Actually, the D-40 will turn quite nicely at low speeds, which can surprise some opponents. Just takes a lot of throttle and flap work. Also, kick rudder when rolling left or right and you'll roll faster. Talk to Mechanic (Batfink in game), and see if he'll show you a few tricks in the TA. He changed my whole outlook... Lol
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WW1965,
be careful with statements as the above. The Jugs
handle well at slow speeds, but the do not turn well! Big difference. It still rolls nicely and has plenty of warning before stalling or snap rolling, but it wallows much more than turn - both slow rate and a large radius. This is why Jugs are good at scissors and especially rolling scissors moves, but should not try to go round and round with anyone (except 190s...).
Using rudder to assist the roll work, but you lose more energy this way and get you too slow too early, and that is the problem you were describing. Use the rudder in the roll only of you WANT to lose speed, or just have to whip the nose around NOW. It is one of the better rolling planes even without the rudder. The flaps are also a trap - realize that they cost you energy, which means loss of speed and/or alt. The flaps are good, so you them only as needed and do not be tempted easily to pull out more than two notches. The times to pull out a lot of flaps is when you want to lose speed (overshots) or when you want to hang on the prop and fly as slow as possible.
Generally, Jugs like most US planes fight down hill. As long as you can convert alt to keep the speed up, the Jug can engage in tight knife fights. This means that you have to be able to recognize a losing battle early enough before you run out of alt/speed. Then either change the maneuver or try to exit the fight.
If you want to see how jugs are used to good effect in the arena seek the 56th guys (Ammo is the CO). Fun bunch to fly with or against.