Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Aircraft and Vehicles => Topic started by: Brooke on November 19, 2014, 05:24:16 PM

Title: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: Brooke on November 19, 2014, 05:24:16 PM
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?
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: xPoisonx on November 19, 2014, 06:17:01 PM
nvm    :noid
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: Ack-Ack on November 19, 2014, 06:30:50 PM
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.
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: colmbo on November 19, 2014, 06:43:31 PM
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. :)
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: dirtdart on November 19, 2014, 11:05:34 PM
My favorite from headhunters was stay skinny.

howdy akak.

Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: Triton28 on November 19, 2014, 11:08:38 PM
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.
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: BaldEagl on November 20, 2014, 12:01:26 AM
I'm really glad to hear the Allies are already resigned to their 38's being in "desperate situations".   :devil
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: Brooke on November 20, 2014, 01:51:03 AM
I'm really glad to hear the Allies are already resigned to their 38's being in "desperate situations".   :devil

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:

(http://electraforge.com/brooke/flightsims/scenarios/battle_britain_2006/pics/frame4/008_kill.jpg)

(http://electraforge.com/brooke/flightsims/scenarios/200910_redStormKruppSteel/pics/frame2/022-kill-Image-0044.jpg)

(http://electraforge.com/brooke/flightsims/scenarios/201102_battleOverGermany/pics/frame1/025-blast47-Image-0042.jpg)

(http://electraforge.com/brooke/flightsims/scenarios/201110_enemyCoastAhead/pics/frame4/008-hitSpit-Image-0011.jpg)

(http://electraforge.com/brooke/misc/9950/200711_zz/pics/frame4/015-killTempest-SNAG-0023.jpg)

(http://electraforge.com/brooke/flightsims/scenarios/201406_PacificWar/pics/frame4/014-boom-SNAG-0029.jpg)

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


Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: mbailey on November 20, 2014, 05:07:15 AM
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  :aok
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: DmonSlyr on November 20, 2014, 10:31:42 AM
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 :D
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: wpeters on November 20, 2014, 10:43:00 AM
If you get in dire straights remember that the dual throttles are amaZing
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: Zerstorer on November 20, 2014, 01:58:58 PM
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.
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: wpeters on November 20, 2014, 03:08:22 PM
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
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: Ack-Ack on November 20, 2014, 04:08:46 PM
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
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: Randy1 on November 20, 2014, 04:22:31 PM
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.
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: mbailey on November 20, 2014, 05:33:53 PM
My favorite from headhunters was stay skinny.





This

Howdy Dirtdart.  :cheers:
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: Ack-Ack on November 20, 2014, 05:52:23 PM
Dual throttles will allow you to snap the nose around in a near stall climbing turn. 

You can do the same thing without a dual throttle. 
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: Brooke on November 20, 2014, 06:01:36 PM
By the way, what is the special key you hold down to select the P-38K in the hangar?
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: dirtdart on November 20, 2014, 07:59:03 PM
Alt+ f4 of course.

Heya mbailey! Only 29 more months of s3 xo time until I can get back into the game!
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: Randy1 on November 20, 2014, 09:22:56 PM
You can do the same thing without a dual throttle. 

The snap around I can do is with dual throttles.  How do you do it with a single throttle?
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: FLS on November 20, 2014, 11:31:43 PM
Here you go Brooke. In the P-38 it's all about landing with style.    :joystick:

http://youtu.be/x6dEoEreahM
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: Zerstorer on November 21, 2014, 02:06:59 PM
You can do the same thing without a dual throttle. 

Ive seen the snap turn before, but always assumed it was dual throttles.  If it's not...how do you do it?  It can't be torque based, given the lack of torque due to the P38s counter rotating props.
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: Randy1 on November 21, 2014, 02:13:15 PM
Ive seen the snap turn before, but always assumed it was dual throttles.  If it's not...how do you do it?  It can't be torque based, given the lack of torque due to the P38s counter rotating props.

I have no doubt AK-AK can do it.  I haven't been able to snap it around in a near stall climbing turn without pulling the inside throttle back.  Maybe we are talking apples and oranges here.
Title: Re: P-38 tips and techniques
Post by: Zerstorer on November 21, 2014, 02:17:36 PM
I have no doubt AK-AK can do it.  I haven't been able to snap it around in a near stall climbing turn without pulling the inside throttle back.  Maybe we are talking apples and oranges here.

Oh...I've no doubt he can do it.  I just would like to figure out how.  :) 

On the 110 you can use the torque (the props do not counter rotate) But dual throttle manipulation is the better because the torque is not that great.