P38 flaps and pitch down

[No.23_Gaylion]

In the P38 when you have combat flaps out and you pitch the stick forward, the thing goes into a nose down stall that is barely recoverable. Its very annoying and seems like if it was like that in reality that lockheed would have some serious explaining to do. Is this supposed to be a feature of the plane or is it a bug? I don't recall reading this in any manual. It is easy to recreate, put the flaps out then push the stick forward.

Edited June 17, 2022 by US103_Talbot

[farley]

Yes it does do that. I have never read anything about this problem and am not sure if it is the sim modelling or if that was what happened in real life.

The official manual states that when the flaps are put in the "maneuver" position (approx 1/2 flaps) or less, they provide lift, and "from 1/2 to full down they act as air brakes.

In the sim when are set to the maneuver position the nose drops, and they do not seem to provide lift as they should.

So I am thinking that perhaps they are not modelled accurately and that might lead to the severe nose drop that you talk about.

Still really enjoy flying the P-38 though and so glad it's in the sim.

I'd be happy if anyone else wants to  share thoughts on this.

 

If the Pacific theatre is ever opened up here, the P-38 will be my #1 choice to fly (so it better not be all carrier based!).     : )

 

[MajorMagee]

The P-38 was known for wanting to go into an outside loop (nose tuck) during any high speed dive. Dive Flap Discussion Here

[No.23_Gaylion]

I'm not talking about dive flaps.

 

I'm talking about the normal flaps. Default "F" Key. 

 

The dive flaps do not cause what I mentioned above.

[MajorMagee]

The dive flaps were added to the design by Lockheed specifically to counter the natural tendency to tuck the nose down as speed increases by moving the center of lift farther forward. With the set up you describe the center of lift is shifted aft by the combat flaps, so any negative g maneuver like pushing the stick forward is going to tuck the nose down severly and stall the wing just like when you're in a high speed dive.

Edited June 18, 2022 by MajorMagee

[RedeyeStorm]

So roll and pull would be the advice here. Something I always do because it is easier on the pilot then negative G's and you have more control over the plane. The AI uses negative G's a lot for evasion. I just wait unitl they are finished with their antics and blast them! ?