Difference between revisions of "P-38J-15"
(Edits.) |
(Updated as of 1.89.1.103) |
||
Line 5: | Line 5: | ||
{{About | {{About | ||
| about = American twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | | about = American twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
− | | usage = other | + | | other |
− | | link = P-38 (Family) | + | | usage-1 = the premium version |
+ | | link-1 = Bong's P-38J-15 | ||
+ | | usage-2 = other versions | ||
+ | | link-2 = P-38 (Family) | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 13: | Line 16: | ||
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]] | [[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]] | ||
{{break}} | {{break}} | ||
− | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American | + | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in Update 1.53 "Firestorm" |
+ | |||
+ | The P-38J is a sleekly designed, two-engine monoplane made by Lockheed. This plane has a top speed of 431 mph (694 km/h) and a V<sub>NE</sub> of 460 mph (740 km/h). Its main armament consists of 1 x AN/M2 20 mm cannon and 4 x 12.7 mm [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning machine guns]]. With upgrades, the Lightning can function as a multi-role fighter with bazooka rockets or bombs to help lead your team to victory, both in the air and on the ground. | ||
− | |||
== General info == | == General info == | ||
− | === Flight | + | === Flight performance === |
− | + | ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' | |
+ | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 31: | Line 36: | ||
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters) | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters) | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! AB | + | ! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB |
− | ! RB | ||
− | ! AB | ||
− | ! RB | ||
− | ! AB | ||
− | ! RB | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | | 669 || 651 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.6 || 23.4 || 15.9 || 15.9 || 332 |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded'' | ! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,921 m) | ! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,921 m) | ||
− | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters) | + | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters) |
− | ! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds) | + | ! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) |
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second) | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second) | ||
− | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters) | + | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters) |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! AB | + | ! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB |
− | ! RB | ||
− | ! AB | ||
− | ! RB | ||
− | ! AB | ||
− | ! RB | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | | 721 || 693 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.4 || 21.5 || 24.3 || 19.6 || 332 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | ====Details==== | + | ==== Details ==== |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="5" | Features | ! colspan="5" | Features | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Combat | + | ! Combat flaps |
− | ! Take-off | + | ! Take-off flaps |
− | ! Landing | + | ! Landing flaps |
! Air brakes | ! Air brakes | ||
! Arrestor gear | ! Arrestor gear | ||
Line 80: | Line 75: | ||
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h) | ! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h) | ||
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h) | ! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h) | ||
− | ! rowspan="2" | Combat | + | ! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h) |
! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 86: | Line 81: | ||
! - | ! - | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | | {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 620 || ~9 || ~4 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 99: | Line 94: | ||
! Radiator<br>(km/h) | ! Radiator<br>(km/h) | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | < | + | | < 380 || < 460 || < 500 || > 420 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 113: | Line 108: | ||
! WEP Engine power | ! WEP Engine power | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | 7,500 m || | + | | 7,500 m || 1,290 hp || 1,416 hp |
|- | |- | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
|} | |} | ||
Line 147: | Line 126: | ||
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 M2 | + | * 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 2,000 total) |
=== Suspended armament === | === Suspended armament === | ||
Line 153: | Line 132: | ||
{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|M8}} | {{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|M8}} | ||
− | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following | + | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: |
* Without load | * Without load | ||
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total) | * 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total) | ||
Line 159: | Line 138: | ||
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
− | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using | + | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an 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).'' --> |
When playing the P-38J, climb to a high altitude, search for the enemy, and then pick an enemy you feel confident in engaging. | When playing the P-38J, climb to a high altitude, search for the enemy, and then pick an enemy you feel confident in engaging. | ||
Line 170: | Line 149: | ||
Once the enemy ground units have been destroyed or you run out of external ordnance, you can use the Lightning to help maintain air superiority. This will help you secure that much-wanted victory. | Once the enemy ground units have been destroyed or you run out of external ordnance, you can use the Lightning to help maintain air superiority. This will help you secure that much-wanted victory. | ||
− | ===Manual Engine Control=== | + | === Manual Engine Control === |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 185: | Line 164: | ||
! Type | ! Type | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | Controllable || | + | | Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | ===Modules=== | + | === Modules === |
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
− | ! | + | ! Tier |
! colspan="2" | Flight performance | ! colspan="2" | Flight performance | ||
− | ! | + | ! Survivability |
! colspan="2" | Weaponry | ! colspan="2" | Weaponry | ||
|- | |- | ||
| I | | I | ||
− | | Fuselage | + | | Fuselage repair |
| Radiator | | Radiator | ||
| | | | ||
Line 211: | Line 190: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| III | | III | ||
− | | Wings | + | | Wings repair |
| Engine | | Engine | ||
| | | | ||
Line 218: | Line 197: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| IV | | IV | ||
− | | G- | + | | G-suit |
− | | Engine | + | | Engine injection |
| Cover | | Cover | ||
− | | New 20 mm | + | | New 20 mm cannons |
| Rocket Launcher M10 | | Rocket Launcher M10 | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 227: | Line 206: | ||
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
− | <!-- '' | + | <!-- ''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".'' --> |
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
Line 249: | Line 228: | ||
== 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 | + | <!-- ''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).'' --> |
===Development=== | ===Development=== | ||
The concept of the plane was made in February 1937 when the US Army Air Corps made a requirement for a plane that had twin-engine and can act as a high-altitude interceptor that can hold a large amount of armament and ammunition. The term "interceptor" was used for the aircraft by the requirement authors, 1st Lt Benjamin S. Kelsey and Gordon P. Saville, to bypass the Air Corps' strict requirements on aircraft designs at the time. The specifications laid by this new requirements also called for a maximum speed of 360 mph (580 km/h) and able to climb to 20,000 ft altitude in six minutes, making it the toughest specifications at the time. Design proposals were made for the specifications, one of which would become the [[P-39N-0|Bell P-39 Airacobra]], but it was the Lockheed design team headed by Hall Hibbard and Clarence "Kelly" Johnson that made the final product. They made many designs with a twin-engine configuration. The prototypes made for the design used a twin-boom design to hold all the components of the aircraft. Various armaments were tested on the aircraft, from different machine gun combinations and autocannons. It was finally settled to four x M2 .50 cal machine guns and one Hispano 20 mm autocannon. The aircraft armament configurations, all at the nose of the aircraft, was very unusual for American aircraft design, as most of their designs and those of their foreign contemporaries had the armament mounted on the wings angled forward. Because of this mounting, the aircraft is able to fire at a longer distance accurately than wing-mounts. | The concept of the plane was made in February 1937 when the US Army Air Corps made a requirement for a plane that had twin-engine and can act as a high-altitude interceptor that can hold a large amount of armament and ammunition. The term "interceptor" was used for the aircraft by the requirement authors, 1st Lt Benjamin S. Kelsey and Gordon P. Saville, to bypass the Air Corps' strict requirements on aircraft designs at the time. The specifications laid by this new requirements also called for a maximum speed of 360 mph (580 km/h) and able to climb to 20,000 ft altitude in six minutes, making it the toughest specifications at the time. Design proposals were made for the specifications, one of which would become the [[P-39N-0|Bell P-39 Airacobra]], but it was the Lockheed design team headed by Hall Hibbard and Clarence "Kelly" Johnson that made the final product. They made many designs with a twin-engine configuration. The prototypes made for the design used a twin-boom design to hold all the components of the aircraft. Various armaments were tested on the aircraft, from different machine gun combinations and autocannons. It was finally settled to four x M2 .50 cal machine guns and one Hispano 20 mm autocannon. The aircraft armament configurations, all at the nose of the aircraft, was very unusual for American aircraft design, as most of their designs and those of their foreign contemporaries had the armament mounted on the wings angled forward. Because of this mounting, the aircraft is able to fire at a longer distance accurately than wing-mounts. | ||
Line 263: | Line 242: | ||
=== Notable pilots === | === Notable pilots === | ||
− | + | <div><ul> | |
− | <div><ul> | ||
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|250px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|United States ace pilot [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]], the only pilot to become an ace in a '''P-38''' and '''P-51''' during World War II.]] </li><!-- | <li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|250px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|United States ace pilot [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]], the only pilot to become an ace in a '''P-38''' and '''P-51''' during World War II.]] </li><!-- | ||
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:X.jpg|thumb|none|250px|"Image Description"]] </li> | <li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:X.jpg|thumb|none|250px|"Image Description"]] </li> |
Revision as of 18:59, 12 July 2019
Contents
This page is about the American twin-engine fighter P-38J-15. For the premium version, see Bong's P-38J-15. For other versions, see P-38 (Family). |
Description
The P-38J-15 Lightning is a rank III American twin-engine fighter
with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB/SB) and 4.3 (RB). It was introduced in Update 1.53 "Firestorm"
The P-38J is a sleekly designed, two-engine monoplane made by Lockheed. This plane has a top speed of 431 mph (694 km/h) and a VNE of 460 mph (740 km/h). Its main armament consists of 1 x AN/M2 20 mm cannon and 4 x 12.7 mm Browning machine guns. With upgrades, the Lightning can function as a multi-role fighter with bazooka rockets or bombs to help lead your team to victory, both in the air and on the ground.
General info
Flight performance
Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.
Characteristics | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stock | |||||||
Max Speed (km/h at 7,921 m) |
Max altitude (meters) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (meters/second) |
Take-off run (meters) | |||
AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | ||
669 | 651 | 12192 | 22.6 | 23.4 | 15.9 | 15.9 | 332 |
Upgraded | |||||||
Max Speed (km/h at 7,921 m) |
Max altitude (meters) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (meters/second) |
Take-off run (meters) | |||
AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | ||
721 | 693 | 12192 | 20.4 | 21.5 | 24.3 | 19.6 | 332 |
Details
Features | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Combat flaps | Take-off flaps | Landing flaps | Air brakes | Arrestor gear |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | X |
Limits | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Wing-break speed (km/h) |
Gear limit (km/h) |
Combat flaps (km/h) |
Max Static G | |
+ | - | |||
620 | ~9 | ~4 |
Optimal velocities | |||
---|---|---|---|
Ailerons (km/h) |
Rudder (km/h) |
Elevators (km/h) |
Radiator (km/h) |
< 380 | < 460 | < 500 | > 420 |
Compressor (RB/SB) | ||
---|---|---|
Setting 1 | ||
Optimal altitude | 100% Engine power | WEP Engine power |
7,500 m | 1,290 hp | 1,416 hp |
Survivability and armour
- 6.5 mm Steel - Fore cockpit plating
- 6.5 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
- 9.8 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
- 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen
Armaments
Offensive armament
The P-38J-15 is armed with:
- 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)
Suspended armament
The P-38J-15 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- Without load
- 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
- 6 x M8 rockets
Usage in battles
When playing the P-38J, climb to a high altitude, search for the enemy, and then pick an enemy you feel confident in engaging.
Once these steps have been ticked-off, assuming you are above the enemy target, put the Lightning into a gradual descent. This allows you to maintain a speed advantage. As you are descending, make small course corrections, so you don't give the element of surprise away by shooting too soon, overshooting or being within view. When you are about 1-2 seconds away from your target, line your sights up and fire a short burst with your cannon and machine guns. Your target should now be heavily damaged or shot down. If you fail to damage your target, climb back up above using your energy advantage and repeat or move on.
Ground Battles
Using the Lightning in ground forces (RB) is very effective once you have unlocked the appropriate modules. FMBC Mk.1 allows you to equip 2 x 500 lb bombs, which are mounted under your wings. To help get the bombs on target, put the plane into a steep dive. As you near the ground, drop the bombs then pull up. Make sure you either pull up with altitude to spare or have a timed fuse to avoid crashing or blowing yourself up. The M10 Bazooka module allows you to equip your P-38J with 2 triple Bazooka launchers. These are attached to the lower nose panel and are very accurate. These are ideal for destroying tanks and bunkers.
Once the enemy ground units have been destroyed or you run out of external ordnance, you can use the Lightning to help maintain air superiority. This will help you secure that much-wanted victory.
Manual Engine Control
MEC elements | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mixer | Pitch | Radiator | Supercharger | Turbocharger | ||
Oil | Water | Type | ||||
Controllable | Controllable Auto control available |
Controllable Auto control available |
Controllable Auto control available |
Separate | Not controllable 1 gear |
Not controllable |
Modules
Tier | Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
I | Fuselage repair | Radiator | Offensive 12 mm | ||
II | Compressor | Airframe | New 12 mm MGs | FMBC mk.1 | |
III | Wings repair | Engine | Offensive 20 mm | ||
IV | G-suit | Engine injection | Cover | New 20 mm cannons | Rocket Launcher M10 |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent speed
- Excellent acceleration
- Excellent climb rate
- Very powerful armament, great for bomber hunting
- Nose mounted armament allows it to have the great and fearsome head-on capability
- Multiple armament presets; allows it to function as a ground attack and/or air superiority fighter
- Good roll and turn time
- Good overall visibility in simulator matches
- Great air superiority aircraft
Cons:
- Fuel tanks catch on fire easily
- Low initial roll rate
- Unable to dive to put fires out without breaking wings
- Easy to rip wings in dives; no airbrakes installed unlike the P-38L
- Easy to black-out if your crew's G-Tolerance and Stamina are low
- Low cannon ammunition amount compared to other planes at the rank
History
Development
The concept of the plane was made in February 1937 when the US Army Air Corps made a requirement for a plane that had twin-engine and can act as a high-altitude interceptor that can hold a large amount of armament and ammunition. The term "interceptor" was used for the aircraft by the requirement authors, 1st Lt Benjamin S. Kelsey and Gordon P. Saville, to bypass the Air Corps' strict requirements on aircraft designs at the time. The specifications laid by this new requirements also called for a maximum speed of 360 mph (580 km/h) and able to climb to 20,000 ft altitude in six minutes, making it the toughest specifications at the time. Design proposals were made for the specifications, one of which would become the Bell P-39 Airacobra, but it was the Lockheed design team headed by Hall Hibbard and Clarence "Kelly" Johnson that made the final product. They made many designs with a twin-engine configuration. The prototypes made for the design used a twin-boom design to hold all the components of the aircraft. Various armaments were tested on the aircraft, from different machine gun combinations and autocannons. It was finally settled to four x M2 .50 cal machine guns and one Hispano 20 mm autocannon. The aircraft armament configurations, all at the nose of the aircraft, was very unusual for American aircraft design, as most of their designs and those of their foreign contemporaries had the armament mounted on the wings angled forward. Because of this mounting, the aircraft is able to fire at a longer distance accurately than wing-mounts.
P-38J
The P-38J model of the series was introduced into service in August 1943. Its distinctive form is the movement of the turbo-supercharger intercooler system from the leading edges of the wings to in between the oil coolers of the engine to protect them from combat damages. Thus, the J models of P-38s have a distinctive "chin" in the engine design. The empty spaces on the wing now made room for fuel tanks for an additional 55 gallons of fuel when installed. Other improvements in the P-38J's was a hydraulically boosted ailerons and flat bullet-proof windscreens. 2970 P-38J's were built during its production period.
Combat usage
The P-38 performed very well in the Pacific and European theatres during World War II. They were used in roles such as bomber and transport escorts, performing reconnaissance, Combat Air Patrols, ground attack, Search and Rescue and other important and critical roles.
Survivors
Unfortunately, it is estimated that only five P-38J's survive to this day. Only two of them are still airworthy.
Notable pilots
Media
Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.
See also
Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:
- reference to the series of the aircraft;
- links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.
External links
Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
- topic on the official game forum;
- encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
- other literature.
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 |