P-38 tips and techniques

[Brooke]

I'm flying the P-38J in the upcoming January Scenario (Italy, 43-44).

I do OK in a P-38 using typical ACM techniques, but I'm not an expert in any special things that the P-38 can do (except perhaps for one technique).

The one technique I have used that is special to the P-38 is a full-flaps, stall-speed, tight, climbing turn.  Doing that, I find that even some planes (like the Spitfire) that otherwise could outturn the P-38 can't reel me in when we are in that situation going around and around.

Anyone have other special P-38 techniques for desperate situations?

[xPoisonx]

nvm    

[Ack-Ack]

One tip, you really don't want to go full flaps in the P-38 for any extended period of time.  Only deploy full flaps for when it's needed and then retract them immediately after.

[colmbo]

I do similar move Brooke…trying to turn opposite the torque of whatever is trying to kill me.  As Ack Ack noted I try not to use full flap (in any airplane) since that's a lot of drag for little benefit.

I'm hoping our "tricks" work since we'll be flying together.

[dirtdart]

My favorite from headhunters was stay skinny.

howdy akak.

[Triton28]

My favorite from headhunters was stay skinny.

howdy akak.

I'd say this is pretty important... most important even.  Big plane and I've noticed when I fight the better 38 pilots they make it look pretty small.

[BaldEagl]

I'm really glad to hear the Allies are already resigned to their 38's being in "desperate situations".   

[Brooke]

I'm really glad to hear the Allies are already resigned to their 38's being in "desperate situations".   

I've flown lots of non-US planes in scenarios, including some that folks figured would be outclassed by their opponents, such as Hurri I's vs. 109E's and 110C's;  La-5's vs. 109K's and 190D's; 109G-6's vs. P-51's and P-47's at high alt; 190A-5's vs. Spit 9's; 190D's vs. Tempests and Spit 14's; and even Ki-61's vs. B-29's.  Here's how that went for me:













So, don't get too cocky just yet.  You might not like that the P-38 is faster than you are at higher alts. 

[mbailey]

Maybe some of us 38 drivers could get together b4 the scenario and have a few nights in the MA. Think of it as a Q&A with bullets 

[DmonSlyr]

The 38 gains speed rather quickly.

And as a matter of fact AKAK did a great job of proving the point I'm about to make.

Don't be afraid to extend and extra second longer and then pull into a split S or loop when you are engaged in a fight and the the other player is is trying to turn around on you as you pass while you both are going slow. (Considering if there aren't higher con's to pick you). I was amazed the other day when AKAK was able to flip over and still use the remaining E to get a shot on me. This plane can hang, and that extra E it can acheive In about 200 yards can be great to flip over and use vert tactics. 

That was a great shot there AKAK, got both mu elevators

[wpeters]

If you get in dire straights remember that the dual throttles are amaZing

[Zerstorer]

Big plane and I've noticed when I fight the better 38 pilots they make it look pretty small.

The 38 actually is small from the side, comparatively speaking.  That said, it's average roll rate makes getting it into a side position to the attacker a challenge.  I'm allways impressed how the good ones manage to do it just at the right time.

[wpeters]

The 38 actually is small from the side, comparatively speaking.  That said, it's average roll rate makes getting it into a side position to the attacker a challenge.  I'm allways impressed how the good ones manage to do it just at the right time.

Chopping one engine's throttle will make it roll better than some one engine planes. 152 Ki61, and most of the 109 to the left.   

Also when roping some planes chopping the right engine part way near the top will allow u to rotate right on a dime and come down on their six. As they roll to left due to engine torque. 

Also remember in a 38 to make sure the fight moves up the latter.

Always try make sure your one wing is pointing at him when he gets a shot. Also try having the bottom part facing his plane during snapshot opportunities. Your cockpit is made mostly out of glass

[Ack-Ack]

One doesn't need to use a dual throttle in the P-38, it's really only useful in a very few circumstances, mostly in recovering from spins.  Dual throttles also help in making airshow quality hammerheads but you can also do those with a single throttle.

ack-ack

[Randy1]

One doesn't need to use a duel throttle in the P-38, it's really only useful in a very few circumstances, mostly in recovering from spins.  Duel throttles also help in making airshow quality hammerheads but you can also do those with a single throttle.

ack-ack

Dual throttles will allow you to snap the nose around in a near stall climbing turn.  Tough to work into a fight and it is easy to over shoot the snap.  Other than fun ground steering the snap is all I can I find a use for dual throttles.