Originally posted by Ack-Ack
I can hardly be called an Axis pilot since the only fighter I fly is the P-38L but I stand behind my original post and totally agree with Kweassa's. There's more to flying the P-38 than just knowing how to BnZ in it. There's stuff like that you need to know that will let you out turn a Ki-61 or a N1K2 in a stall fight. Stuff like that the casual P-38 pilot won't know how to do.
ack-ack
Ack-ack's dead on here. There is virtually nothing the Ki-61 can do with the P-38 other than die, assuming the P-38 pilot knows how to use the Lightning. Dragging one into a stall fight is fun, and a major shock for the Ki-61 driver as his fighter wallows like a wounded whale, while the P-38 quite literally flies rings around it.
A few weeks ago, we took 26 members of the =Ghosts= to the DA where we split the squad into two groups, rotating between the Spitfire Mk.V and the P-38L. I spent a little while demonstrating how effective the P-38 can be, even stall fighting the Spits. After about an hour, the Spit guys were getting so badly abused that they began upping 262s to get a measure of revenge.
Within a week, the squad's MA P-38 stats were very impressive.
Turn off combat trim, and trim the nose down a bit to avoid fighting the stick at low speeds. Learn to use those powerful rudders to best effect (really enhances low-speed roll and prevents wing drop in sustained turning at very low speeds).
P-38s will stall and snap spin at higher speeds with combat trim on than with it off. Work in pairs. Niki's have weak tails, snap shots work well. Never take more than 50% fuel, especially in the CT. Spend an hour in the DA of TA, work with someone flying the Niki. Avoid mobs of enemy if you're alone.... Remember this, when Co-E the P-38L is a much better zoom climber than the N1K2, especially above 5k.
I'll try to get into the CT tomorrow (Monday) evening. I have Squad night in the MA tonight.
My regards,
Widewing
