Get WEP from P-39

[Natives-Soul_Finger]

I got spoiled by the 109 and 190's automated engine management systems. I recently decided to try the P-39. It is my impression that you can't get WEP unless you set the mixture on manual and move it Emergency Full Rich. That seems to work quite briefly when I don't need it very much. Often I keep everything on automatic and in continuous mode for long period and then when I switch to manual controls WEP isn't available. When I go to manual I often put the prop on automatic. Any advice?

[Eicio]

You got it right, when you go on emergency power you have to boost your mixture and yes it doesn't last for a long time, it's something like 5minutes at 90% throttle and 2minutes at 100% throttle. 

 

The best way to gain energy with the p39 is to climb, your sole power output won't be/last enough to prevail over your opponent.

[Natives-Soul_Finger]

Thanks. I find that that after going to 100% the power begins to drop to after about 30 seconds and that is even with the coolers full open. I imagine it would be suicide to fly into combat without having those .30s removed. Even with those removed I am inclined to fly will lower fuel loads than I do with the 190 or 109. This plane is really hard to work with for a 190 guy. In a 190, other planes rarely get their guns on me, in the P-39 I see tracer trails a lot!?

Edited September 15, 2018 by VicNighthorse

[Ehret]

1 hour ago, Eicio said:

The best way to gain energy with the p39 is to climb, your sole power output won't be/last enough to prevail over your opponent.

 

Sometimes is... at some altitudes - climb to around 3km to gain 100hp. Coincidentally, the 190 has power dip there due the super-charger gear switching.

 

12 minutes ago, VicNighthorse said:

Thanks. I find that that after going to 100% the power begins to drop to after about 30 seconds and that is even with the coolers full open. I imagine it would be suicide to fly into combat without having those .30s removed. Even with those removed I am inclined to fly will lower fuel loads than I do with the 190 or 109. This plane is really hard to work with for a 190 guy. In a 190, other planes rarely get their guns on me, in the P-39 I see tracer trails a lot!?

 

Don't overlook setting the water radiator to 60% and the oil radiator to 45% in the Airacobra. This is the flush setting at lowest drag. Without it the P-39 will be sluggish.

 

Without auto help you can WEP with the mixture at 66%; the engine will overheat after pro-longed use but for quick bursts of power there is no need to change it. Especially, that the 66% has more power.

Edited September 15, 2018 by Ehret

[Natives-Soul_Finger]

"Don't overlook setting the water radiator to 60%, the oil radiator to 45% in the Airacobra. This is the flush setting at lowest drag. Without it the P-39 will be sluggish. " I sure appreciate that advice because I really want to make this plane work for me. How long you can keep them at this setting?

 

" Without auto help you can WEP with the mixture at 66%; the engine will overheat after pro-longed use but for quick bursts of power there is no need to change it. Especially that the 66% hos more power. " I would never have figured that out on my own. Thanks again.

Edited September 15, 2018 by VicNighthorse

[Ehret]

2 minutes ago, VicNighthorse said:

"Don't overlook setting the water radiator to 60%, the oil radiator to 45% in the Airacobra. This is the flush setting at lowest drag. Without it the P-39 will be sluggish. " I sure appreciate that advice because I really want to make this plane work for me. How long you can keep them at this setting?

 

 As long you have some speed. For step climbs and continuous turning you may open radiators more.

[Natives-Soul_Finger]

When flying the 190 or 109 I strive to do as much damage to the enemy as possible. When flying the P-39 I struggle to just live through missions and not ruin engines and drives. Is this normal? I find that even when I think I am managing the temps well, I almost always find the engine eventually limited to 74 or 75%, what am I likely doing wrong? Even in the 109 I am just about always keep the output in the 80% or better. At 74% I am totally defensive and slink away from fights a lot:-( I always have the prop pitch on auto - is that the thing to do or do I need to manage that too?

Edited September 16, 2018 by VicNighthorse

[=RvE=Windmills]

The 39 is one of the more challenging planes ingame right now, both performance and management wise, with few real advantages. There's no trick that will give you as easy of a time as most of your opponents have.

 

You surely can be succesful in it, but it's much harder to do that compared to other planes.

[Ehret]

1 hour ago, VicNighthorse said:

When flying the 190 or 109 I strive to do as much damage to the enemy as possible. When flying the P-39 I struggle to just live through missions and not ruin engines and drives. Is this normal? I find that even when I think I am managing the temps well, I almost always find the engine eventually limited to 74 or 75%, what am I likely doing wrong? Even in the 109 I am just about always keep the output in the 80% or better. At 74% I am totally defensive and slink away from fights a lot:-( I always have the prop pitch on auto - is that the thing to do or do I need to manage that too?

 

You should be able to cruise on the nominal with throttle and RPM both set to the 76% or even 77% if you increase them slightly. Don't forget about trims - especially the rudder trim because flying uncoordinated will cost you performance.

 

For other modes and available times I made the list before.

The continuous performance of the Airacobra is mediocre and boosts can only last limited time so you need a tactic. However, if needed you can go very fast out-running 109s and out-climbing 190 up to the 3000m of altitude. It takes a bit of extra practice, thought, so give it some time.

 

43 minutes ago, Windmills said:

The 39 is one of the more challenging planes ingame right now, both performance and management wise, with few real advantages. There's no trick that will give you as easy of a time as most of your opponents have.

 

You surely can be succesful in it, but it's much harder to do that compared to other planes.

 

Actually, there is the trick which can be very effective but it is not easiest one to pull off. You can utilize the excellent instantaneous high speed turning of the P-39 to very good effects. Get fast, as fast as 450mp/h IAS (over that elevator will lock-up), then WEP and turn hard riding on the edge of black-out. If the enemy hadn't realized the trap you may end on his six and still be at the gun range.

 

Avoid low speed turning contents like a plague, thought.

Edited September 16, 2018 by Ehret

[Natives-Soul_Finger]

Windmills - Thanks. Okay then, it isn't just me. That is what I mostly needed to know. I do want a challenge and unique aircraft, so I will press on. Pokryshkin did it, so.... ?