Quote:
Originally Posted by edward allen
maybe the p38 driver is using the planes instantaneous turn rate for a quick snap-shot
although the thread sounds like its sustained turn rate. By the way does anyone know where I can find an energy-manoeverabilty diagram for the p38. Its out there somewhere but i dont know where.
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I think you're looking for the "IL-2 Compare" tool. It hasn't been updated for 4.12, but there aren't a lot of differences between 4.11 and 4.12.
Here's the thing about the "you can out-turn slow planes at fast speeds" argument: in theory it's true but in practice it doesn't matter. Yes, the P-38 can out-turn the Zero at 300 mph, but how are you going to force the Zero to go 300 mph? The Zero pilot will simply slow down to 250 mph, take the inside track, and get a shooting angle on you.
Imagine a record spinning on a turn-table: the P-38 is on the outer edge of the record going real fast, the Zero is somewhere closer to the middle going a lot slower, but they're both turning at the same rate and it's the Zero that's inside and can get the angle for a shot when it wants.
Or better yet: I can out-turn any fighter plane in history when I'm riding my bicycle. No matter how fast that F-16 turns, I'll always get my sights on him, the best he can hope for is a head-on. But if he uses his speed to sneak up on me from behind, or his climb rate to attack from above when I don't have enough energy to pop a wheelie at him, then me and my bicycle are in trouble.