Author Topic: P38J vs P38L (Read 1108 times)

Spork · « **on:** February 16, 2012, 07:26:05 AM »

Morning gents,

Quick question for you 38 experts out there. I realize that the J and the L models are identical except for two things: Boosted Aerilons and Dive Flaps in the L model. I consider the dive flaps to be more of a gimmick than a useful tool at the 38's disposal. My question pertains the the boosted aerilons. How much of a difference do they make, if any? I have flown both but haven't really been able to tell a difference as I don't have the experience level, so, for my purposes right now there is none. Later down the road, when I have a handle on the aircraft I may be able to tell. Thought I would pose the question to the people already in the know and see what kind of response I would get.

Spork

Noir · « **Reply #1 on:** February 16, 2012, 07:50:40 AM »

Im no P38 expert but the boosted ailerons make a difference at high speed. Where the 38J can't roll.because its too fast the 38L should be rolling pretty fast.

katanaso · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2012, 08:38:47 AM »

What SirNuke said about the roll rate at higher speeds.

Also, a number of us have issues with the L being much easier to spin than the J when really working it. CorkyJr can provide commentary from pilots who transition from the J to the L during WW2 and found that to be the case as well.

Spork · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2012, 08:47:51 AM »

Quote from: katanaso on February 16, 2012, 08:38:47 AM

What SirNuke said about the roll rate at higher speeds.

Also, a number of us have issues with the L being much easier to spin than the J when really working it. CorkyJr can provide commentary from pilots who transition from the J to the L during WW2 and found that to be the case as well.

Thanks for the responses fellas.

Have a follow up question: What would be considered high speed? 300? 350? 400?

Reason I ask is because if it is @ 400 (which is right around compression speed) it wouldn't be much of a factor in a general furball sense.

Spork

katanaso · « **Reply #4 on:** February 16, 2012, 08:59:22 AM »

You know, I'd have to log on, test, and get back to you. I can't remember the actual speed where it becomes difficult to roll in the J. Some of the other guys may be able to tell you.

Guppy35 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2012, 09:02:11 AM »

I'm a 38G driver first, 38J driver second and 38L driver only if forced to

In the end I think it comes down to personal preference. Pick one and stick with it so you learn it all the way. Going back and forth between the G, J to the L is harder I think because of the increased roll rate and more sensitive controls. Interestingly enough as mir mentioned, there are comments out there from real 38 drivers who had to get used to the power assisted controls of the L after doing all the muscle work in the J.

Since the 80th is 38 squad, I won't say there is one preferred bird, as some of the guys fly Ls, some fly Js and some of us fly Gs.

Whichever 38 you fly, I think it best to stick with it until you figure it out.

And if you are at 400, you aren't furballing

If you see any of the 80th guys up in the arena give a yell and wing up. Otherwise Delirium, Silat, Stogey etc are trainers. Del runs a 38 clinic now and then too. He's a J driver, Silat flies the L.

clerick · « **Reply #6 on:** February 16, 2012, 09:31:02 AM »

The roll is noticeable at lower speeds but it gets more so as the speed increases.

I used to fly the J almost exclusively because it turned better than the L, but it seems that was "fixed" a few years ago so I fly the L as my jack of all trades ride.

Bodhi · « **Reply #7 on:** February 17, 2012, 10:38:12 AM »

BRING THE P-38F TO ACES HIGH!

cobia38 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 17, 2012, 11:38:28 AM »

Quote from: Bodhi on February 17, 2012, 10:38:12 AM

BRING THE P-38F TO ACES HIGH!

like we need more bombers

MjTalon · « **Reply #9 on:** February 17, 2012, 11:43:30 AM »

J & L are similar in terms of general performance however what separates the two are the L's boosted ailerons which allows it to roll a lot better at low and higher speeds. Dive flaps aren't effective enough in my opinion to be considered useful other than to pull yourself out of a dive, even so, manually trimming your nose up works better.

I preferred the L over the J when I was actively playing, only flying the J because of the better paint.

TwinBoom · « **Reply #10 on:** February 17, 2012, 01:39:08 PM »

G and L for me like guppy said personal preference i find the J to be slow and fat to me

Bodhi · « **Reply #11 on:** February 17, 2012, 09:35:51 PM »

Quote from: cobia38 on February 17, 2012, 11:38:28 AM

like we need more bombers

LOL, It was meant for Corky that and I have a lot of history with one in particularly.

Guppy35 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 17, 2012, 09:45:34 PM »

Quote from: Bodhi on February 17, 2012, 09:35:51 PM

LOL, It was meant for Corky that and I have a lot of history with one in particularly.

I think it's a great idea Bodhi

drgondog · « **Reply #13 on:** February 21, 2012, 11:30:21 AM »

Quote from: Spork on February 16, 2012, 08:47:51 AM

Thanks for the responses fellas.

Have a follow up question: What would be considered high speed? 300? 350? 400?

Reason I ask is because if it is @ 400 (which is right around compression speed) it wouldn't be much of a factor in a general furball sense.

Spork

The P-38 gets into a drag rise regime slightly before the P-51 at altitudes of 25K+. Both IIRC are around .63-.65M with the 51 having the delayed increase The fat wing of the 38 along with other draggy features were responsible for this.

The CD0 of the 38 is about 50% higher than the 51. I have always speculated that this is the primary reason that the Bendix races weren't happy hunting grounds for the P-38 and definitely responsible for the difference (advantage to the 51) in allowable terminal dive speeds.

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