Lockheed
P-38
Lightning
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Photo: Robert Deering 1972
Greater Southwest Airport (GSW)
Fort Worth, Texas
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.
   
Photo: Robert Deering 10/18/2012
National Museum of the USAF
Wright-Patterson AFB (FFO)
Dayton, Ohio
Photo: Robert Deering 1972
Greater Southwest Airport (GSW)
Fort Worth, Texas
Photo: Robert Deering 10/23/2006
 Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
 Chantilly, Virginia
SPECIFICATIONS: PERFORMANCE:
Span:  52 ft. Maximum speed:  414 mph
Length:  37 ft. 10 in. Cruising speed:  275 mph
Height:  12 ft. 10 in. Range:  1,100 miles
Empty Weight:  Service ceiling:  40,000 ft.
Gross Weight:  17,500 lbs. loaded  
Crew: 
Engines:  Two Allison V-1710s of 1,475 hp each
Armament:  Four .50-cal. machine guns and one 20mm cannon
   
SOURCE:  National Museum of the United States Air Force   

Photo: Robert Deering 1972
Greater Southwest Airport (GSW)
Fort Worth, Texas