Originally posted by DVDA
hi all im reading websites trying to learn how to fight in AH, well i tested out all the planes and i have decided to stick with the P-38 or P-51D but i was reading this one site and it said
"The P-38L has a fowler flap that is designed to also aid maneuvering at the 8 degree setting. This setting will provide an enhancement to the plane's turning capabilities at a low cost in additional drag. If you get caught in a turning fight, use of the maneuver setting is highly recommended. "
so what do they mean i dont understand, can someone explain the whole flaps for turning concept?
The first notch of flaps in the P-38 is commonly referred to as either the 'Combat' or 'Maneuverability' flaps and can be deployed at 250mph or lower. In high speed turn fights, with combat flaps deployed, it can make all the difference between returning to base intact of falling to the ground in a fiery wreckage. While flaps might not be as important or even necessary in some other planes in AH, learning how and when to properly use the flaps in the P-38 is a definite must.
There is also one major downside to the flaps in the P-38, in fact this plagues all the planes in AH, except those that had this feature in rea life. That problem is the auto-retraction of flaps when you over speed. In AH, you have to be careful when you over speed past the desired speed for that particular flaps setting otherwise you can get into an extremely viscious snap roll spin that in some cases is hard to recover from and at lower altitudes can be fatal. This also hinders one of the strenghts of the P-38, which was its ability to turn tight in nose low turns but with the auto-retracting flaps, as you inevitably build up speed in the nose low turns, your flaps will auto-retract making this maneuver less effective than it was in real life. A minor gripe though once you get used to the P-38 as you'll find other tactics and maneuvers to compensate.
The true strenght of the P-38 isn't in its turning ability though but rather with it's vertical performance. The ability of the P-38 to retain energy as well as it does makes it one of the best vertical fighters in the game and extremely dangerous when flown using either Energy or BnZ tactics. Here's some quick tips for BnZ tactics in the P-38.
There are a few keys to successful air-to-air combat in the Lightning. She is the archetype of the energy fighter. Your tactics are zoom and boom. Your strengths are speed climbing, speed at high altitude, speed diving and enough firepower in the nose cone to give you the speed advantage in bringing the engagement to an end. If you have seen a hawk dive on its prey you know how to fight in the P-38.
You will, inevitably find yourself transitioning into some turning fights and you can be successful in the P-38L. But make the platform of your fighting tactics B&Z and then take to the turning fight when opportunity presents itself. Here are a few tips to get you going in the right direction:
Maneuver so that you start your attack above the enemy, usually the higher the better. Your plan is to make slashing attacks and then zoom-climb back to altitude.
Imagine a 60 degree cone off the tail of the bandit, move into that cone before you start your slashing attack, then roll or drop the nose and dive
Set a combat speed range of 250 knots plus and make that the minimum speed at which you will engage.
If you have to go over the top to reverse try to enter the loop with wings level and a speed of 300 knots plus or you will fade at the top of the loop and stall. Then point the top of the canopy (your lift vector) on the bogey when vertical by pirouetting and then pulling the nose right down on his line of flight.
The fastest reversal will be a nose low slice entered at 250 knots or better. Just drop the nose below the horizon so that it appears just above the gun sight’s outer ring and no higher.
When diving on a turning bandit use lag pursuit first, then when you are within a 30 degree angle off tail use the ailerons to roll inside the turn. If you are farther off the tail the plan on a snapshot then dive away.
When your speed drops below 250 knots drop the combat flaps to avoid a stall. Use small moves on the stick and rely on your speed to regain advantage.
In furballs you will have better luck against multiple bogeys than you will one on one. The multiple-bogey scenario will teach you quickly which target feels viable and which will leave you chasing your tail. It will teach you how to keep the bad guy from chasing your tail, as well.
Ack-Ack
