How much is a P-38 Lightning worth?
Each P-38 cost around $120-100,000, twice the price of most U.S. single-engine fighters. However, the P-38’s long range and heavy payload—up to 3,000 pounds of bombs and rockets—meant it could perform missions early-war single-engine types simply couldn’t.
Was the P-38 Lightning any good?
When Major John Mitchell led 16 P-38s to attack and kill Japan’s Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto on April 18, 1943, the mission spanned about 420 miles (see “Death by P-38,” May 2013). The P-38 Lightning inspired young men, fought a global war and earned a reputation as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
How many P-38 Lightnings are still flying?
26
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.
What did the Germans call the P-38 Lightning?
Developed for the United States Army Air Corps, the P-38 had distinctive twin booms and a central nacelle containing the cockpit and armament. Allied propaganda claimed it had been nicknamed the fork-tailed devil (German: der Gabelschwanz-Teufel) by the Luftwaffe and “two planes, one pilot” by the Japanese.
Is the P-38 hard to fly?
While the P-38 was considered no more difficult to fly than most single-engine high-performance fighters, pilots said it took about twice as much flight time to master the P-38’s full potential.
How many p51 Mustangs were built?
P-51D Mustang fighter. 167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard. About 13,300 Merlin-powered Mustangs were produced in the United States. Though production contracts were canceled at war’s end, the P-51 remained in service with the Air Force for several years thereafter.
Why did P-38 have twin booms?
The Lockheed team chose twin booms to accommodate the tail assembly, engines, and turbosuperchargers, with a central nacelle for the pilot and armament.
What was the best U.S. plane in WW2?
P-51D Mustang
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.
Did the P-38 have counter rotating props?
The first YP flew on Sep 16, 1940. Because of its unorthodox design (such as counter‑rotating props), the P‑38 required several years to perfect it for combat. The early YP‑38s had some definite problems, including tail flutter and compressibility problems in a prolonged dive.
How many me262s were shot down?
April 10, 1945 epitomized the futility of the Luftwaffe’s efforts in the face of Allied air dominance. On that date, some 60 Me 262s engaged more than 1,000 Allied bombers and fighters. Twenty-seven Allied aircraft were shot down, but 31 Me 262s, more than half the defending force, were lost.
What motor did a p51 Mustang have?
What Engine Did P-51 Mustang Have? A Packard V-1650-7 powered version of the two-stage Merlin 66, with six engine speeds, powered the definitive version. It had two stages, each of which was four times the speed of the previous version. An automatic 50 caliber gun is used.
What is the Lockheed P-38 Lightning?
The Lockheed P-38 Lightning is an American single-seated, twin piston-engined fighter aircraft that was used during World War II. Developed for the United States Army Air Corps by the Lockheed Corporation, the P-38 incorporated a distinctive twin-boom design with a central nacelle containing the cockpit and armament.
What is the P-38 Lighting Plan?
The P-38 Lighting plan shows the installation of Robart retracts, servos and generic 3 cu in engine and features three piece wing. The basic structures use conventional “modeling” tools and materials such as balsa and plywood, and the techniques are straightforward; easily accomplished by anyone with previous model building experience.
What is the ISBN number for the P-38 Lightning Ace?
^ Stanaway, John C. P-38 Lightning Aces of the ETO/MTO. New York: Osprey, 1997. ISBN 1-85532-698-1. ^ a b Stanaway 2014, p.
How many P-38s are still flying today?
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.