Unlikely Matchups: Mosquito VS. P-38

[Soviet Ace]

Originally Posted by Doktorwzzerd

I don't know my friend, the Lightning had extremely low wing loading, I think it could probably out turn a Mosquito. Also the P-38 was extensively used as dedicated fighter with an impressive record to match (America's 1st and 2nd highest scoring Aces both flew it exclusively), whereas the Mosquito was used primarily as a hit and run attack aircraft. I actually think this argument might be the opposite of what you suggest; the Mosquito might well have the highest speed with the Lightning being the better turner. Also the Lightning had better armor, being metal, than the Wooden Wonder.

I'd pick the Lightning every time. See the episode of Dogfights that features Robin Olds to see what it could do in straight dogfights.

Yes, but like Robin Olds said in a book about his life in WW2, the P-38 was a good plane; under the hands of a good pilot. So it depends. The P-38 was performed better in the Pacific, than it actually did in Europe. And that's why most of the P-38s were shipped over there, rather than keep many of them in Europe. So once again, it depends.