speed is everything in the AH main arena...
Or is it?
what if you gave up roll rate and dive recovery for speed?
would your plane be more survivable in the environment of the AH main arena?
this is exactly the situation for the P-38J vs the P-38L
The revised beard radiators produced some additional drag, but it was more than adequately compensated for by the improved cooling which made the Allison finally capable of delivering its full rated power at altitude. Consequently, the P-38J was the fastest variant of the entire Lightning series--420 mph at 26,500 feet. Maximum speed at 5000 feet was 369 mph
its actually the fastest lightning being a bit faster than the P-38L and a bit lighter too
P-38J empty wieght: 12,780 lbs
P-38L empty wieght: 14,100 lbs
I think it would be an interesting dynamic to have the P-38J (pre P-38J-25-LO) without the wieght of hydraulically boosted ailerons and dive recovery flaps yet having slightly better top speed performance.
a sort of quid pro quo of sorts with more reasons to have it than just a paint job.
just give it the same standard silver finish the P-38L has except have olive drab anti glare panels instead
please consider it HTC
I'm very interested in seeing the P-38J for the speed reasons mostly but also for the lack of roll rate and dive recovery flaps.
