Why did the P-38 have twin booms?

If I’m not mistaken, the booms allowed for extra large oil coolers for the Allison V-12 engines. Those engines also had turbo superchargers, which, along with the normal exhaust stacks, were mounted on top of the nacelle/boom—which made it very quiet when approaching a ground target.

How good is P-38 Lightning?

The P-38 Lightning had a very busy time in both the European and Pacific theaters. It made over 130,000 sorties, with an overall loss of only 1.3\%. Over 1,800 Japanese aircraft were destroyed by P-38 Lightnings, with over 100 aviators becoming aces in the sleek fighter.

Which is better P-38 or p51 can opener?

The P-51 is the larger version of the P-38 and was often used by mess hall cooks to open the big trays and large cans of chow. The P-51 is a full 2″ long. Some prefer them over the P-38s because a P-51 will open cans much easier and faster and will last much longer than the P-38.

What’s the top speed for a P-38?

443 mph
Lockheed P-38 Lightning/Top speed

Are there any WW2 mosquitoes still flying?

The de Havilland Mosquito is a British two-engine multi-role combat aircraft used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied air forces during World War II. Of the 7,781 planes built, 30 survive today, four of which are airworthy. Eight planes are currently under restoration.

Why was the P-38 a good plane?

The twin engined P-38 was unique for its time and was the only highly successful twin engined, single seat fighter of its era to see both mass production and utilization. It served as a fighter, a bomber and a reconnaissance machine. Its firepower was devastating.

What happened to the P-38 Lightning?

A few P-38s were even captured and used by Italian and German pilots to bushwhack Allied bombers. By 1944, Johnson had identified and resolved the flaws in the Lightning’s airframe—adding power-assisted ailerons and dive flaps that respectively improved its roll-rate and corrected its tendency to lock into steep dives.

What did Jimmy Doolittle call the P-38?

On the eve of Pearl Harbor, the P-38 captured the imagination of young Americans like no other fighter. Eighth Air Force commander Lt. Gen. James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle would later call the P-38 “the sweetest-flying plane in the sky.”

How many photos are in the P-38 Lightning PDF ebook?

Our Lockheed P-38 Lightning PDF eBook is PACKED with 23 Wings & Airpower P-38 magazines, SIX P-38 flight handbooks, and over 490 photos you won’t find anywhere else! Get yours today! 1. P-38J flown by Capt. Frederick Champlin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qo9SELpVM4