P-38s taxi out for a mission in the Aleutian Islands. The two aircraft in the foreground are F-5As, the photo reconnaissance version of the P-38. (U.S. Air Force photo)
The Lightning was designed in 1937 as a high-altitude interceptor. The first one built, the XP-38, made its public debut on Feb. 11, 1939, by flying from California to New York in seven hours. Because of its unorthodox design, the airplane experienced "growing pains," and it required several years to perfect it for combat. Late in 1942, it went into large-scale operations during the North African campaign where the German Luftwaffe named it "Der Gabelschwanz Teufel" -- "The Forked-Tail Devil."
Equipped with droppable fuel tanks under its wings, the P-38 was used extensively as a long-range escort fighter and saw action in practically every major combat area of the world. A very versatile aircraft, the Lightning was also used for dive bombing, level bombing, ground strafing and photo reconnaissance missions.
The National Museum of the United States Air Force has a P-38L on display.
Type
Number built/
Converted
Remarks
XP-38
1
XP-322 crashed Feb. 11, 1939
YP-38
13
Service test aircraft
P-38
30
YP-38 with 37mm cn. and four .50-cal. mgs.
XP-38A
1 (cv)
P-38 40-762 with press. cp. and 20mm cn.
P-38B/C
0
B and C designators never assigned
P-38D
36
Improved P-38; self-sealing fuel tanks
P-38E
210
Improved P-38D; 20mm cannon
P-38F
527
Improved P-38E; V-1710-49 and 53
P-38G
1,082
Improved P-38F; V-1710-51 and 55
P-38H
601
Improved P-38G; V-1710-89 and 91
P-38J
2,970
Improved P-38H
P-38K
1 (cv)
P-38G 42-13558 with V-1710-75 and 77
P-38L-LO
3,810
Improved P-38J; V-1710-111 and 113
P-38L-VN
113
Vultee-built P-38Ls
P-38M
75 (cv)
P-38L modified as night fighter
TECHNICAL NOTES (P-38L): Armament: Four .50-cal. machine guns and one 20mm cannon Engines: Two Allison V-1710s of 1,475 hp each Maximum speed: 414 mph Cruising speed: 275 mph Range: 1,100 miles Service ceiling: 40,000 ft. Span: 52 ft. Length: 37 ft. 10 in. Height: 12 ft. 10 in. Weight: 17,500 lbs. loaded
