P-38J vs P-38L

[Stryker]

lookin to start learning either the J or L.. any advice from you 38 experts out there on the advantages/disadvantages of the 2.. only thing i really notice different is the dive flaps and
maybe slightly faster roll rate on the L. but i rarely fly either of them so i dont really know much

suggestions and advice greatly appreciated


-Gambit 

[Ponyace]

What you mentioned.....is about it.

The only difference between the L and the J (from what Ive heard) is the dive flaps and booster aileron in the L which, I assume, would indeed increase roll rate if slightly. Otherwise, the speed, rate of climb, etc. is the same.

But Im no expert on the subjet. Maybe one of the S.A.P.P. guys can answer this better.

[Plazus]

The J and the L are the exact same airframe. The only difference is the huge increase in roll rate above 375 mph. Also you have dive flaps as well. Note that the dive flaps DO NOT create enough drag to actually slow down the aircraft. Its sole purpose is to help keep the nose up during dives. All other performance specs, including climb, speed, horsepower, turn rate is all the same.

Having flown the P38s a lot this past year, I can say that the L offers more options in a dogfight than the J. People generally fly the J because of its skins, and the ENY value.

[texastc316]

I fly the L. Roll rate is a big difference for me.

[MjTalon]

I fly the L. Roll rate is a big difference for me.

Likewise for me as well. Roll rate is a huge advantage that is taking lightly sometimes.

[Spikes]

I fly the J as do a lot of the SAPP guys...just feels more like home to me.

[Anodizer]

Someone once said the L feels like it's on rails..  I'd agree with this statement..  The L is fairly predictable(for the pilot)..  Being a 38 wannabe, I find myself switching between the G and the L.. 

The J seems floppy to me..  I don't like that it won't role as well..  I almost never use the Dive Recovery Flaps, so those aren't really an issue for me.. 

What ever you pick, don't fall into the BnZ black hole..  You'll never experience the real fun of a 38 if you do that..
Learn to fight it slow....  Take it to the stall limit..  Don't be afraid when it shakes and shudders and the stall buzzer is screaming in your ear...  That's a good thing!

[texastc316]

He's right ^^^

[Soulyss]

J = more sexy skins

Because if I can't look good while plummeting out of the sky in flames then the whole thing just isn't worth it.

[texastc316]

J has better skins but L has PUDGY V

[Ack-Ack]

If you're going to split hairs, the P-38L is the best of the three.  It has better roll rate at high speeds due to the boosted ailerons and dive flaps to aid in high speed dive recovery.  It also has a good payload, can carry 2x 1,000 pound bombs and 10 HVAR rockets.

Performance wise, other than the boosted ailerons and dive flaps, it's pretty much identical to the J model.  

In all honesty, the choice between the two is nothing more than personal preference.


ack-ack

[StokesAk]

There are alot of discussions about the 38's. If you want more info you can search it and you will find pages of stuff.

[CAP1]

lookin to start learning either the J or L.. any advice from you 38 experts out there on the advantages/disadvantages of the 2.. only thing i really notice different is the dive flaps and
maybe slightly faster roll rate on the L. but i rarely fly either of them so i dont really know much

suggestions and advice greatly appreciated


-Gambit 

although i don't fly it much.......fly the G....get down n dirty, and piss off some spit drivers.

 me? i stick mostly to my J right now. i still need the crutch of having WEP.

 38's are SERIOUS fun....and beautiful to boot. 

[CAP1]

Someone once said the L feels like it's on rails..  I'd agree with this statement..  The L is fairly predictable(for the pilot)..  Being a 38 wannabe, I find myself switching between the G and the L.. 

The J seems floppy to me..  I don't like that it won't role as well..  I almost never use the Dive Recovery Flaps, so those aren't really an issue for me.. 

What ever you pick, don't fall into the BnZ black hole..  You'll never experience the real fun of a 38 if you do that..
Learn to fight it slow....  Take it to the stall limit..  Don't be afraid when it shakes and shudders and the stall buzzer is screaming in your ear...  That's a good thing!

i just had a fight against oldman22.....38j vs 38j. was up at 18k. i dunno about him, but i was riding the stall buzzer almost constantly.....it was a FUN fight.

i like the feel of the j.

[bravoa8]

What is it with all these P38's on the rooks? S.A.P.P. on the rooks? Im on the bish and i always see P38's on the rooks.