Why did P-38 fall from the sky?

The P-38 performed usefully but suffered from a number of problems. Its Allison engines consistently threw rods, swallowed valves and fouled plugs, while their intercoolers often ruptured under sustained high boost and turbocharger regulators froze, sometimes causing catastrophic failures.

Did the P-38 carry bombs?

It became a workhorse nonetheless, doing duty in bomber escort, reconnaissance, and bombing, carrying as much as 4000 pounds of bombs in the latter role. One version of the P-38 was modified with a “droop-snoot” and carried a bombardier and either a Norden bombsight or a radar set.

Which was faster Spitfire or Mustang?

The maximum speed of a P51D was 437mph whilst the Spitfire was slightly faster at 448mph. For interception, this was clearly quite important. However, the P51D was generally more specialized than the Spitfire. In it’s main role, the Mustang proved itself as a superb escort fighter in Allied bombing raids over Germany.

What kind of plane is the P-38 Lightning?

P-38L Lightning 18th Fighter Group in combat The twin-engine, twinboom Lockheed P-38 Lightning was designed to meet a 1937 requirement for a high-altitude interceptor.

How fast can a P-38 fly?

The P-38 has a maximum speed of 360 knots on military power of 1,425 hp at 3,000 rpm and 25,000 feet. It has a cruise speed of 239 knots, and a stall speed of 91 knots. The combat range is 1,100 nautical miles and the ferry range is 2,900 nautical miles. It can fly up to 44,000 feet and can climb at a rate of 4,750 feet per minute.

What was the P-38 made for?

It is a piston-engined general fighter introduced in July 1941 and served as a fighter-bomber and night fighter, as well as aerial reconnaissance. The P-38 was produced from 1941 to 1945 with a total number of 10,037 aircraft built.

Who is the pilot of the Lockheed p-38j-15 Lightning?

Lockheed P-38J-15-LO Lightning “Jandina IV” flown by Ace Major Jay T. Robbins 43-28832 Lockheed P-38J, pilot Capt Ed McGough 474th Fighter Group