Whatever the less than positive comments, I would say this. In the hands of a Pilot well versed with the P-38, as the Brits would say, "It's a nice piece of kit".
I think you are partially right.. but it really was a different plane.
The British planes used in the European theatre were a combination of non-counter-rotating props and non-turbocharged versions, unlike the American versions.
It's what the British ordered, apparently to match the Allison engines used in the versions of Curtiss P-40 Warhawk/Kittyhawk, which the French and British had a lot of.
The normal-aspirated P-40 Kittyhawk is another pretty bird, apparently a great diver. but I digress..
I think that the restored planes are much lighter (no armor, no self sealing fuel tanks, guns, ammo) so maybe that is why the pilot is praising the roll.
I love the way the P-38 looks; absolutely insane! However, it's strange that the guy claims it's the "best rolling plane" he's ever flown - Lightnings were notorious for their poor roll rate. In fact, it made them nearly useless against the Luftwaffe fighters. Still owned the skies over the Pacific though...
One of the great warbird historians at the helm....R.I.P. Jeff Ethell
Steez51 21 hours ago
Whatever the less than positive comments, I would say this. In the hands of a Pilot well versed with the P-38, as the Brits would say, "It's a nice piece of kit".
twinstu50 3 days ago
My favorite plane.
Danhtran1122 2 weeks ago
MAN that must be a blast to fly a P38......if I ever win the lottlery I gotta get me one of those.
jobu88 3 weeks ago
I think you are partially right.. but it really was a different plane.
The British planes used in the European theatre were a combination of non-counter-rotating props and non-turbocharged versions, unlike the American versions.
It's what the British ordered, apparently to match the Allison engines used in the versions of Curtiss P-40 Warhawk/Kittyhawk, which the French and British had a lot of.
The normal-aspirated P-40 Kittyhawk is another pretty bird, apparently a great diver. but I digress..
thehuemonmon 1 month ago
I think that the restored planes are much lighter (no armor, no self sealing fuel tanks, guns, ammo) so maybe that is why the pilot is praising the roll.
ZippyTPinhead 2 months ago
I love the way the P-38 looks; absolutely insane! However, it's strange that the guy claims it's the "best rolling plane" he's ever flown - Lightnings were notorious for their poor roll rate. In fact, it made them nearly useless against the Luftwaffe fighters. Still owned the skies over the Pacific though...
dl5270 2 months ago
thats a lucky man
rdeb1210 4 months ago
@rdeb1210 Indeed he is! The P-38 is and always will be my favorite aircraft.
dldonaho 2 months ago
@dldonaho the p-38 is my favorite aircraft too!
rdeb1210 2 months ago