P-38L

[Ack-Ack]

Originally posted by Kweassa
Not a big thing, but small correction, Akak.

 The combat trims work differently. What they do, is change trim settings according to different speeds in a premise that they are flying level, regardless of the condition of the plane. So when combat flaps are engaged during a dive, the CT doesn't necessarily "adjust according to the lift the dive flaps generate".

Since CT tries to approximate neutral trim for that given speed it does negate the nose up lift from the dive flaps because it's trying to keep the plane approximately trimmed to neutral.


ack-ack

[Ack-Ack]

Originally posted by mos
I think a lot of people have trouble flying the P38 because they see the 2000 rounds of 50 cals, and think they have to have it.  Actually, the opposite is true.  The 2000 rounds really makes your nose heavy and you can't fight in the vertical nearly as well.  Try it, next time use the 800 round load out.  Not only will you be making tighter turns and find it easier to keep your nose up, but you won't be tempted to stick around and fight so much when you should really be running for home.

I've never noticed any difference between taking 800 rounds or the full 2,000 round load out in regards to maneuverability or performance in the P-38.  The advantage gained is so slight that it's really a non-factor.  I always recommend taking the full ammo load, the ability to put more lead in the air makes up for any minor, inconsequential advantage the small ammo load might offer.


Ack-Ack

[mos]

Far be it from me to argue with the resident P-38 master, I'll give it a look again tonight.  It very well could have been my imagination.

Then again, my second argument still stands:  taking 2000 rounds really encourages you to stay in the air longer than you really should (for people learning the plane at the very least).  I don't know how many chances at  5+ kill sorties I've had and lost, all because I thought "I've still got a thousand rounds, I can stick it out a bit longer.............   ..............   ..........dammit."