"he stated that the P-38L would be outzoomed by the P-51D"
I can see that in the context of the P-51D starting a zoom climb with higher energy from a faster, pre compressing dive. That part I can buy. At equal energy states (level start, max speeds) its going to come down to initial energy and thrust-weight and how long they can hang on the prop, in an absolute zoom climb to alt contest.
I can see the P-38L prop hanging a bit longer from the counter rotating props perhaps. That coupled with the P-38Ls better climb rate at lower alts, I think I would bet on the P-38L winning a zoom climb below 20k vs a P-51D. Course the Mustang is faster at some alt regimes, and thus may actually beat a P-38L depending on where the contest started, just by virtue of a faster start and high alt performance. 1000 feet vs 25,000 feet makes a difference.
Its an interesting debate, because the P-51D is faster as it starts the zoom, but has a poorer climb rate, vs the slightly slower P-38L with a better climb rate, and counter-r props.
...and of course, fuel loads and fuel types being equal, ect.
Anybody done any tests in AH?
