Difference between revisions of "P-38J-15"
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{{About | {{About | ||
| about = American twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | | about = American twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
| Line 10: | Line 6: | ||
| usage-2 = other variants | | usage-2 = other variants | ||
| link-2 = P-38 (Family) | | link-2 = P-38 (Family) | ||
| + | }} | ||
| + | {{Specs-Card | ||
| + | |code=p-38j | ||
| + | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}} | ||
| + | |cockpit=cockpit_p-38j.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.'' --> | ||
| − | + | Throughout the many P-38 Lightning variants, one thing rarely changed, the engine nacelles. With the P-38J, also known as Model 422, the engine nacelles and cooling system was revised. Much of the cooling system was improved, such as a different intercooler and other airframe changes that greatly improved the ability to control the turbochargers. Although the P-38J had the same engine (V-1719-89/91) as the earlier P-38H, the better cooling allowed the P-38J to run at a higher power setting at high altitudes. The power increased by about 13%. The specific J-15 block had a better electrical system but was virtually the same as the earlier P-38J blocks. | |
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| + | Introduced in [[Update 1.53 "Firestorm"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a decent twin-engine fighter. The P-38J with its relatively good climb rate and air spawn, can easily climb above many fighters at its battle rating. Players should climb at about 275 km/h (173 mph) IAS for the best climb performance. The P-38J also has the same armament as many of the other Lightnings with four 12.7 mm machine guns and one 20 mm cannon all mounted in the nose. Although the P-38J has a structural limit of 790 km/h (493 mph), players should be cautious of going too fast as the high-speed compression issue wasn't solved at the time. This can make it hard to get guns on target or worse, slam into the ground. In addition, the P-38J can take bombs and rockets, but players should stick to attacking enemy aircraft. Overall, the P-38J is quite a good aircraft with some quirks. | ||
== General info == | == General info == | ||
=== Flight performance === | === 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.'' | + | {{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.'' --> | ||
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%" |
| − | + | ! rowspan="2" | Characteristics | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | ! | ||
| − | |||
! 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<br>( | + | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres) |
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ||
| − | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>( | + | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second) |
| − | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>( | + | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres) |
|- | |- | ||
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB | ! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | 669 || 651 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.6 || 23.4 || 15.9 || 15.9 || 332 | + | ! Stock |
| + | | 669 || 651 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.6 || 23.4 || 15.9 || 15.9 || rowspan="2" | 332 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! | + | ! Upgraded |
| − | + | | 721 || 693 || 20.4 || 21.5 || 24.3 || 19.6 | |
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| − | | 721 || 693 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
==== Details ==== | ==== Details ==== | ||
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="5" | Features | ! colspan="5" | Features | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! Combat flaps | + | ! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear |
| − | ! Take-off flaps | ||
| − | ! Landing flaps | ||
| − | ! Air brakes | ||
| − | ! Arrestor gear | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X <!-- ✓ --> | | ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X <!-- ✓ --> | ||
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|} | |} | ||
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" |
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="7" | Limits |
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! rowspan="2" | | + | ! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h) |
| − | ! rowspan="2" | Gear | + | ! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h) |
| − | ! | + | ! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h) |
! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! + | + | ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - |
| − | ! - | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | |{{Specs| | + | | {{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 | + | ! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator |
| − | ! Rudder | ||
| − | ! Elevators | ||
| − | ! Radiator | ||
|- | |- | ||
| < 380 || < 460 || < 500 || > 420 | | < 380 || < 460 || < 500 || > 420 | ||
| Line 113: | Line 92: | ||
=== 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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* 9.8 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest | * 9.8 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest | ||
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen | * 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen | ||
| + | |||
| + | === 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 | + | {{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 | + | * 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|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|M8}} | {{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|M8}} | ||
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== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
| − | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in | + | <!-- ''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).'' --> |
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. | ||
| − | Once these steps have been ticked | + | 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. | 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. | ||
| Line 163: | Line 149: | ||
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | ! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! Oil | + | ! Oil !! Water !! Type |
| − | ! Water | ||
| − | ! Type | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not 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 | ||
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'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
| − | * Excellent speed | + | * Excellent speed and climb rate |
| − | * Incredible energy retention | + | * Incredible energy retention, great for [[Boom & Zoom]] |
| − | |||
| − | |||
* Very powerful armament, great for bomber hunting | * Very powerful armament, great for bomber hunting | ||
| − | * Nose mounted armament | + | * Nose-mounted armament, no need for gun convergence |
* Multiple armament presets; allows it to function as a ground attack and/or air superiority fighter | * Multiple armament presets; allows it to function as a ground attack and/or air superiority fighter | ||
* Good roll and turn time | * Good roll and turn time | ||
* Good overall visibility in simulator matches | * Good overall visibility in simulator matches | ||
| − | |||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
| Line 230: | Line 174: | ||
* Unable to dive to put fires out without breaking wings | * Unable to dive to put fires out without breaking wings | ||
* Easy to rip wings in dives; no airbrakes installed unlike the [[P-38L-5-LO|P-38L]] | * Easy to rip wings in dives; no airbrakes installed unlike the [[P-38L-5-LO|P-38L]] | ||
| − | |||
* Low cannon ammunition amount compared to other planes at the rank. | * Low cannon ammunition amount compared to other planes at the rank. | ||
== 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 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).'' --> | + | <!-- ''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 | + | 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 could act as a high-altitude interceptor that could 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 these 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 can fire at a longer distance accurately than wing-mounts. |
===P-38J=== | ===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 | + | 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 damage. 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 were hydraulically boosted ailerons and flat bullet-proof windscreens. 2970 P-38Js were built during its production period. |
===Combat usage=== | ===Combat usage=== | ||
| Line 245: | Line 188: | ||
===Survivors=== | ===Survivors=== | ||
| − | Unfortunately, it is estimated that only five P- | + | Unfortunately, it is estimated that only five P-38Js survive to this day. Only two of them are still airworthy. |
| + | |||
| + | === Notable pilots === | ||
| + | <gallery mode="packed" heights="300"> | ||
| + | File:Richard_Bong_portrait.jpg|link=User:U64962917#Bong,_Richard_I.|Major [[User:U64962917#Bong, Richard I.|Richard Bong]]'s infamous fighter with the ''Marge'' nose-art was a {{PAGENAME}}. Bong became the top U.S. ace of W.W. II after 40 confirmed victories (and a possible 8 more). | ||
| + | File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|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. | ||
| + | </gallery> | ||
== 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.'' --> |
| − | + | ;Skins | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-38j Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ;Videos | |
| − | + | {{Youtube-gallery|Ru7TKQXZQGs|'''The Shooting Range #297''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:39 discusses Robin Olds, P-38 ace.}} | |
== See also == | == See also == | ||
| − | <!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | + | <!-- ''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;'' | * ''reference to the series of the aircraft;'' | ||
| − | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''--> | + | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> |
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era | ;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era | ||
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* Northrop [[P-61C-1|P-61]] Black Widow | * Northrop [[P-61C-1|P-61]] Black Widow | ||
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* Savoia-Marchetti [[SM.92]] | * Savoia-Marchetti [[SM.92]] | ||
| − | + | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
| − | ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | + | <!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' |
| + | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
| + | * ''other literature.''--> | ||
| − | * | + | * [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/272428-lockheed-p-38j-15/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance] |
| − | * | + | * [https://archive.org/details/PilotTrainingManualP38/page/n1/mode/2up/ AAF Manual 51-127-1 - Pilot Training Manual for the Lightning P-38] |
| − | |||
{{AirManufacturer Lockheed}} | {{AirManufacturer Lockheed}} | ||
{{USA twin-engine fighters}} | {{USA twin-engine fighters}} | ||
Latest revision as of 12:36, 27 March 2024
| This page is about the American twin-engine fighter P-38J-15. For the premium version, see Bong's P-38J-15. For other variants, see P-38 (Family). |
P-38J-15
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/2/27/Cockpit_p-38j.jpg
Contents
Description
Throughout the many P-38 Lightning variants, one thing rarely changed, the engine nacelles. With the P-38J, also known as Model 422, the engine nacelles and cooling system was revised. Much of the cooling system was improved, such as a different intercooler and other airframe changes that greatly improved the ability to control the turbochargers. Although the P-38J had the same engine (V-1719-89/91) as the earlier P-38H, the better cooling allowed the P-38J to run at a higher power setting at high altitudes. The power increased by about 13%. The specific J-15 block had a better electrical system but was virtually the same as the earlier P-38J blocks.
Introduced in Update 1.53 "Firestorm", the P-38J-15 Lightning is a decent twin-engine fighter. The P-38J with its relatively good climb rate and air spawn, can easily climb above many fighters at its battle rating. Players should climb at about 275 km/h (173 mph) IAS for the best climb performance. The P-38J also has the same armament as many of the other Lightnings with four 12.7 mm machine guns and one 20 mm cannon all mounted in the nose. Although the P-38J has a structural limit of 790 km/h (493 mph), players should be cautious of going too fast as the high-speed compression issue wasn't solved at the time. This can make it hard to get guns on target or worse, slam into the ground. In addition, the P-38J can take bombs and rockets, but players should stick to attacking enemy aircraft. Overall, the P-38J is quite a good aircraft with some quirks.
General info
Flight performance
Max speed
at 7 921 m693 km/h
Turn time21 s
Max altitude12 192 m
EngineAllison V-1710-91
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight9 t
| Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 7,921 m) |
Max altitude (metres) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (metres/second) |
Take-off run (metres) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | |||
| Stock | 669 | 651 | 12192 | 22.6 | 23.4 | 15.9 | 15.9 | 332 |
| Upgraded | 721 | 693 | 20.4 | 21.5 | 24.3 | 19.6 | ||
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 |
| 7,500 m | 1,290 hp | 1,416 hp |
Survivability and armour
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural790 km/h
Gear289 km/h
- 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
Modifications and economy
Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 752 → 2 345 
RB4 046 → 5 417
SB5 764 → 7 717
Total cost of modifications40 500 
78 000
Talisman cost1 400 
Crew training45 000
Experts155 000
Aces820
Research Aces440 000
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
80 / 200 / 420 %
160 / 160 / 160 %
| Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
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 M2 Browning 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 |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent speed and climb rate
- Incredible energy retention, great for Boom & Zoom
- Very powerful armament, great for bomber hunting
- Nose-mounted armament, no need for gun convergence
- 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
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
- 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 could act as a high-altitude interceptor that could 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 these 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 can 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 damage. 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 were hydraulically boosted ailerons and flat bullet-proof windscreens. 2970 P-38Js 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-38Js survive to this day. Only two of them are still airworthy.
Notable pilots
Major Richard Bong's infamous fighter with the Marge nose-art was a P-38J-15. Bong became the top U.S. ace of W.W. II after 40 confirmed victories (and a possible 8 more).
United States ace pilot Robin Olds, the only pilot to become an ace in a P-38 and P-51 during World War II.
Media
- Skins
- Videos
The Shooting Range #297 - Pages of History section at 04:39 discusses Robin Olds, P-38 ace.
See also
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
External links
- Official data sheet - more details about the performance
- AAF Manual 51-127-1 - Pilot Training Manual for the Lightning P-38
| 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 |
