P-38 I'm hooked.

[Ack-Ack]

Which ammo load-out do you carry?  It is a real toss up call.  The extra 50s sure makes great tickling ammo but at about 500 pounds, not sure if it is worth the weight.

There is no advantage in taking the lighter ammo load, you're only hindering yourself by taking less ammo.  

Are you using manual trim on the elevator?  Takes a bit of practice but seems to be worth the trouble.

One of the good things about the P-38 is that you really don't have to keep adjusting the trim.  Set the elevator trim just a little bit below the neutral position and leave it there, there is no need to adjust the elevator trim further unless you're compensating for damage to your flight controls.

ack-ack

[Saxman]

Which ammo load-out do you carry?  It is a real toss up call.  The extra 50s sure makes great tickling ammo but at about 500 pounds, not sure if it is worth the weight.

Does 500lbs in the centerline of a 16,000lb aircraft REALLY make much of a difference? It's not like the weight is out on the wings where it would impact its ability to roll.

[Triton28]

It is amazing how sometimes a red can hide behind on of the canopy's thin braces.  The front armor glass support is huge as compared to other planes.  It may not be huge but the angle covers up a lot of sky.  On the L it had rear facing radar to help with the blind spot.  You do get use to it and swish back and forth to check a low rising attack.

TrackIR really helps.

Which ammo load-out do you carry?  It is a real toss up call.  The extra 50s sure makes great tickling ammo but at about 500 pounds, not sure if it is worth the weight.

What fuel load do you carry?  I use to carry a drop tank but the old brain sometimes forgot to either drop the tank or switch back to the canon.  Now I go 3/4s fuel and plan on using the first 1/4 climbing and traveling.

Are you using manual trim on the elevator?  Takes a bit of practice but seems to be worth the trouble.

The 38 FPH's I've talked to have all agreed the extra weight of the bigger ammo package shouldn't big an issue given where the weight is added.  The only time I carry the light package is if I'm in the DA with someone, as I know I'm just not going to need very much ammo at all.  That said, the light package MG and cannon seem to run out about the same time, so if you're of the mind you should RTB after your cannon is gone, you're just as well to take the lighter package.

[Randy1]

The 38 FPH's I've talked to have all agreed the extra weight of the bigger ammo package shouldn't big an issue given where the weight is added.  The only time I carry the light package is if I'm in the DA with someone, as I know I'm just not going to need very much ammo at all.  That said, the light package MG and cannon seem to run out about the same time, so if you're of the mind you should RTB after your cannon is gone, you're just as well to take the lighter package.

I was hoping you and or Ack would comment on the ammo load out.   I keep flip-flopping on the load-out.  Delirum supports the big load as well if I remember right.  I have used the extra MG on longer shots with a fair amount of success but I had kept wondering if in a tight fight that the extra 500 pounds might be the old straw that broke the camel's back.

[Saxman]

Considering that the P-38 is about 8 tons of airplane, 500lbs on the centerline is a drop in the bucket. It's nothing like the proposals for a "land-based" option to remove 1000lbs out on the wings (wing fold mechanisms) for the F4U-1A and 1D.

[Randy1]

Considering that the P-38 is about 8 tons of airplane, 500lbs on the centerline is a drop in the bucket. It's nothing like the proposals for a "land-based" option to remove 1000lbs out on the wings (wing fold mechanisms) for the F4U-1A and 1D.

But you can tell the difference with 50%  fuel and 75% fuel which is not much more than the heavy ammo load-out.  You can go 75% fuel light ammo and don't have to worry about a drop tank.

[Saxman]

Yeah, but where's that fuel located? In the wings. Location matters as much as weight.

[Randy1]

Yeah, but where's that fuel located? In the wings. Location matters as much as weight.

I don't see your point of advantage with the fuel load better located near the CG and the heavy ammo load in the nose.   A heavy nose is more stable but reduces maneuvering performance.  Not sure what CG changes affect the AH model so it may be a mute point anyway.

[FLS]

Fuel in the wings affects roll inertia. So do the 2 engines.

Usually "nose heavy" refers to trim not CG. Noses without engines are lighter.

The flight model is naturally centered on the CG. The CG and center of lift both vary as appropriate.

[Lab Rat 3947]

Throttle management is very important but you don't need to two throttles.  With two you can throttle down one engine with a partial missing wing and it does help in a wing over a bit but not worth changing throttles just for that

While I considered getting a dual throttle, I mapped my Ch throttle to give me the option.



Throttle back one engine and hammerheads are a little quicker.

I only fly P38s. Like most, I use the L for ground attack. The J is my usual choice for fighting. When the base is being attacked I will use the G and stay low.


LtngRydr

[Randy1]

. . .  . When the base is being attacked I will use the G and stay low.


LtngRydr

That is a good idea on the G.  I will give it try next base defense.

[bozon]

 I keep flip-flopping on the load-out.  Delirum supports the big load as well if I remember right.  I have used the extra MG on longer shots with a fair amount of success but I had kept wondering if in a tight fight that the extra 500 pounds might be the old straw that broke the camel's back.

I've been arguing with people about the merits of the large vs. small ammo load of the P-47. My opinion both for the 38 and 47 is that you should take the large ammo load and shoot it into your enemy to become light.

In the P-47 I go trigger happy and spray away till the counters show 1000 each. Then I am at the ammo load of the light package. By that point I am also warmed up, have a good feel for deflections, lightened the fuel load, and often 1 or 2 kills ahead. This is the time to start turning with those spits.

[Mongoose]

In a base defense with a fighter cap, you can clear the cap by taking off in a P38 with WEP on staying on the deck going straight.  I did it last night again.  Your fellow greens will have a chance to gain some E. 

  I've gotta remember that!  Too often in that situation, I take off and end up in a low speed turn and burn because I try to get guns on someone right away.   

[Mongoose]

Which ammo load-out do you carry? 

  I always take full ammo.  I'm such a lousy shot, I need all of it.   

[Randy1]

I alternated load-outs on the J last night.  Best I can tell, 75% of the time the light load out is a better choice.  Your numbers may vary.  In the attack mode the L, the full load-out is handy. I think I will try the P-38G with the light load-out.

I wished for two 75 gallon drop tanks for the P-38 which were common.

I agree with Bozon on the 47 except the D11 where I am thinking lighter is better.