WebThe P-38 was originally conceived as an advanced, high-performance twin-engine interceptor. On Feb. 11, 1939, Lt. Ben Kelsey set a coast to coast record of 7 hours, 48 minutes in the sleek prototype Lightning, but crashed while landing. Despite the accident, development continued and the first of 13 service test YP-38s flew on Sept. 16, 1940. WebMar 9, 2011 · The P-38 was originally developed in response to the US Army Air Corps' need for a high altitude 'interceptor' in the late 1930s. The Air Corps' requirements specified a craft that could reach an altitude of 20,000 ft in six minutes, attain a top speed of 360 mph and fly at full throttle for one hour.
Lockheed P-38 Lightning - Price, Specs, Photo Gallery, History - Aero
While the P-38 could not out-turn the A6M Zero and most other Japanese fighters when flying below 200 mph (320 km/h), its superior speed coupled with a good rate of climb meant that it could use energy tactics, making multiple high-speed passes at its target. In addition, its tightly grouped guns were even more … See more The Lockheed P-38 Lightning is an American single-seat, twin piston-engined fighter aircraft that was used during World War II. Developed for the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) by the Lockheed Corporation, … See more The first unit to receive P-38s was the 1st Fighter Group. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the unit joined the 14th Pursuit Group in San Diego … See more • XP-38: United States Army Air Force designation for one prototype Lockheed Model 22 first flown in 1939 • YP-38: Redesigned preproduction batch with armament, 13 built See more Of the ten thousand aircraft built, there are 26 survivors of which ten are airworthy. See more The Lockheed Corporation designed the P-38 in response to a February 1937 specification from the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC). Circular Proposal X-608 was a set of aircraft performance goals authored by First Lieutenants Benjamin S. Kelsey See more Over 10,000 Lightnings were manufactured, becoming the only U.S. combat aircraft that remained in continuous … See more Yippee The 5,000th Lightning built, a P-38J-20-LO, 44-23296, was painted bright vermilion red, and had the … See more WebIt could carry 4 50-caliber machine guns and a 20mm cannon. With a top speed of over 400 miles per hour the P-38 was one of the fastest fighters of its time. The P-38 is also … bing opens new tab on every link
Lightning P-38 — Legendary
WebOct 22, 2007 · Lockheed P-38 Lightning Specifications Wingspan: 52 ft. Length: 37 ft. 10 in. Height: 12 ft. 10 in. Empty Weight: 12,800 lbs Gross Weight: 21,600 lbs Top Speed: 414 … http://www.aviation-history.com/lockheed/p38.htm bing opens new tab every time i click