaknesses.


When I encounter a Spitfire I will use my plane's advantages by either keeping the fight in the vertical, fast or at very slow to stall speeds while trying to avoid the Spitfire's strengths at medium speeds.  While the Spitire pilot is trying to get me to fight him at his strong point at medium speeds where the Spitfire will chew the crap out of my P-38.

Another example, I'm not going to play the E game with a bf109K-4 because I won't win that game.  The P-38 doesn't have the climbing power or acceleration of the bf109K-4 and unless I've got more energy than the bf109K-4 so I can take the fight vertical, I'm not going to be able to match the climb rate of the K-4, no matter how skilled I may be.  So my only option would to use my plane's strengths in hopes to counter his and force him into the area where my plane is better.


ack-ack

[Ack-Ack]

Originally posted by ChopSaw
Now all I need is a good book on how to get the most out of the machine.

There's Robert Shaw's "Fighter Combat: Tactics and Maneuvering"

And Frank J. O'Brien's "Every Man a Tiger: Mock-Combat Flying Technics for Light Aircraft"

And Mike Spick's "Luftwaffe Fighter Aces" and "Allied Fighter Aces of World War II".  This book is more stories but it does break down some of the fights with diagrams and explains some of the maneuvers used by the aces on both sides.  Great read.

Anyway, those are the books that I would recommend you start off with.


ack-ack

[Guppy35]

Originally posted by Ack-Ack
Do yourself a favor and just fly the P-38. It's uber above all planes in here. The only disadvantage the P-38 has is the quality of pilot flying it.



ack-ack

And to think I've been blaming my P38G for all the dying I've been doing and it was really my fault all along

[ChopSaw]

Thanks again.  Anything referencing the partiular capabilities of the P38 and how to exploit them?

[Guppy35]

Originally posted by Ack-Ack
While the L is the best over all, the other models do have their strengths.  The G model is by far the best turner of the 3 P-38s but it's also slower than the J and the L and doesn't have WEP.  It has less legs than the other two fuel wise. The J is very good and comparable to the L in performance but lacks the dive flaps and boosted ailerons of the L and doesn't carry the ordnance payload of the L.  

I msyelf enjoy flying all three but because the 479th flew P-38Js before transitioning to the P-51D, I tend to fly the J more but recently have started to fly the L again because it really is a sweet plane to fly and it's easier to stall fight in due to the boosted ailerons.


ack-ack

I'm a 38G driver but I'm also a Spit driver in disguise and always find myself down on the deck turning in the 38G.  As Ack-Ack says, you have to fly to the strengths of the plane and the best of the 38 drivers do that.  The rest of us just give it our best shot and die alot, having fun the entire time of course

[Hades55]

> I doubt you can blaim the ground or plane to that Gear  <

I blaim the trees, they always jump to catch me when i fly very low

[dedalos]

Originally posted by ChopSaw
Okay, but now which is the best P-38?

Hmmm, I'd say non.  They were prety good going in loop after loop after loop after loop.  Then, the Ki84 came along and the 38s became just another stat.    Muahahahahahaha Death to the 38s

[ChopSaw]

Originally posted by dedalos
Hmmm, I'd say non.  They were prety good going in loop after loop after loop after loop.  Then, the Ki84 came along and the 38s became just another stat.    Muahahahahahaha Death to the 38s

Troll man.

[Guppy35]

Originally posted by dedalos
Hmmm, I'd say non.  They were prety good going in loop after loop after loop after loop.  Then, the Ki84 came along and the 38s became just another stat.    Muahahahahahaha Death to the 38s

Wasn't that you that was out in a KI-84 and I was in my 38G.  Thought we split that 2-2.  Of course I suck and you were new to the KI at the time, but it was fun either way

[Ack-Ack]

Originally posted by ChopSaw
Thanks again.  Anything referencing the partiular capabilities of the P38 and how to exploit them?

Best way to see the particular strengths of the P-38 is to watch some of the films posted on the boards.  Myself, Murdr, Pellik and a couple of other P-38 freaks have posted a bunch.  

But off hand, P-38 is the best vertical fighter in the game. Nothing can hang on the propls like the P-38 and its gentle stall characteristics and E retention in the vertical make it a deadly plane when fighting in the vertical plane.  It's also a kick bellybutton stall fighter because of the excellent low speed handling, low stall speed and gentle stall characteristics.  I know a lot will disagree but then those that do don't really have experience in flying the P-38.



ack-ack

[ChopSaw]

Ack-Ack,

I'll keep a lookout for those films.

[Ack-Ack]

Here's the link to the 479th website.  Probably has the best collection of P-38 films.  Just go to the download section.


479th website



ack-ack

[ChopSaw]

Originally posted by Ack-Ack
Here's the link to the 479th website.  Probably has the best collection of P-38 films.  Just go to the download section.


479th website



ack-ack

Will do and thanks yet again.

[68slayr]

Each plane has its advanteges and disadvantages but it depends on the pilot.  On the subject of the 38 i think the P38L is the best.  I think the 38 compresses pretty easy in a dive if u go to fast though =(  otherwise its a good plane