The P-38 Lightning first flew in 1939, but it was not until 1941 that started the entire series. When the first USAAF Super accepts the lightning is the fastest fighter in the Air Corps was. Over the years of its production, there were more than a dozen model variants built. The changes were mainly the arms or greater load capacity. The P-38L was built on the model, around 3923. The final draft Lightning, the F-4 and F-5 were photo-reconnaissanceAircraft were used in both European and Asian theaters. Some P-38Ls Pathfinder has been working with the installation of radar transformed into the nose. Includes all variants of the P-38, there were a total of 10,037 built in all. Only seven are considered airworthy today.
The P-38, premieres in its many integrated design. It was the first with a tricycle landing gear, the only mass produced twin-engine, single-seat fighter plane used during World War II and was thefirst fighters with the ability to fly over the North Atlantic for delivery to Europe with his non-stop UN-range supply of over 3000 miles when fitted with drop tanks.
The P-38 was founded by two 1475hp Allison V-12-powered turbo charged engine. During his weight was 12,800 pounds., Might start with 80% of its weight to 21,600 pounds. it was entitled to another first, being able to carry two torpedoes. With a length of 37ft 10in, its wingspan is 52 m. Maximum speed25,000 and was 414 mph, with a maximum operating speed of 44,000 ft. The climb was over in a German or Japanese soldiers were flying the Lightning the enormous advantage of always in a position on the enemy.
The P-38 served with distinction in every theater of operation by the war. E 'was the primary duty of Commons early in the day bombing campaign in Europe responsible. E 'was the primary fighter in the theater of the Mediterranean, where he earned the nickname"The Fork-tailed Devil" piloted by Air Force and with excellent results in North Africa and the invasion of Italy. They have also worked in difficult conditions of the Aleuts of Alaska against the numerically superior Japanese during the first half of the war.
However, the P-38 permanently connected to the South Seas. Japanese ships and planes were still fixed under the guns of qualified American pilots. The Japanese have never been able to offensiveand were usually on the heels. The P-38 routine bombers, fighters and ships destroyed without many losses. In fact, the average kill ratio was about 10-1. For every ten confirmed kills, only a P-38 was lost to all causes (hit one of them, lost at sea and mechanical defects).
Without doubt, the P-38 in the position, performed many roles with great success. No other aircraft can boast this capability. The P-51 was a better air-to-air fighter, but it was noteffectively carry out the strikes and the ground was not capable of adequate information. The B-17 and B-24 were higher than long-range bomber, but the P-38 was almost able to carry the same load of bombs, and become fighters as soon as the bombs were dropped. The P-38 was modified with torpedoes, turned into a night fighter, was able to dive / level bomb and was the primary U.S. Air Force reconnaissance.
Pilot the plane for its maneuverability,capacity at high altitudes and long flight duration, which could reach more than 11 hours with drop tanks full. One of the famous P-38 pilots was higher Richard Bong, who has achieved 40 air victories made the top American ace of World War II.
One of the many stories of the Lightning is about the P-38 Phantom. Damaged Flying Fortresses returning from bombing in the Mediterranean theater, scattered around the main features were lost in a P-38 fly, it wouldNext, waving his wings and feel the wave of the bomber crew leaders who wanted to cover on it, and give back to the hunter flight. The Gunners want to relax bomber, the P-38 Phantom would be a defensive position in front of and behind the bombers, then suddenly appear and take the Flying Fortress. This happened several times before the command was not a story of faith, but then intelligence discovered that a P-38 lost over the Mediterranean believed that it was actuallysafe an airport in Sardinia. The pilot was taken prisoner, but the plan itself was by an Italian pilot, who was able to master the P-38 has adopted and started his career as Lightning ghost. His career ended when a heavily armored and armed fortress believe that it was caught taking another easy, and when he went to open his usual position before the attack, the strong fire and shot down. He managed to save and was saved. An interesting noteis that following the funeral of the fortress, which had crashed cargo plane pilots during the Berlin airlift.
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