P-38 Lightning

Image: USAF via Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)

P-38 Lightning

Designation: P-38J

Lockheed World War II fighter 1941-1945

Why it matters

The P-38 Lightning was America's deadliest fighter in the Pacific. Its distinctive twin-boom design made it instantly recognizable — and feared. Richard Bong and Thomas McGuire, the two top American aces of all time, both flew Lightnings. The aircraft that shot down Admiral Yamamoto was a P-38. In Europe, German pilots called it 'der Gabelschwanz-Teufel' — the fork-tailed devil.

Specifications

Max Speed 414 mph
Range 1,300 miles
Service Ceiling 44,000 ft
Engine 2x Allison V-1710 V-12
Power/Thrust 1,475 hp each
Wingspan 52 ft
Length 37 ft 10 in
Crew 1
Production 10,037 built
First Flight 1939-01-27
Service Dates 1941-1945

Armament

  • • 1x 20mm AN/M2 cannon
  • • 4x .50 cal M2 Browning machine guns
  • • 2x 1,000 lb bombs or 10x rockets

Notable Features

  • Twin-boom design
  • Counter-rotating propellers
  • First 400+ mph American fighter
  • Long range Pacific operations

Patina notes

P-38s show their twin-engine heritage in distinctive ways. The central nacelle and twin booms created complex stress patterns. The turbocharger intercooler systems were maintenance-intensive, and that complexity is visible in restored examples. The counter-rotating propellers meant asymmetric wear patterns. Museum examples often show the evidence of field modifications made during wartime service.

Preservation reality

Fewer than 30 P-38s survive, with perhaps 10 in flying condition. The twin-engine complexity makes them expensive to restore and operate. The Allison V-1710 engines are increasingly difficult to source. Flying P-38s are treasures of the warbird community, with restoration costs often exceeding a million dollars.

Where to see one

  • • National Air and Space Museum
  • • National Museum of the US Air Force
  • • Planes of Fame Air Museum
  • • EAA AirVenture (flying)

Preservation organizations

  • • Commemorative Air Force
  • • Planes of Fame

Sources