Author Topic: P38 questions: P38s in AH2 (Read 1104 times)

Hazard69 · « **on:** March 24, 2006, 11:28:15 PM »

A few questions on the P38s in AH2. Questions have arisen purely from the data provided by HTC on their aircraft pages.

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 52ft
length: 37ft 10in
Height: 9ft 10in

This info is common for all three the 38G,J and L. Is that accurate? I though the later 38s were a bit larger.

Normal Loaded Weight
p38g : 16,300lbs
p38j : 19,800lbs
p38l : 17,500lbs

That definitely doesnt seem right. The 38L with the more powerful engines and powered flight control systems should be heavier not lighter than the 38J.
Is this just a typo or are those the weights modeled in the game.
I though the 38J didnt handle as great as the 38L purely due to lower power engines and lack of powered flight controls.

The Fugitive · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2006, 09:50:45 AM »

From a "specs" point of view I can't help ya. Ya thats what it says on the info page, but "human error" can happen any time.

From a flight point of view, the "G" is the lightest and most nimble of the bunch. If flown well it can pretty much out turn anything. Acceleration is good, but with-out WEP it can give ya fits sometimes

The "J" is the best of the bunch from my point of view. Its a bit heavyer feeling, but with the extra power over the "G" can get out of trouble better.

The "L" is heavyer yet, but with the added power and controls I don't think it makes up for the extra weight.

The "G" excells as a turn fighter, the "L" excells as a BnZer, and the "J" does both very well.

Reading info either here, HTC's web site, Sodas and so on is good for a nice base line, but there is no substitute for stick time to really know a plane

Widewing · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2006, 09:55:59 AM »

If you guys haven't done any stall fighting in P-38s since the last patch, be advised that using full flaps is no longer advisable. In fact, I'd suggest that you not use full flaps for anything other than landing. Especially in the G model. You will find it nearly impossible to keep the nose above the horizon and not stall.

My regards,

Widewing

Raptor · « **Reply #3 on:** March 25, 2006, 11:02:24 AM »

Found that out the hard way, but it is actually good to see that. Now Spits and hurricanes can't use flaps to help them turn tighter. I disagree about the L being a BnZ plane... I find it turns just as well as the J, and the powered ailerons makes it roll better. In my opinion the J and L are unnoticably different in performance other than roll rate and ordinance they carry.

Murdr · « **Reply #4 on:** March 25, 2006, 11:09:39 AM »

The P38J has a lighter empty weight than the P38L. The P38J has a slightly better turn radius than the L. The difference in turning is likely not noticible to a casual 38 flyer. I notice it enough that my time is spent the majority of the time in the J.

Lazerr · « **Reply #5 on:** March 25, 2006, 11:17:34 AM »

I used to think the J was my favorite, but I find myself hoppin in the old trusty L more than ever now.

killnu · « **Reply #6 on:** March 25, 2006, 11:24:14 AM »

Widewing, ive turned very well in 38G with full flaps and have not had an issue. not sure what the deal is that everyone else seems to be having. I actually like them more now. stall fighting, full flaps, all seems better to me. maybe it has something to do with the fact im prolly the only 38 driver that uses Combat trim all the time? dont know.

Murdr · « **Reply #7 on:** March 25, 2006, 11:28:19 AM »

Its just a general suggestion. If you get full flaps out aginst a 'better' turning plane on the deck, you'll likely be mowing the grass sooner or later.

killnu · « **Reply #8 on:** March 25, 2006, 11:32:12 AM »

i guess niki and spit16s arent better turning planes then.

Murdr · « **Reply #9 on:** March 25, 2006, 11:47:11 AM »

I dont think widewings comments were directed at you or, AKAK, Fester, Kappa, ect.., or I. You are being like a profesional stunt man arguing with the guy on tv who says "Dont try this at home. These are trained professionals."

Krusty · « **Reply #10 on:** March 25, 2006, 11:51:29 AM »

Widewing was talking about since 2.07 patch1 is out, G with flaps is a bad thing. I found this out the very hard way by taking a G into a furball. I could NOT turn at all, basically. I need to re-learn them.

I think I'll devote next tour to US aircraft, including p38s. Only way to learn is to do.

Treize69 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 25, 2006, 12:05:18 PM »

To answer part of his first question, all P-38s had the same dimensions (span, length, height), it was only engine power and loadout that changed as the series progressed.

I have to try my old 38J a bit more with the update. I used to love it the best of the three, but I have to see how its changed now.

yayyyy · « **Reply #12 on:** March 25, 2006, 12:09:20 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Widewing
If you guys haven't done any stall fighting in P-38s since the last patch, be advised that using full flaps is no longer advisable. In fact, I'd suggest that you not use full flaps for anything other than landing. Especially in the G model. You will find it nearly impossible to keep the nose above the horizon and not stall.

My regards,

Widewing

i think that the mossie does it to? i flew it last night and was stalling like crazy..just floating down, couldnt even recover

Pawz · « **Reply #13 on:** March 25, 2006, 12:37:47 PM »

As long as it has a P38 in front of it I'm going to kill in it.

killnu · « **Reply #14 on:** March 25, 2006, 03:04:53 PM »

I know what he was referring to krusty, i was referring to the same thing. lot of my squaddies been saying same thing he did, till the spent little more time in it since patch.

and rgr that murdr.

thing i was tryin to throw out there was, i fly with CT trim on in 38 all the time, unlike majority of 38 sticks in game. i was wondering if that had anything to do with the difference we are seeing. I really dont know, thats why I ask.