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Lockheed P-38 Lightning
Illustration ©1995 Taral Wayne

P-38 (foreground) shooting down a Japanese bomber (background),
illustrating the interception that shot down the airplane carrying Japanese Admiral Yamamoto.

Considered one of the best and most versatile USA aircraft. It was designed in 1937 and
in production by 1941. It was used as a fighter, long-range bomber escort, tactical bomber,
photo-reconnaissance, and night-fighter--with some modifications. The P-38s were
a major weapon in the Southwest Pacific air war, although they were also used in Europe.

Most models of Lighning had one seat. Weapons for a fighter model of the aircraft were
usually 4 machine guns (.50 caliber) and a 20 mm cannon in the nose of the pilot's pod.
It could also carry up to a ton-and-a-half of bombs, usually 2 big ones, or
perhaps 10 rockets under the wings.

Top speed was around 400 mph.

Twin-engine fighter airplanes were an attractive idea in the late 1930s.
Many nations had designs with what now seem like unusual variations.

Side view of U.S.Army Air Force P-38

(text: K. Fletcher)