Lockheed P-38J 'Lightning' SN: 44-23314 REG: N-38BP
Description
  Manufacturer:Lockheed
  Base model:P-38
  Designation:P-38
  Version:J
  Nickname:Lightning
  Service:U.S. Air Force
  Basic role:Pursuit
  Designation Period:1925-1947
  Crew:Pilot
Specifications
  Length: 37' 10" 11.5 m
  Height:12' 10" 3.9 m
  Wingspan: 52' 0" 15.8 m
  Wingarea: 328.0 sq ft 30.4 sq m
  Empty Weight: 12,380 lb 5,614 kg
  Gross Weight: 19,500 lb 8,843 kg
  Max Weight: 20,300 lb 9,206 kg
Propulsion
  No. of Engines: 2
  Powerplant: Allison V-1710-89/91
  Horsepower (each): 1425
Performance
  Range: 350 miles 563 km
  Cruise Speed: 250 mph 402 km/h 217 kt
  Max Speed: 402 mph 647 km/h 349 kt
  Climb: 3,076 ft/min 937 m/min
  Ceiling: 40,000 ft 12,191 m

 
 

Designed to a 1937 Army Air Corps request for a high performance interceptor, the Me Lockheed Model 22 first flew on 27 January 1939. The twin-engined twin-boomed Lightning was the plane of America's leading Army aces in the Pacific. Major Richard Bong, from Poplar, Wisconsin, finished the war with 40 victories flying the P-38. In addition to bomber escort. ground support, and interceptor duties, F-4 and F-5 photo recon Lightnings provided vital information to Allied commanders. P-38's disappeared from USAF service by 1949. About two dozen P-38's exist today, of 9942 built.

The Planes of Fame P-38J was delivered to the USAAF in May 1944. It was initially assigned to the 2nd Photo Recon Group, 3rd Air Force, as a trainer. Later it was reassigned to Air Training Command and served at Will Rogers Field, OK, and Coffeyville, KS. Post war the Reconstruction Finance Corporation sold it to the Hancock School of Aeronautics. Later it went to Hardwick Aircraft. From 1960 to 1987 it was with Ed Maloney's collection. Rebuilt to flying condition in 1987- 88, it returned to the air on 18 July 1988. Only six P-38's are thought to be airworthy today.