Developed for the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) by the Lockheed Corporation, the P-38 incorporated a distinctive twin-boom design with a central nacelle containing the cockpit and armament.

Explore the Legacy of the P-38 Lightning, the iconic twin-tailed fighter aircraft that redefined aviation with its speed, innovation, and unmatched versatility.

Dec 18, 2025 · Manufactured only by Lockheed, the P-38 was built in significantly smaller numbers than the P-47 or P-51; just over 9,900 Lightnings of all models were produced.

Jan 14, 2013 · By late 1943 the Lockheed P-38 Lightning had proven itself in a wide veriety of missions – high-altitude fighter sweeps, bomber escort, medium altitude dogfights, ground attack missions and …

It shot down more Japanese airplanes than any other fighter during World War II—seven of the top scoring USAAF aces in the Pacific flew the P-38. It was as versatile as the de Havilland Mosquito, …

The P-38 Lightning was a distinctive and highly versatile American fighter aircraft used extensively by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II.

The twin-engine design of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning and its high fuel capacity made it an ideal fighter and recon plane.

When the Lightning began combat operations from England in September 1943, it was the only fighter with the range to escort bombers into Germany. The Lightning truly shined in the Pacific theater; …

The Lightning was the only American fighter type to remain in production for the entire duration of the war. The most distinguishing feature of the P-38 was its podded fuselage and unusual twin-boom tail …

Jul 13, 2025 · Discover the history, specs, and combat record of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning—America’s iconic twin-boom fighter that dominated World War II.