Is the P-38 a heavy fighter?
The P-38 was also used as a bomber-pathfinder, guiding streams of medium and heavy bombers, or even other P-38s equipped with bombs, to their targets….Lockheed P-38 Lightning.
| P-38 Lightning | |
|---|---|
| Role | Fighter Fighter-bomber Aerial reconnaissance |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Corporation |
| First flight | 27 January 1939 |
Was the p38 Lightning a good fighter?
Despite its flaws, the P-38 was a rare early example of a successful “heavy” fighter boasting speed, range and firepower—similar to modern multi-role fighters like the F-15 and Su-27.
What did the Japanese call the P-38?
Fork-tailed devil
Among the fighters that allowed America to win World War II, the P-38 Lightning was uniquely successful and was dubbed the “fork-tailed Devil” by the Germans even though its greatest successes came in the Pacific, Mediterranean, and North African theaters.
What happened to the P-38 Lightning?
Manufactured only by Lockheed, the P-38 was built in significantly smaller numbers than the P-47 or P-51; just over 9,900 Lightnings of all models were produced. The P-38 was dropped from service after the war ended in 1945.
What was the best plane in World War II?
The P-51D Mustang is considered by many to be the #1 fighter aircraft of WWII. With internal tanks, the plane had a range of 950 miles. The range increased to 2,200 miles with external tanks. This aircraft was both fast and maneuverable.
Which plane shot down the most planes in ww2?
It is accurate to state that the P-38 did shoot down more Japanese aircraft than any other USAAF plane with 1,857, with the P-40 running a close second at 1,633.5. Even though the F6F did not start reaching Naval and Marine units in the Pacific until late 1943, once it did it came in prodigious numbers.
Are there any P-38 still flying?
The Lockheed P-38 Lighting is an American two-engine fighter used by the United States Army Air Forces and other Allied air forces during World War II. Of the 10,037 planes built, 26 survive today, 22 of which are located in the United States, and 10 of which are airworthy.
Are any P-38s still flying?
Was the mosquito faster than the Spitfire?
The original estimates were that as the Mosquito prototype had twice the surface area and over twice the weight of the Spitfire Mk II, but also with twice its power, the Mosquito would end up being 20 mph (30 km/h) faster.