History of the P-38 Lightning

In 1937, the U.S. Air Force wanted to develop a greater fire power, both in terms of bombing and ground support. It was also looking for a high altitude operative aircraft.

The U.S. firm Lockheed was strongly involved (with about 6 million dollars) while simply studying the project and it is supported by the U.S. military.

Lockheed was developing an interceptor fighter bomber and the first prototype was manufactured in 1939. Heavily armed and capable of carrying almost 2,000 kg of bombs, the fighter has the distinction of being the first twin-engine fighter aircraft.

Then called P-38 Lightning, it had a great range, enabling it to carry out long raids, but it was less maneuverable than traditional fighters.

Many versions of the aircraft were manufactured during World War II, including reconnaissance aircraft (equipped with cameras instead of weapons) and reconnaissance aircrafts.

P-38 Lightning sheet

Country creator/user: USA
Name: Lockheed P-38 Lightning

Lenght: 11,53 m
Wingspan: 15,85 m
Height: 2,99 m
Curb weight : 5,806 kg
Maximum speed: 666 km/h
Range: 3,637 kilometers
Ceiling: 13,411 m

Armament: one 20 mm Hispano gun, four 12,7 mm Browning machine guns, place for ten 127 mm rockets or 2,000 kg of bombs

Engine: two Allison V-1710-111/113 of 1,475 hp

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