The P-38 thread!

Could have turned out be the best multi-role aircraft of the war - I posted this snippet on another forum:

Had the P-38 been carrier based, it would have been the finest torpedo bomber of the war. One P-38 F was configured to carry torpedoes and was successfully tested. Both external fuel tank pylons were configured to each carry a torpedo. Most bombers were only able to carry one torpedo, and were slow and extremely vulnerable. The P-38 that was tested had no problems delivering the dummy torpedoes, and showed only a 16.7% speed loss (300 mph top speed). Equipped with two torpedoes, the maximum range was 1,000 miles. If the P-38 was equipped with one torpedo and one 310-gallon fuel tank, the range was increased to 2,160 miles. With a single drop tank, the speed loss was reduced to 12.6%. The test flight was described as very stable, and jumped slightly when the torpedoes were released. The tests were extremely successful, and the P-38 would be a first class torpedo bomber. However, all these tests were after the Battle of Midway, and the emphasis was beginning to shift away from torpedo bombers in favor of dive-bombers. Also, the P-38 was land based, and the range options were limited when compared to a torpedo bomber on an aircraft carrier which could attack targets not available to land based aircraft. The P-38 never made a combat torpedo attack.
P-38 Lightning: F-4/5 Recon Lightnings

 

The F-5 was the only P-38 the 8th AF used in the war. One variant of the P-38 was "J-25" which Luftwaffe pilots called 'Sitting Ducks' which lacked dive brakes, and German fighters dived and the '25 would be reluctant to follow.

 

According to the latest edition of Flypast magazine, "Glacier Girl" will be following the original intended flight path from America to the UK - to appear at the 'Flying Legends' show at Duxford on 7/8 July.

And the superchargers on her work (unlike most other restored P-38s, where they have been de-activated)

 

She's now owned by an Australian too, Tony Raftis. At least, that was the last I heard. He does a fair bit of wheeling and dealing in old aircraft.

 

No, the new owner is a Roy Shoffner. I know Raftis had a Mustang - he may have another P-38 too.

 

Mr Shoffner was the original owner and he unfortunately died in late 2005. Provenance Fighters (Raftis) bought the aircraft and, apparently, the entire museum and there was talk of it being held by the company as Mr Raftis had always liked the P-38 and wanted one for himself. However, there's been mention of her selling again in February 07 to be based in Texas and planning on flying over to the UK (I'm guessing for Legends in July). Now that'd be summat to see!

 

Sorry, Andy - you're quite right. I think my reading skills diminished a bit after a few wee drams of Talisker last night

Provenance bought her and sold her to Texan Rod Lewis of Lewis Aeronautical.

 

At least you have booze to blame, Kyt, I sometimes type stuff here sober and look at it later and wonder what I was on besides oxygen!

Did you see any comment about whether that Rod Lewis fellow had bought the Tillamook collection as well?

Check out the link for one of the most exciting developments in WWII aircraft in Australia for years. These guys almost have a production line of P-40s! Check out the two very famous P-38s as well. Nothing has flown yet but the whole operation in its current location has only been going for a few years. The A-20 was recovered completely intact and used as a parts source for two restorations by the RAAF. Lots of very original South Pacific aircraft...exciting!

Precision Aerospace / Pacific Fighters Museum

 

Here's an interesting all round panoramic view from the cockpit of a P-38:

Richard Bong WWI Heritage Center

(will take a few moments to load)

Tom.

 

Hi guys,

Here is a rare photo of a P38 I found in My Great Uncles Logbook,after working with Pacificwrecks.com they helped Me find out the pilot of the plane I have a Photo of .

Pacific Wrecks - P-38J-15-LO Lightning Serial Number 44-23122

 

Here are some other links that maybe of help to you.

http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1944_1.html

4423122 (18th FG) lost Nov 11, 1944. MACR 13291

http://www.enter.net/~rocketeer/13thaaf/13thmain.html

http://www.enter.net/~rocketeer/13thaaf/13thplanes.html

This one will show you were and when your Great Uncle's Unit served in the Pacfic.

The Jungle Air Force - History Page 1

 

Dear Luthermoore,

This is LT. Robert Russells MARC, maybe you had this but it should help if you don't.

I had to reduce their size to post them here, if you want larger copies to read easier Private Message me with your email address. Most are at least I MB and a little more.

 

Luthermoore, if you are still coming here let me know please. As I said I posted your Uncle's Russell's MARC. I have them in a large file for you to more easily read, but let me know. Please,

 

Hi all,

The early P-38s that the British received did not have the turbochargers they were designed to have but all Allison V-1710 engines had a mechanical supercharger, albeit a single stage one. This included those in the P-38, P-39, P-40 (except the Merlin F and Ls) and the P-51As. The performance fell off above 20000 feet, in any case.

The turbos provided the additional stage of boost for the mechanical superchargers in the later Lightnings.

Dave

 

The other P-38!



P-38 Can Opener The Armys Greatest Invention

 

http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/

 

Luther I got your message and sent you an email. When I know how you want these files sent I will send them immediately. I know we are on different time zones but I am usually up pretty late so do not hesitate to let me know what is best for you.

You should have my email address from my reply but if it was misplaced or deleted just PM me again.

 

P38 Lightning at Podington 1944 - nice low level buzzing of drome.

 

Allison Service Handbook Engine Manual:


http://aviationshoppe.com/manuals/allison_V-1710_operators_handbook/allison_v-1710_operators_manual.html



http://aviationshoppe.com/manuals/allison_v-1710_engine/allison_v-1710.html


http://aviationshoppe.com/manuals/allison_V-1710_service_handbook/aircraft_engine_manual.html



http://aviationshoppe.com/manuals/p38_pilot_training/p-38.html