Difference between revisions of "P-38G-1"

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{{Specs-Card
 
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|code=p-38g
 
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|cockpit=cockpit_p-38g.jpg
 
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}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = American twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = American twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other variants
 
| usage = other variants
 
| link = P-38 (Family)
 
| link = P-38 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=p-38g
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_p-38g.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_P-38G-1Lightning.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The P-38G was a minor evolution of the P-38 and was also widely produced with over 1,000 aircraft built. The P-38G was largely the same aircraft as the P-38F except the G ran at higher boost settings as well as having improved radio equipment. The Allison V-1710-51 in the P-38G (F10R) runs at a slightly higher manifold pressure (47.5) compared to the engine in the P-38F (47.0). Unfortunately, due to cooling issues with the engines at higher altitudes, the power was significantly limited. A decent portion of P-38G’s were actually F-5A Lightnings that were unarmed and fitted with five cameras for reconnaissance duties. These received the same improvements found in the P-38G and were built along the same production lines.  
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{{break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This twin-engine fighter has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to [[Update 1.29]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was present at the beginning of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. It’s a significant improvement over the previous P-38. It features better engines, a lighter airframe, and the ability to use rockets. The P-38G is a fairly strong plane due to its low BR and excellent climb performance. Furthermore, all of the guns are mounted in the nose which greatly helps with quickly downing enemy aircraft. Unfortunately, the P-38G is still an early version of the P-38 family and lacks the dive brakes which help against compressibility. However, players should still be satisfied with the P-38G’s performance.
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== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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=== Flight Performance ===
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=== Flight performance ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
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Despite being a heavy twin engine fighter the P-38G has a quite good overall performance. Its level speed is comparable to many single engined fighters and even faster than some of them. It can reach 550 km/h at the sea level and thanks to its superchargers the plane's maximum is speed is close to 660 km/h at 5000m alt. The cruising speed remains constant up to 11000m alt. That makes it a good medium and high altitude fighter and in most cases outperforms the opposition.  
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Despite being a heavy twin engine fighter the P-38G has good overall performance. Its level speed is comparable to many single engined fighters and faster than some of them. It can reach 550 km/h at the sea level and thanks to its superchargers the plane's maximum is speed is close to 660 km/h at 5,000 m altitude. The cruising speed remains constant up to 11,000 m altitude. That makes it a good medium and high altitude fighter and in most cases outperforms the opposition.
  
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Acceleration in level flight is decent and when it starts diving it gets very good. However, it is required to keep an eye on the speed because the maximum structural speed limit is low in this plane. Of course due to the plane's configuration it suffers a lot from high speed compression, which starts close to 0.70 Mach.  
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Acceleration in level flight is decent and when it starts diving it gets very good. However, it is required to keep an eye on the speed due to the low structural speed limit. Of course due to the plane's configuration it suffers a lot from high speed compression, which starts close to 0.70 Mach.
  
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Climb rate is comparable to other American fighters. The plane is able to reach 5000m in 4 minutes and 40 seconds which is quite mediocre. Its climb rate at 1000m is close to 18 m/s but, again thanks to the supercharger, it will not suffer so much at high altitude. When climbing from 5000m alt to 9000m alt it will outperform most of other fighters.
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Climb rate is comparable to other American fighters. The plane is able to reach 5,000 m in 4 minutes and 40 seconds which is quite mediocre. Its climb rate at 1,000 m is close to 18 m/s but, again thanks to the supercharger, it will not suffer so much at high altitude. When climbing from 5,000 m alt to 9,000 m alt it will outperform most of other fighters.
  
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The P-38G's turn rate is quite good but depends a lot on its Fowler flaps. They do increase the lift significantly but at the cost of a proportional increase in drag too. Sustained turn rate is quite good, better than in almost every other heavy twin engined fighter but in most cases only comparable or worse to other single engined fighters. On the other hand the instantaneous turn rate especially with deployed flaps is very good and can help a lot with getting the guns on the target and high deflection shooting.  
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The P-38G's turn rate is quite good but depends a lot on its Fowler flaps. They do increase the lift significantly but at the cost of a proportional increase in drag too. Sustained turn rate is quite good, better than in almost every other heavy twin engined fighter but in most cases only comparable or worse to other single engined fighters. On the other hand the instantaneous turn rate especially with deployed flaps is very good and can help a lot with getting the guns on the target and high deflection shooting.
  
 
The other issue is its roll rate, at best it reaches 70 degrees per second at 400 km/h.
 
The other issue is its roll rate, at best it reaches 70 degrees per second at 400 km/h.
  
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The way that Lighting's engines are mirrored in turn direction makes it so the pilot does not need to worry about the propeller torque effect as the propellers on one side negate the effect of the other. Furthermore, the plane doesn't require any trimming except for some elevator adjustments to fly in a straight line.
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The way the Lighting's engines are mirrored in turn direction makes it so the pilot does not need to worry about the propeller torque effect as the propellers on one side negate the effect of the other. Furthermore, the plane doesn't require any trimming except for some elevator adjustments to fly in a straight line.
  
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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|-
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! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
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! colspan="8" | Characteristics
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! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 8,229 m)
−
|-
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! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
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! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,040 m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
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! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
−
|-
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| 627 || 617 || 12,192 || 23.5 || 24.0 || 12.6 || 14.6 || 380
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,040 m)
+
! Stock
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
+
| 634 || 616 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 23.1 || 24.0 || 14.6 || 14.6 || rowspan="2" | 380
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! Upgraded
−
! RB
+
| 687 || 660 || 20.9 || 22.0 || 22.4 || 18.0
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| 693 || 660 || 12,192 || 20.6 || 22.0 || 25.7 || 18.0 || 380
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flap
 
−
! Landing flap
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 620 || 500 || 250 || ~11 || ~8
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 565 || 495 || 250 || ~9 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 380 || < 460 || < 500 || > 420
 
| < 380 || < 460 || < 500 || > 420
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=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
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* 6.5 mm Steel plates in pilot's seat.
 
* 6.5 mm Steel plates in pilot's seat.
 
* 9.5 mm Steel plate in pilot's headrest.
 
* 9.5 mm Steel plate in pilot's headrest.
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|AN/M2 (20 mm)|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
+
{{main|AN/M2 (20 mm)|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
 
* 1 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannon, nose-mounted (150 rpg)
 
* 1 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannon, nose-mounted (150 rpg)
−
* 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 2,000 total)
+
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 2,000 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|M8}}
 
{{main|M8}}
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
 
* 6 x M8 rockets
 
* 6 x M8 rockets
  
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== Usage in the battles ==
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== Usage in battles ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
The P-38G-1 is a medium- and high-altitude fighter which excels in anti-bomber roles and when working with teammates to destroy enemy fighters. Its manoeuvrability is unsurprisingly worse than that of single-engine fighters, but is quite good compared to that of other heavy fighters. The plane excels in a boom and zoom roll, where its powerful armament and good energy retention are brought into the spotlight.
 
The P-38G-1 is a medium- and high-altitude fighter which excels in anti-bomber roles and when working with teammates to destroy enemy fighters. Its manoeuvrability is unsurprisingly worse than that of single-engine fighters, but is quite good compared to that of other heavy fighters. The plane excels in a boom and zoom roll, where its powerful armament and good energy retention are brought into the spotlight.
  
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In ground realistic battles, this plane can be used reasonably well to destroy ground targets and ensure air superiority. With 6 rockets and nose-mounted guns, the P-38 can destroy lightly-armoured and open-top vehicles easily, and also engage some more heavily-defended targets.
 
In ground realistic battles, this plane can be used reasonably well to destroy ground targets and ensure air superiority. With 6 rockets and nose-mounted guns, the P-38 can destroy lightly-armoured and open-top vehicles easily, and also engage some more heavily-defended targets.
  
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===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Automatic pitch || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Combined || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
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===Modules===
+
=== Pros and cons ===
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 
−
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage Repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 12 mm
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
| New 12 mm MGs
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings Repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 20 mm
 
−
| Rocket Launcher M10
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
| Engine Injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
| New 20 mm cannons
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
=== Pros and cons ===
 
−
<!-- ''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Good top speed
 
* Good top speed
 
* Good dive acceleration
 
* Good dive acceleration
−
* Nose-mounted weaponry creates a "buzz-saw" effect
+
* Nose-mounted weaponry is powerful, accurate and good in head-ons
 
* Excellent roll rate
 
* Excellent roll rate
 
* Great climb rate
 
* Great climb rate
 
* Extremely stable in terms of torque
 
* Extremely stable in terms of torque
 
* Turns well at high speeds
 
* Turns well at high speeds
−
* Nose mounted weaponry allows long-range shooting, as well as being an exceptional opponent in head-ons
 
 
* Has a great ammunition reserve for its machine guns
 
* Has a great ammunition reserve for its machine guns
 
* Cannon has a respectable ammunition reserve of 150 rounds
 
* Cannon has a respectable ammunition reserve of 150 rounds
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* Large aircraft and thus an easy target
 
* Large aircraft and thus an easy target
−
* Prone to elevator damage, may shear off when struck by cannon rounds
+
* Prone to elevator damage
 
* Low dive speed limit
 
* Low dive speed limit
−
* Controls will stiffen around 350 mph
+
* Controls will stiffen around 560 km/h (350 mph)
−
* Modest armament for a Boom & Zoom fighter
+
* Cannon inaccurate without "New 20 mm cannon" upgrade
−
* Cannon is highly dependent on "New 20 mm cannon" upgrade in order to be able to fire accurately.
+
* Susceptible to catching fire
−
* Will often catch fire.
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
The P-38 was an all-metal, three-wheeled, single-seater, twin-engined monoplane fighter with an aerodynamic design rarely seen in World War II.
 
The P-38 was an all-metal, three-wheeled, single-seater, twin-engined monoplane fighter with an aerodynamic design rarely seen in World War II.
  
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The G variant was created at the end of 1942 and was based on the E and F variants. The G had a more powerful turbocharged Allison V-1710-51/55 engine and benefited from more automated engine management. The G model had lighter weight and handling characteristics compared to the later J and L models, and was therefore favoured by some of the more experienced pilots despite accumulated age and wear in theatre.
 
The G variant was created at the end of 1942 and was based on the E and F variants. The G had a more powerful turbocharged Allison V-1710-51/55 engine and benefited from more automated engine management. The G model had lighter weight and handling characteristics compared to the later J and L models, and was therefore favoured by some of the more experienced pilots despite accumulated age and wear in theatre.
  
−
The armament suite was formidable and consisted of a 20mm Hispano AN/M2 cannon with 150 rounds and four 12.7mm Colt-Browning M2 machine guns with 500 rounds apiece. The fuselage of the F and G models was reinforced, and the operating manual allows for the carry of two extra 300-gallon (1,136-litre) fuel tanks, or up to 1,100 lbs of external ordnance. However, in-theatre operational requirements often dictated the need for heavier ordnance, and it was not uncommon for 2 x 1,000 bombs to be hung on the racks. Field modifications allowed additional external ordnance to be loaded, including 2 x M10 triple-tube rocket launchers, or installation of outer wing pylons allowing 4 x 500 lb bombs to be carried outboard of the engines (two bombs per pylon) - thereby allowing long-range drop tanks to be carried simultaneously on the standard inner-wing racks.
+
The armament suite was formidable and consisted of a 20 mm Hispano AN/M2 cannon with 150 rounds and four 12.7 mm Colt-Browning M2 machine guns with 500 rounds apiece. The fuselage of the F and G models was reinforced, and the operating manual allows for the carry of two extra 300-gallon (1,136-litre) fuel tanks, or up to 1,100 lbs of external ordnance. However, in-theatre operational requirements often dictated the need for heavier ordnance, and it was not uncommon for 2 x 1,000 bombs to be hung on the racks. Field modifications allowed additional external ordnance to be loaded, including 2 x M10 triple-tube rocket launchers, or installation of outer wing pylons allowing 4 x 500 lb bombs to be carried outboard of the engines (two bombs per pylon) - thereby allowing long-range drop tanks to be carried simultaneously on the standard inner-wing racks.
  
 
One of the P-38's unique characteristics was its incredibly long range, especially for a fighter - a trait which made it ideally suited to bomber escort, intruder patrols, and long-range strikes, such as the famous "shuttle missions" over Germany to Ukraine.  Perhaps the most exceptional display of the P-38G's capabilities was Operation Vengeance - a war-changing mission to kill the Imperial Japanese Navy's brilliant naval strategist and mastermind of the Pearl Harbor attack, Admiral Isokoru Yamamoto. The highly-secret 18 April 1943 interception successfully brought down two G4M1 bombers - one transporting Adm. Yamamoto, the other carrying his chief of staff. Despite the mission's success, the U.S. kept the operation a state-secret for some 35 years in order to protect the intelligence sources and methods used to plan the operation.
 
One of the P-38's unique characteristics was its incredibly long range, especially for a fighter - a trait which made it ideally suited to bomber escort, intruder patrols, and long-range strikes, such as the famous "shuttle missions" over Germany to Ukraine.  Perhaps the most exceptional display of the P-38G's capabilities was Operation Vengeance - a war-changing mission to kill the Imperial Japanese Navy's brilliant naval strategist and mastermind of the Pearl Harbor attack, Admiral Isokoru Yamamoto. The highly-secret 18 April 1943 interception successfully brought down two G4M1 bombers - one transporting Adm. Yamamoto, the other carrying his chief of staff. Despite the mission's success, the U.S. kept the operation a state-secret for some 35 years in order to protect the intelligence sources and methods used to plan the operation.
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From 1942 to 1943, Lockheed built 1,462 P-38Gs. Whether out of preference, or sheer necessity, some F and G models served in theatre as late as 1945. They were finally decommissioned in 1949.
 
From 1942 to 1943, Lockheed built 1,462 P-38Gs. Whether out of preference, or sheer necessity, some F and G models served in theatre as late as 1945. They were finally decommissioned in 1949.
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
−
 
+
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
−
"The P-38 was an all-metal, three-wheeled, single-seater, twin-engined monoplane fighter with an aerodynamic design rarely seen in World War II.
+
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
The P-38 was an all-metal, three-wheeled, single-seater, twin-engined monoplane fighter with an aerodynamic design rarely seen in World War II.
  
 
An experimental XP-38 (Model 22) was first flown on January 27, 1938. Production began in June of 1941.
 
An experimental XP-38 (Model 22) was first flown on January 27, 1938. Production began in June of 1941.
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The G variant was created at the end of 1942 and was based on the E and F variants. The G had a more powerful turbocharged Allison V-1710-51/55 engine. Engine management was significantly more automated than before.
 
The G variant was created at the end of 1942 and was based on the E and F variants. The G had a more powerful turbocharged Allison V-1710-51/55 engine. Engine management was significantly more automated than before.
  
−
The plane carried a formidable armament consisting of 20mm Hispano AN/M2 cannons with 150 rounds and four 12.7mm Colt-Browning M2.5 machine guns with 300 rounds apiece. The P-38G had a reinforced fuselage and could carry two extra 300-gallon (1136-liter) fuel tanks. The G was not equipped to carry rockets and bombs, but was often modified on the field to carry 250-lb or even 500-lb bombs as well as unguided rockets.
+
The plane carried a formidable armament consisting of 20 mm Hispano AN/M2 cannons with 150 rounds and four 12.7 mm Colt-Browning M2 .50 cal machine guns with 300 rounds apiece. The P-38G had a reinforced fuselage and could carry two extra 300 gallons (1136 litres) fuel tanks. The G was not equipped to carry rockets and bombs, but was often modified on the field to carry 250 lb or even 500 lb bombs as well as unguided rockets.
  
 
The P-38G was widely used by the Army Air Force (USAAF) in all theaters of the war. They were often used for shuttle missions over Germany from the airfields of Ukraine. The best known operation in which the P-38G participated was Operation Lightning, which changed the war in the Pacific. The mission, which was flown on April 18, 1943, intercepted and shot down a Japanese G4M1 bomber with Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto on board. In addition, the P-38 was the plane of choice of the two most successful American aces: Richard Ira Bong (40 kills) and Thomas McGuire (38 kills).
 
The P-38G was widely used by the Army Air Force (USAAF) in all theaters of the war. They were often used for shuttle missions over Germany from the airfields of Ukraine. The best known operation in which the P-38G participated was Operation Lightning, which changed the war in the Pacific. The mission, which was flown on April 18, 1943, intercepted and shot down a Japanese G4M1 bomber with Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto on board. In addition, the P-38 was the plane of choice of the two most successful American aces: Richard Ira Bong (40 kills) and Thomas McGuire (38 kills).
  
−
From 1942 to 1943, Lockheed built 1,462 P-38Gs. They were decommissioned in 1949."
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From 1942 to 1943, Lockheed built 1,462 P-38Gs. They were decommissioned in 1949.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
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* [http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23p38g Camouflages for the P-38G on live.warthunder]
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-38g Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
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;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
  
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* Bristol [[Beaufighter Mk VIc|Beaufighter]]
 
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* de Havilland [[Mosquito (Family)|Mosquito]]
 
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* Kawasaki [[Ki-96]]
 
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* Mitsubishi [[Ki-83]]
 
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* Nakajima [[J5N1|J5N]]
 
 
* Northrop [[P-61C-1|P-61]] Black Widow
 
* Northrop [[P-61C-1|P-61]] Black Widow
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* Westland [[Whirlwind Mk I| Whirlwind]]
 
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* Petlyakov [[Pe-3 (e)|Pe-3]]
 
 
* Savoia-Marchetti [[SM.92]]
 
* Savoia-Marchetti [[SM.92]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''other literature.''-->
  
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/56587-lockheed-p-38g-1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
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* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
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* [https://archive.org/details/PilotTrainingManualP38/page/n1/mode/2up/ AAF Manual 51-127-1 - Pilot Training Manual for the Lightning P-38]
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* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Lockheed}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Lockheed}}
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{{USA twin-engine fighters‎}}
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{{USA twin-engine fighters}}

Latest revision as of 18:52, 24 August 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the American twin-engine fighter P-38G-1. For other variants, see P-38 (Family).
P-38G-1
p-38g.png
GarageImage P-38G-1.jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/8/89/Cockpit_p-38g.jpg
P-38G-1
USA flag.png USA
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.7 3.3 3.7
Class:
Research:5 600 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The P-38G was a minor evolution of the P-38 and was also widely produced with over 1,000 aircraft built. The P-38G was largely the same aircraft as the P-38F except the G ran at higher boost settings as well as having improved radio equipment. The Allison V-1710-51 in the P-38G (F10R) runs at a slightly higher manifold pressure (47.5) compared to the engine in the P-38F (47.0). Unfortunately, due to cooling issues with the engines at higher altitudes, the power was significantly limited. A decent portion of P-38G’s were actually F-5A Lightnings that were unarmed and fitted with five cameras for reconnaissance duties. These received the same improvements found in the P-38G and were built along the same production lines.

The P-38G-1 Lightning was present at the beginning of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. It’s a significant improvement over the previous P-38. It features better engines, a lighter airframe, and the ability to use rockets. The P-38G is a fairly strong plane due to its low BR and excellent climb performance. Furthermore, all of the guns are mounted in the nose which greatly helps with quickly downing enemy aircraft. Unfortunately, the P-38G is still an early version of the P-38 family and lacks the dive brakes which help against compressibility. However, players should still be satisfied with the P-38G’s performance.


General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 8 229 m660 km/h
Turn time22 s
Max altitude12 192 m
EngineAllison V-1710-75
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight7 t

Despite being a heavy twin engine fighter the P-38G has good overall performance. Its level speed is comparable to many single engined fighters and faster than some of them. It can reach 550 km/h at the sea level and thanks to its superchargers the plane's maximum is speed is close to 660 km/h at 5,000 m altitude. The cruising speed remains constant up to 11,000 m altitude. That makes it a good medium and high altitude fighter and in most cases outperforms the opposition.

Acceleration in level flight is decent and when it starts diving it gets very good. However, it is required to keep an eye on the speed due to the low structural speed limit. Of course due to the plane's configuration it suffers a lot from high speed compression, which starts close to 0.70 Mach.

Climb rate is comparable to other American fighters. The plane is able to reach 5,000 m in 4 minutes and 40 seconds which is quite mediocre. Its climb rate at 1,000 m is close to 18 m/s but, again thanks to the supercharger, it will not suffer so much at high altitude. When climbing from 5,000 m alt to 9,000 m alt it will outperform most of other fighters.

The P-38G's turn rate is quite good but depends a lot on its Fowler flaps. They do increase the lift significantly but at the cost of a proportional increase in drag too. Sustained turn rate is quite good, better than in almost every other heavy twin engined fighter but in most cases only comparable or worse to other single engined fighters. On the other hand the instantaneous turn rate especially with deployed flaps is very good and can help a lot with getting the guns on the target and high deflection shooting.

The other issue is its roll rate, at best it reaches 70 degrees per second at 400 km/h.

The way the Lighting's engines are mirrored in turn direction makes it so the pilot does not need to worry about the propeller torque effect as the propellers on one side negate the effect of the other. Furthermore, the plane doesn't require any trimming except for some elevator adjustments to fly in a straight line.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 8,229 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 634 616 12192 23.1 24.0 14.6 14.6 380
Upgraded 687 660 20.9 22.0 22.4 18.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
790 289 565 495 250 ~9 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 380 < 460 < 500 > 420
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
5,800 m 2,620 hp 3,010 hp

Engine performance

Engine
Engine Name Number present
Allison V-1710-51 12-cylinder 2
Engine characteristics
Weight (each) Type Cooling
610 kg Inline Water
Engine power (Stock)
Mode Max Take-off
Arcade 1,084 hp 1,350 hp
Realistic/Simulator 1,072 hp 1,200 hp
Engine power (Upgraded)
Mode Max Take-off
Arcade 1,264 hp 1,531 hp
Realistic/Simulator 1,252 hp 1,380 hp
WEP Duration
Arcade Realistic/Simulator
25 seconds Infinite

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural790 km/h
Gear289 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit top front.
  • 6.5 mm Steel plates in the nose.
  • 6.5 mm Steel plates in pilot's seat.
  • 9.5 mm Steel plate in pilot's headrest.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB629 → 800 Sl icon.png
RB1 333 → 1 696 Sl icon.png
SB2 028 → 2 581 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications10 310 Rp icon.png
13 670 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost750 Ge icon.png
Crew training6 300 Sl icon.png
Experts22 000 Sl icon.png
Aces250 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 100 / 200 % Sl icon.png
124 / 124 / 124 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
910 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
910 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
780 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
780 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
910 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Research:
780 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
anm2_belt_pack
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Rocket Launcher M10
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
anm2_new_gun
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 120 mm AN/M2 cannon
Ammunition150 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Weapon 24 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main articles: AN/M2 (20 mm), M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The P-38G-1 is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannon, nose-mounted (150 rpg)
  • 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 2,000 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (1)
Setup 16 x M8 rocket
Main article: M8

The P-38G-1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 6 x M8 rockets

Usage in battles

The P-38G-1 is a medium- and high-altitude fighter which excels in anti-bomber roles and when working with teammates to destroy enemy fighters. Its manoeuvrability is unsurprisingly worse than that of single-engine fighters, but is quite good compared to that of other heavy fighters. The plane excels in a boom and zoom roll, where its powerful armament and good energy retention are brought into the spotlight.

In a turning engagement, the P-38 fares better than most other heavy fighters. When engaging its flaps, it can turn surprisingly well; however, these flaps bleed a considerable amount of airspeed, and sustained turning is unadvisable in most scenarios. Most single-engine fighters will be able to outturn the P-38. All of this means that engaging in furballs is unwise. It is usually better to boom and zoom, going in and out of the dogfight while evading enemy fire.

If there is an enemy on the P-38's tail it is best to dive away, utilising the plane's great acceleration; or to fly towards teammates. The P-38's lack of manoeuvrability compared to single-engine fighters means that attempting a rolling scissors or other type of reversal is often very difficult. Indeed, the plane suffers especially from a poor roll rate, which although excellent for a plane of this size, is not comparable to that of planes such as the Fw 190.

With a 20 mm cannon and four machine guns located in its nose, the P-38G-1 has formidable firepower. This can be used to destroy enemy bombers to great effect (the P-38 finds much success in a bomber-hunting role), and to easily destroy lightly armoured ground targets. Smaller enemy planes such as single-engine fighters are especially easy to take down.

In ground realistic battles, this plane can be used reasonably well to destroy ground targets and ensure air superiority. With 6 rockets and nose-mounted guns, the P-38 can destroy lightly-armoured and open-top vehicles easily, and also engage some more heavily-defended targets.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Auto control available 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good top speed
  • Good dive acceleration
  • Nose-mounted weaponry is powerful, accurate and good in head-ons
  • Excellent roll rate
  • Great climb rate
  • Extremely stable in terms of torque
  • Turns well at high speeds
  • Has a great ammunition reserve for its machine guns
  • Cannon has a respectable ammunition reserve of 150 rounds

Cons:

  • Large aircraft and thus an easy target
  • Prone to elevator damage
  • Low dive speed limit
  • Controls will stiffen around 560 km/h (350 mph)
  • Cannon inaccurate without "New 20 mm cannon" upgrade
  • Susceptible to catching fire

History

The P-38 was an all-metal, three-wheeled, single-seater, twin-engined monoplane fighter with an aerodynamic design rarely seen in World War II.

An experimental XP-38 (Model 22) was first flown on January 27, 1938. Production began in June of 1941.

The G variant was created at the end of 1942 and was based on the E and F variants. The G had a more powerful turbocharged Allison V-1710-51/55 engine and benefited from more automated engine management. The G model had lighter weight and handling characteristics compared to the later J and L models, and was therefore favoured by some of the more experienced pilots despite accumulated age and wear in theatre.

The armament suite was formidable and consisted of a 20 mm Hispano AN/M2 cannon with 150 rounds and four 12.7 mm Colt-Browning M2 machine guns with 500 rounds apiece. The fuselage of the F and G models was reinforced, and the operating manual allows for the carry of two extra 300-gallon (1,136-litre) fuel tanks, or up to 1,100 lbs of external ordnance. However, in-theatre operational requirements often dictated the need for heavier ordnance, and it was not uncommon for 2 x 1,000 bombs to be hung on the racks. Field modifications allowed additional external ordnance to be loaded, including 2 x M10 triple-tube rocket launchers, or installation of outer wing pylons allowing 4 x 500 lb bombs to be carried outboard of the engines (two bombs per pylon) - thereby allowing long-range drop tanks to be carried simultaneously on the standard inner-wing racks.

One of the P-38's unique characteristics was its incredibly long range, especially for a fighter - a trait which made it ideally suited to bomber escort, intruder patrols, and long-range strikes, such as the famous "shuttle missions" over Germany to Ukraine. Perhaps the most exceptional display of the P-38G's capabilities was Operation Vengeance - a war-changing mission to kill the Imperial Japanese Navy's brilliant naval strategist and mastermind of the Pearl Harbor attack, Admiral Isokoru Yamamoto. The highly-secret 18 April 1943 interception successfully brought down two G4M1 bombers - one transporting Adm. Yamamoto, the other carrying his chief of staff. Despite the mission's success, the U.S. kept the operation a state-secret for some 35 years in order to protect the intelligence sources and methods used to plan the operation.

The P-38 was widely used by the Army Air Force (USAAF) in all theatres and was the plane used by the United States' top aces: Richard Ira Bong (40 kills) and Thomas McGuire (38 kills). Other noteworthy aces of early P-38s include Jack Ilfrey and Dixie Sloan of the Mediterranean Theater; Robin Olds and John Lowell of the European Theater; Charles McDonald, Gerald Johnson and numerous others in the Pacific Theater. George Welch, famed for his exploits in a P-40 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor also became a P-38 ace of 12 kills. In addition, the famed 'Lone Eagle', Charles Lindbergh, splashed a Ki-46 at the controls of a P-38 while on a visit with the 475 FG in the South Pacific.

From 1942 to 1943, Lockheed built 1,462 P-38Gs. Whether out of preference, or sheer necessity, some F and G models served in theatre as late as 1945. They were finally decommissioned in 1949.


Archive of the in-game description

The P-38 was an all-metal, three-wheeled, single-seater, twin-engined monoplane fighter with an aerodynamic design rarely seen in World War II.

An experimental XP-38 (Model 22) was first flown on January 27, 1938. Production began in June of 1941.

The G variant was created at the end of 1942 and was based on the E and F variants. The G had a more powerful turbocharged Allison V-1710-51/55 engine. Engine management was significantly more automated than before.

The plane carried a formidable armament consisting of 20 mm Hispano AN/M2 cannons with 150 rounds and four 12.7 mm Colt-Browning M2 .50 cal machine guns with 300 rounds apiece. The P-38G had a reinforced fuselage and could carry two extra 300 gallons (1136 litres) fuel tanks. The G was not equipped to carry rockets and bombs, but was often modified on the field to carry 250 lb or even 500 lb bombs as well as unguided rockets.

The P-38G was widely used by the Army Air Force (USAAF) in all theaters of the war. They were often used for shuttle missions over Germany from the airfields of Ukraine. The best known operation in which the P-38G participated was Operation Lightning, which changed the war in the Pacific. The mission, which was flown on April 18, 1943, intercepted and shot down a Japanese G4M1 bomber with Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto on board. In addition, the P-38 was the plane of choice of the two most successful American aces: Richard Ira Bong (40 kills) and Thomas McGuire (38 kills).

From 1942 to 1943, Lockheed built 1,462 P-38Gs. They were decommissioned in 1949.


Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #155 - Pages of History section at 04:53 discusses the P-38 Lightning.

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
  • Northrop P-61 Black Widow
  • Savoia-Marchetti SM.92

External links


Lockheed Corporation
Fighters  XP-38G · P-38E · P-38G-1 · P-38J-15 · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38K · P-38L-5-LO · YP-38
Bombers  B-34 · PV-2D
Jet Fighters  F-80A-5 · F-80C-10
  F-104A · F-104C
Strike Aircraft  F-117
Export / License  A-29 · ▄Hudson Mk V
  ␗P-38L-1
  ␗F-104A · ▀F-104G · ␗F-104G · ▄F-104G · ▅F-104J · ▄F-104S
  The Lockheed Corporation merged with Martin Marietta Corporation in 1995 to form Lockheed Martin Corporation.
See Also  SABCA · Mitsubishi Heavy Industries · Fiat Aviation

USA twin-engine fighters
P-38  XP-38G · P-38E · P-38G-1 · P-38J-15 · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38L-5-LO · P-38K · YP-38
P-61  P-61A-11 · P-61C-1
F7F  F7F-1 · F7F-3
Other  XF5F · XP-50 · F-82E

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