The P-38 Lightning, designed in 1937 as a high-altitude interceptor, was Lockheed's first
high performance military aircraft. The first one
built, the XP-38, made its public debut on February 11, 1939 by flying from
California to New York in seven hours. 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. By the end of production in 1945, 9,923 P-38s had been built.
Source and Links:
P 38 Wikipedia.
Wild Bill's P-38 PageFully assembled, Handcrafted Model Airplane with Removable
Desk Stand.
(Scale: 1/32, Length: 14.5", Wing Span: 19.5")
)
