Ground Attack Plane P38L or P47D-40?

[Randy1]

I keep separate planes setup for fighter and attack.  Right now I use the P38J for air to air work "Fighter" and the P38L always set for the "Attack" mode with bombs and rockets set for air to ground.  Just makes it easy for me for quick selection and I could never remember to change the scoring thing.

I like P47s as well.  Both have great load outs for ground work and both perform the function well.

Do you think though the P47's damage model is a little stronger against the ground AK than the P38?

[Dragon]

B-38 is a bigger plane so tends to get hit more, but also has more parts that can fail before immobilizing the aircraft. 

I prefer the JUG.

[Wiley]

The main thing I like about the B-38 is, loaded up with 100% fuel, bombs, and rockets it will still climb and accelerate at a half-decent rate.  The jug with a full loadout is just a horrible pig.

As far as damage absorption, I feel the 38 can take more sloppy fire than a jug can and still keep ticking.  Redundant engine, etc.

Wiley.

[Ack-Ack]

It pretty much boils down to personal preference, though the P-38 is a much more stable gun platform.

ack-ack

[TOMCAT21]

I think the 38 is a better rocket platform.

[Soulyss]

P-47 can haul more ordnance but as someone else pointed out earlier the 38 will climb a little better, it also has more internal fuel.  I also think the 38 would give you more options after the ordnance is expended if you had to fight your way out at low altitude.

[The Fugitive]

I agree with what ^^he^^ says.

[Karnak]

In my tests any twin engined fighter-bomber will handle its ordnance substantially better than a single engined fighter.  It is most noticeable in climb, but even speed on the deck shows it.

Speeds at SL:

P-47N, 50% fuel:
Clean MIL: 327mph
Clean WEP: 366mph
Laden MIL : 277mph
Laden WEP: 316mph

P-51D, 50% fuel:
Clean MIL: 355mph
Clean WEP: 368mph
Laden MIL : 304mph
Laden WEP: 315mph

F4U-1D, 100% fuel:
Clean MIL: 342mph
Clean WEP: 356mph
Laden MIL : 294mph
Laden WEP: 308mph

P-38L, 75% fuel:
Clean MIL: 333mph
Clean WEP: 345mph
Laden MIL : 299mph
Laden WEP: 314mph

Mosquito Mk VI, 50% fuel:
Clean MIL: 320mph
Clean WEP: 357mph
Laden (four 500lb) MIL : 308mph
Laden (four 500lb) WEP: 343mph
Laden (two 500lb & eight 60lb) MIL : 300mph
Laden (two 500lb & eight 60lb) WEP: 333mph

Bf110G-2, 75% fuel:
Clean MIL: 311mph
Clean WEP: 322mph
Laden MIL : 298mph
Laden WEP: 309mph

[Dragon Tamer]

I prefer the jug. For me at least, the 38 seems to fall apart every sortie I fly it although I do have a tendency to attract fighters.

The pros and cons for me;

P-47

Pros:
More bombs
Higher speed in a dive
More rugged engine
Better handling (a personal observation, it seems to be more responsive than the 38)
Higher ceiling
Better visibility

Cons:
Only one engine
Lower climb rate
Less range (not actually tested, just assuming on this one)

P-38

Pros:
Acceleration
Climb rate
Range
Fail safe with engines
Packs a 20mm

Cons:
Liquid cooled engines
Falls apart when BBs are thrown at it
Poor visibility below the plane

[Mongoose]

I keep separate planes setup for fighter and attack.  Right now I use the P38J for air to air work "Fighter" and the P38L always set for the "Attack" mode with bombs and rockets set for air to ground. 

  Ok, quick question.  Why do you prefer the P38J for air to air?  I fly the P38L almost all the time.  My favorite plane. 

BTW, I have seen you in the P38, you are pretty good.

[Randy1]

  Ok, quick question.  Why do you prefer the P38J for air to air?  I fly the P38L almost all the time.  My favorite plane. 

BTW, I have seen you in the P38, you are pretty good.

Mongoose, two reasons.  The first is I could never remember to change the scoring button from "Fighter to "Attack" or vice versa.  I keep the J set for fighter and the L for Attack.  The second reason is the sparkle on the L makes this big bird so easy to see.  Even if you select a different paint scheme not everyone downloads skins.

Thanks Mongoose for the compliment.  Your a doggone good stick too.  Last night seems like though I got my butt handed to me no matter what I did. 

I really enjoy the P38 but it seems like the AK takes one engine out more often than not.  Last night I had my first double engine hit but it was from a fighter pass.

Delirum in a training session pushed me too show the slim side of the 38 to an attacker.  I need to work that into my everyday tactics.

Good replies all.  Thanks for the input.

[SmokinLoon]

I say you can't have a thread like this and not mention the Mossi!     No, it doesn't carry the same weight as either the P38L or P47D25/-40/-N, but the ability to carry 4/500 lbs bombs and have the quad 20mm's is not to be underestimated.  Oh, and not to mention the speed factor as well.  The biggest downfall in comparing the three planes is that the Mossi needs supporting fighters more so because it is limited in the fighter role.  That, and the bigger size of the Mossi attracts auto-ack like a fly to horde monkeys.

[Triton28]

38L all the way baby.   

The Jug (any flavor) is probably my second favorite bomb truck, but honestly the only reason I'd choose it over a 38 is if I was taking out a VH and knew I needed an extra bomb for a stray GV.

[Wiley]

Delirum in a training session pushed me too show the slim side of the 38 to an attacker.  I need to work that into my everyday tactics.

Good replies all.  Thanks for the input.

Minor sidebar- While it's absolutely critical in the 38, that is equally useful in all aircraft.  Doing it all the time is a good habit to get into, no matter what you're flying.

Wiley.

[Ninthmessiah]

Do you think though the P47's damage model is a little stronger against the ground AK than the P38?

Yes.  The p38 has more redundant parts, but they get shot off.  Spend some time in the ack and your garuanteed a radiator hit.  For survivability, the p47.  It's immune to radiator hits and has enough oil to rtb with time to spare.  Could probably knock out a few guns before you have to head home.  Also, p47 less prone to compression so you can come in steep and fast, another factor that adds to its survivability. 

Otherwise, a heavy p38 out performs a heavy jug in both climb and speed

Another thing, if you don't drop both wing ords at the same in a p47, it gets really unstable.  Not so much in a p38.