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| The Lightning was designed in 1937 as a high-altitude interceptor. The first one built, the XP-38, made its public debut on Feb. 11, 1939, by flying from California to New York in seven hours. Because of its unorthodox design, the airplane experienced "growing pains," and it required several years to perfect it for combat. Late in 1942, it went into large-scale operations during the North African campaign where the German Luftwaffe named it "Der Gabelschwanz Teufel" -- "The Forked-Tail Devil."
Equipped with droppable fuel tanks under its wings, the P-38 was used extensively as a long-range escort fighter and saw action in practically every major combat area of the world. A very versatile aircraft, the Lightning was also used for dive bombing, level bombing, ground strafing and photo reconnaissance missions. SPECIFICATIONS (P-38L): Span: 52 ft. Length: 37 ft. 10 in. Height: 12 ft. 10 in. Weight: 17,500 lbs. loaded Armament: Four .50-cal. machine guns and one 20mm cannon Engines: Two Allison V-1710s of 1,475 hp each Cost: $115,000 PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed: 414 mph Cruising speed: 275 mph Range: 1,100 miles Service ceiling: 40,000 ft. |
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| Bibliography: National Museum of the USAF |