Author Topic: Correct Speed of the P-38L?? (Read 1901 times)

Captain Virgil Hilts · « **Reply #15 on:** March 23, 2006, 05:47:41 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by hacksaw1
Returning to the original topic of P-38L available power:

If power available in WEP - War Emergency Power - is not modeled, then shouldn't the P-38L in AH work like the G? i.e., no WEP setting.

But, shouldn't it nevertheless have all the power currently available in the current pseudo-"WEP" mode, but without a 5 minute time limit?

I'm asking.

All the best.

Cement

In a word, yes.

Captain Virgil Hilts · « **Reply #16 on:** March 23, 2006, 05:57:47 AM »

For the most part, I agree that HTC shouldn't model "special options" or relatively unverifiable "field modifications". On the other hand, I disagree with the position that what the 8th AF did should be the basis of or the main focus of how things are modeled. Also, in the case of the P-38L, the increase in power is neither a "special option" nor a "field modification". It is in fact a verified factory power rating, tested, approved, and verified by BOTH the airframe AND the engine manufacturers, and the derating is the "field modification". I agree that in the Main Arena it would not make MUCH difference in MOST action, which occurs BELOW 5K. As Widewing posted, the increases would not be huge, although 8MPH could make a difference, and so would the increased acceleration (I figure the acceleration would mean more than anything, and considering the P-38L, or any P-38 for that matter, gets flown into Main Arena combat with 50% fuel or less to start with, the acceleration would be pretty good). However, flying above 20K, where it would be useful as an escort fighter, or to do high sweeps, not only in the Main Arena, but everywhere else, a 442MPH P-38L would be a great thing for high altitude escort and fighter sweeps. Again, I understand the position HTC has taken, but I don't completely agree. And the P-38L isn't the only reason.

F4UDOA · « **Reply #17 on:** March 23, 2006, 10:07:44 AM »

Actually using a 440MPH P-38L for hgih altitude work would be a big mistake IMHO and I have doubt's about the production aircraft being able to reach that speed (maybe stripped or in a different drag condition) and even if it could I don't think the AAF would have approved it's use especially at high altititude.

1. The AAF test of the P-38J only gave a top speed of 419MPH at 70" MAP at around 20K and then it fell back to around 400MPH at 28K.

2. Really important. 442MPH was the speed claimed at 28K which is mach .68 that is the limiting speed for the P-38L at 30K. Even if it could reach that speed you could not bank or enter even a shallow dive without entering compressabiity.

3. The test the AAF performed gave the P-38J 2,000HP per engine at low alts. The use of this fuel increases performance more dramatically at lower alts that at higher alts because the critical altitude of the engine reduces with the use of this fuel. If 440MPH was to be reached I believe it would be reached at far lower altitude.

Citabria · « **Reply #18 on:** March 23, 2006, 10:12:27 AM »

so if i can go faster in the J and L why do I live longer in the G? better camoflage?

speed whiners

F4UDOA · « **Reply #19 on:** March 23, 2006, 12:14:05 PM »

Dude,

The G is not much slower and handles much better especially at low speed. It was the best of the bunch in terms of performance and handling IMHO.

Faster is not always better.

mars01 · « **Reply #20 on:** March 23, 2006, 10:14:47 PM »

HTC should let you spend perkies for field mods. Sort of a crew chief bribe. At least we'd heve something to do with the thousands of perks most of us have lol.