[Cuccos19]

P38: Probably the least dangerous fighter. 109 out-turn it at any speed (if the Lightning doesnt use air-brakes at high speed). For the speed, depend as usual of variants: G6 cant catch a P38J, G6/AS can catch P38L, and have same speed as P38L late. Climb-rate for both plane are the same, 109 eat the P38 at low speed.

I realized that you aren't aware of the Lightnings abilities. It is one of the best if not the best aircraft of WWII. It can out run, out climb, out turn almost everything (except some biplanes and early Japs like Ki-43 1st series and Ki-27). At slow speed (below 225km/h with flaps) it can outturn everything. At high speed its ailerons are very effective, the roll rate maybe the 2nd best after the Fw-190 (Focke Wulf 190 is the all time best in roll rate). The two conter rotating propellers elamintes the torque, so you don't have to worry about that. The aspect ratio of the wide wings makes it very forgiving aircraft. The stall speed is very low. I can climb with the Lightning far below 200km/h, in high angle stably. The fire power is adequate for take down any enemy fighters, or bombers. Some very few except the Axis powers didn't have heavy bombers (maybe the FW200 in small number and specialised roll and japanes Rita bomber, in prototype status only). So to bring down a Bf109, a FW190 or a Jap is not a problem. The 4 .50caliber mg have more ammo (4x500rounds) then the bloody awful P-51D Mustang for 6 guns (4x270rounds + 2x400rounds for inboard guns). And the "Mighty Mustang" stalls almost for little stick pull-back. (I hate the P-51).

With the 109 I never afraid off Mustangs or Thunderbolts. The Jugs fly like a bus, easy kills. The Mustangs can set into fire easily, just hit the engine (the low damage tolerance of the Merlin is the drawback of the Spitfires too, but fly nicely what can't be say about Mustangs). And finaly, Mustangs are not a good maneovering fighters. They are boom and zoom fighters, like most of the americans.

But I always in trouble when I try to shake a Lightning. It's stick on my 6' and won't let me go by easily. I'm sure the Lightning can lean on its wide wings without stalling, that's the secret of the Ligtning's gentle flight characteristics.