Difference between revisions of "XP-38G"

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{{About
 +
| about = American premium twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = P-38 (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
−
|code = p-38g_metal
+
|code=p-38g_metal
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|store = 3298
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
|cockpit=cockpit_p-38g_metal.jpg
 
|cockpit=cockpit_p-38g_metal.jpg
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}}
 
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{{About
 
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| about = American premium twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
| other
 
−
| usage-1 = the production version
 
−
| link-1 = P-38G-1
 
−
| usage-2 = other variants
 
−
| link-2 = P-38 (Family)
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. It was available in the Gaijin Store until it was replaced by the [[YP-38]] in [[Update "Raining Fire"]].
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{{Break}}
 
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. It was available to be bought at the Gaijin Store in the "USA Pacific Campaign (1941-1942)" pack, until it was replaced by the [[YP-38]] in [[Update "Raining Fire"]].
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{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 XP-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 speed is close to 660 km/h at 5,000 meter altitude and it doesn't drop or increase up to 11,000 m, that makes it a good medium and high altitude fighter and, in most cases, outperforms the opposition.
+
Despite being a heavy twin engine fighter, the XP-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 speed is close to 660 km/h at 5,000 m altitude and it doesn't drop or increase up to 11,000 m, that makes it a good medium and high altitude fighter and, in most cases, outperforms the opposition.
  
 
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 other fighters. Acceleration in level flight is decent and when it starts diving it gets very good. It is required to keep an eye on the speed because the maximum structural speed limit is low in this plane compared to how fast it can accelerate.
 
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 other fighters. Acceleration in level flight is decent and when it starts diving it gets very good. It is required to keep an eye on the speed because the maximum structural speed limit is low in this plane compared to how fast it can accelerate.
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The XP-38G's turn rate is quite good but depends a lot on its Fowler flaps, they do increase the lift a lot but the 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 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 for high deflection shooting. Of course, due to the plane's configuration, it suffers a lot from high speed compression, which starts close to 0.70 Mach. 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 set makes it so the pilot does not need to worry about the propeller torque effect, so the plane doesn't require any trimming except for some elevator adjustments to fly in a straight line.
 
The XP-38G's turn rate is quite good but depends a lot on its Fowler flaps, they do increase the lift a lot but the 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 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 for high deflection shooting. Of course, due to the plane's configuration, it suffers a lot from high speed compression, which starts close to 0.70 Mach. 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 set makes it so the pilot does not need to worry about the propeller torque effect, so the plane doesn't require any trimming except for some elevator adjustments to fly in a straight line.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 8,229 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 8,229 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! 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)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|634||616|| {{Specs|ceiling}} ||23.1||23.9||14.6||14.6||380
+
! Stock
 +
| 634 || 616 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 23.1 || 23.9 || 14.6 || 14.6 || rowspan="2" | 380
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
−
|-
+
| 689 || 660 || 20.9 || 22.0 || 22.4 || 18.0
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 8,229 m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
−
|-
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
|689||660|| {{Specs|ceiling}} ||20.9||22.0||22.4||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}}
 
{{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.'' -->
  
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit top front.
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit top front.
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* 9.5 mm Steel plate in pilot's headrest.
 
* 9.5 mm Steel plate in pilot's headrest.
  
−
=== Modifications and economics ===
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
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{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
{{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)
  
−
The armament on the XP-38G is extremely powerful. A single 20mm cannon combined with 4 M2s in the nose make a devastating, accurate combination. The XP-38G can effectively slice wings in half due to its extremely accurate weapons.
+
The armament on the XP-38G is extremely powerful. A single 20 mm cannon combined with 4 x M2 Brownings in the nose make a devastating, accurate combination. The XP-38G can effectively slice wings in half due to its extremely accurate weapons.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== 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).'' -->
  
 
Utilize the P-38 as a strike fighter. The P-38 has very good energy retention and climb speed, so mainly use it as a BnZ fighter. However, it can be an effective turn fighter against less manoeuvrable opponents. Be warned, however, that once at a low speed and altitude the P-38 is a sitting duck. It is a very large fighter and easy to destroy.
 
Utilize the P-38 as a strike fighter. The P-38 has very good energy retention and climb speed, so mainly use it as a BnZ fighter. However, it can be an effective turn fighter against less manoeuvrable opponents. Be warned, however, that once at a low speed and altitude the P-38 is a sitting duck. It is a very large fighter and easy to destroy.
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The best cure is being prepared. Always maintain a high, safe altitude. If you have to, the P-38 is best in a flat dive. Its roll rate can be used to its advantage as well. Use diving and climbing manoeuvres to get out of trouble. Avoid turning to counter opponents, unless they are less manoeuvrable.
 
The best cure is being prepared. Always maintain a high, safe altitude. If you have to, the P-38 is best in a flat dive. Its roll rate can be used to its advantage as well. Use diving and climbing manoeuvres to get out of trouble. Avoid turning to counter opponents, unless they are less manoeuvrable.
  
−
===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 || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" |Combined|| rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
===Modules===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! 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
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" |This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== 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". -->
+
<!-- ''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:'''
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* Extremely prone to fire
 
* Extremely prone to fire
−
* Poor turning /manoeuvrability
+
* Poor turning/manoeuvrability
  
 
== 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 XP-38G in game is actually fictional, created during the very early days of development as an improved performance Premium P-38G. The closest equivalent to the games fictional XP-38G is a P-38H (600 built) or a P-38K-1 (1 built), which had a few minor performance improvements to the P-38G.  
+
The XP-38G in game is actually fictional, created during the very early days of development as an improved performance Premium P-38G. The closest equivalent to the game's fictional XP-38G is a P-38H (600 built) or a P-38K-1 (1 built), which had a few minor performance improvements to the P-38G.
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
−
"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-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'}}}}
 +
{{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.
Line 305: Line 232:
 
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 20mm 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-gallon (1136 l) 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."
+
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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-38g_metal Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== 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
−
 
−
* Bristol [[Beaufighter Mk VIc|Beaufighter]]
 
−
* de Havilland [[Mosquito (Family)|Mosquito]]
 
−
* Kawasaki [[Ki-96]]
 
−
* Mitsubishi [[Ki-83]]
 
−
* Nakajima [[J5N1|J5N]]
 
 
* Northrop [[P-61C-1|P-61]] Black Widow
 
* Northrop [[P-61C-1|P-61]] Black Widow
−
* Westland [[Whirlwind Mk I| Whirlwind]]
 
−
* 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:''
+
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.''-->
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/56587-lockheed-p-38g-1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
+
* [https://archive.org/details/PilotTrainingManualP38/page/n1/mode/2up/ AAF Manual 51-127-1 - Pilot Training Manual for the Lightning P-38]
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Lockheed}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Lockheed}}

Latest revision as of 22:42, 19 October 2022

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the American premium twin-engine fighter XP-38G. For other versions, see P-38 (Family).
XP-38G
p-38g_metal.png
GarageImage XP-38G.jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/0/00/Cockpit_p-38g_metal.jpg
XP-38G
USA flag.png USA
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.0 3.3 3.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game

Description

The XP-38G is a premium gift rank II American twin-engine fighter with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB) and 3.3 (RB/SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. It was available in the Gaijin Store until it was replaced by the YP-38 in Update "Raining Fire".

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 XP-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 speed is close to 660 km/h at 5,000 m altitude and it doesn't drop or increase up to 11,000 m, that makes it a good medium and high altitude fighter and, in most cases, outperforms the opposition.

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 other fighters. Acceleration in level flight is decent and when it starts diving it gets very good. It is required to keep an eye on the speed because the maximum structural speed limit is low in this plane compared to how fast it can accelerate.

The XP-38G's turn rate is quite good but depends a lot on its Fowler flaps, they do increase the lift a lot but the 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 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 for high deflection shooting. Of course, due to the plane's configuration, it suffers a lot from high speed compression, which starts close to 0.70 Mach. 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 set makes it so the pilot does not need to worry about the propeller torque effect, so 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 23.9 14.6 14.6 380
Upgraded 689 660 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 cost
AB755 Sl icon.png
RB3 046 Sl icon.png
SB1 521 Sl icon.png
Crew training6 900 Sl icon.png
Experts46 000 Sl icon.png
Aces320 Ge icon.png
Research Aces500 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 50 / 160 / 230 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 130 / 130 / 130 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Mods ammo.png
anm2_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Rocket Launcher M10
Mods weapon.png
anm2_new_gun

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 XP-38G 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)

The armament on the XP-38G is extremely powerful. A single 20 mm cannon combined with 4 x M2 Brownings in the nose make a devastating, accurate combination. The XP-38G can effectively slice wings in half due to its extremely accurate weapons.

Suspended armament

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

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

  • Without load
  • 6 x M8 rockets

Usage in battles

Utilize the P-38 as a strike fighter. The P-38 has very good energy retention and climb speed, so mainly use it as a BnZ fighter. However, it can be an effective turn fighter against less manoeuvrable opponents. Be warned, however, that once at a low speed and altitude the P-38 is a sitting duck. It is a very large fighter and easy to destroy.

The best cure is being prepared. Always maintain a high, safe altitude. If you have to, the P-38 is best in a flat dive. Its roll rate can be used to its advantage as well. Use diving and climbing manoeuvres to get out of trouble. Avoid turning to counter opponents, unless they are less manoeuvrable.

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:

  • Gathers speed quickly in a dive
  • Good armament, can rip apart other planes quickly
  • Good for Boom & Zoom
  • Good climb rate

Cons:

  • Extremely prone to fire
  • Poor turning/manoeuvrability

History

The XP-38G in game is actually fictional, created during the very early days of development as an improved performance Premium P-38G. The closest equivalent to the game's fictional XP-38G is a P-38H (600 built) or a P-38K-1 (1 built), which had a few minor performance improvements to the P-38G.


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 20mm 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-gallon (1136 l) 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

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

USA premium aircraft
Fighters  Thach's F2A-1 · Galer's F3F-2 · F2G-1 · F4U-4B VMF-214 · P-26A-34 · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-40C · P-43A-1
  P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-51A · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · ␠Kingcobra · XP-55
  ▃A6M2 · ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc
Twin-engine fighters  XP-38G · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38K · YP-38 · P-61A-11 · XF5F · XP-50 · F7F-3
Jet fighters  P-59A · F-86F-35 · F-89B · F-89D · F-4S Phantom II · F-5C · F-20A
Strike aircraft  A-1H · A2D-1 · AU-1 · XA-38 · AV-8A · AV-8B (NA) · A-6E TRAM · A-10A
Bombers  A-26C-45DT · B-10B · BTD-1 · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PBM-5A "Mariner" · PV-2D

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