Difference between pages "P-36G" and "P-38G-1"

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{{About
 
{{About
−
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = American twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other versions
+
| usage = other variants
−
| link = P-36 (Family)
+
| link = P-38 (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
−
|code=p-36g
+
|code=p-38g
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
−
|cockpit=cockpit_p-36g.jpg
+
|cockpit=cockpit_p-38g.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.35]].
+
The P-38G was a minor evolution of the P-38 and was also widely produced with over 1,000 aircraft built. The P-38G was largely the same aircraft as the P-38F except the G ran at higher boost settings as well as having improved radio equipment. The Allison V-1710-51 in the P-38G (F10R) runs at a slightly higher manifold pressure (47.5) compared to the engine in the P-38F (47.0). Unfortunately, due to cooling issues with the engines at higher altitudes, the power was significantly limited. A decent portion of P-38G’s were actually F-5A Lightnings that were unarmed and fitted with five cameras for reconnaissance duties. These received the same improvements found in the P-38G and were built along the same production lines.  
  
−
In the early 1930s, the Curtiss-Wright Corporation began a private venture to build a fighter aircraft which was a revolutionary departure from earlier cloth-covered biplanes of World War I. This project aircraft under development was named the Curtiss Hawk Model 75 (later it would be known by P-36 Hawk, Hawk-75 (or just H-75) and Mohawk). The P-36 was an all-metal monoplane (although the control surfaces were fabric-covered) with a 900 hp radial engine, enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear.<ref name="MilFac" /> Even though this aircraft touted some of the state-of-the-art development in aircraft design, several aspects remained lacking, such as the original two machine guns firing through the propeller arc, a 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm and other critical components such as the absence of armour in the cockpit and self-sealing fuel tanks.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was present at the beginning of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. It’s a significant improvement over the previous P-38. It features better engines, a lighter airframe, and the ability to use rockets. The P-38G is a fairly strong plane due to its low BR and excellent climb performance. Furthermore, all of the guns are mounted in the nose which greatly helps with quickly downing enemy aircraft. Unfortunately, the P-38G is still an early version of the P-38 family and lacks the dive brakes which help against compressibility. However, players should still be satisfied with the P-38G’s performance.
  
−
By May 1935 the first prototype flew and attained speeds of 452 km/h (281 mph) and reaching an altitude of 3,000 m (10,000 ft). It wasn't long before the original 900 hp Wright XR-1670-5 radial engine was replaced with an upgrade Wright XR-1820-39 Cyclone at 950 hp and several modifications to the body of the aircraft was completed like the addition of scalloped rear windows which significantly improved the pilots rear view (although the hump on the back of the aircraft still blocked a significant portion of the view).<ref name="JoeB" /><ref name="AviHis" /> This version of the aircraft was designated as Model 75B while oddly enough the earlier version with the 1670-5 was listed as a Model 75D.
 
−
 
−
In early competitions against the [[User:U5724584#P-35A|Seversky P-35A]] the underpowered and more expensive P-35A was seen as the winner in the U.S. government's eyes, however the United States Army Air Command (USAAC) went ahead and placed an order for three Y1P-36 prototypes as a backup contingency fighter. When delivered, the Y1P-36 (Model 75E) had been outfitted with the 900 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1830-13 Twin Wasp engine. Due to this version of the aircraft performing so well, an order for 210 P-36-A fighters was placed.<ref name="JoeB" /><ref name="MilFac" />
 
−
 
−
The P-36 was known as an outstanding turning aircraft due to its extremely low wing loading and had a beefy power-to-weight ratio of 0.186 hp/lb that placed this aircraft as one of the best climbing aircraft of the time.<ref name="AviHis" /> One drawback noted was that the P-36 was not outfitted with a supercharger which hampered its ability to operate at high altitudes, requiring it to stay under 10,000 ft in altitude.<ref name="MilFac" /> For all of this aircraft's positive attributes and unfortunate shortcomings, it performed well mostly for other nations such as Finland where the Hawk was known as "Sussu" or Finnish for "Sweetheart" as between 58 Finnish pilots flying the Hawk, they scored 190.3 aerial victories. The P-36 was the proving ground and stepping stone to the later great fighter, the [[P-40 (Family)|P-40]].
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{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.'' -->
−
The {{PAGENAME}} is a relatively easy fighter aircraft to fly and requires only a relatively short space to both take-off and land. During World War II the P-36 was ferried over to Pearl Harbor aboard an aircraft carrier from which they took off and then landed at the Army Air Corps base.<ref name="MilFac" /> In the game, due to the very low stall speed, the P-36 can land on an aircraft carrier to a complete stop and take off again. Due to the fantastically low wing loading rate of 23.9 lb/ft<sup>2</sup><ref name="JoeB" />, this fighter is an excellent turning aircraft and accompanied by a strong rudder can spiral climb easily, especially during WEP cycles. This aircraft has the advantage of being both a turn fighter and a Boom & Zoom fighter, depending on the situation, type of aircraft which are flying against and mission type. The P-36 will out-turn many fighters of its rank and can prove difficult to follow if attempting to shoot it down.
 
  
−
The {{PAGENAME}} utilises the upgraded Pratt & Whitney R-1820-95 radial engine, an upgrade over the [[P-36A]] and [[P-36C]] Pratt & Whitney R-1830-17, however with the extra two machine guns and associated ammunition, the G model is comparable to the C model in comparison to flight characteristics. Maintaining centre of gravity in the {{PAGENAME}} is critical and to do that the nose-mounted machine guns do not eject their spent ammunition cartridges, but instead, collect them in internal fuselage compartments so as to not drastically change the weight after firing off the rounds, whereas unlike the P-36C, the G model does eject its spent cartridges from the wing guns. As with the [[P-36C]], the trade-off for more guns vs. no increase in manoeuvrability is well worth it.
+
Despite being a heavy twin engine fighter the P-38G has good overall performance. Its level speed is comparable to many single engined fighters and faster than some of them. It can reach 550 km/h at the sea level and thanks to its superchargers the plane's maximum is speed is close to 660 km/h at 5,000 m altitude. The cruising speed remains constant up to 11,000 m altitude. That makes it a good medium and high altitude fighter and in most cases outperforms the opposition.
 +
 
 +
Acceleration in level flight is decent and when it starts diving it gets very good. However, it is required to keep an eye on the speed due to the low structural speed limit. Of course due to the plane's configuration it suffers a lot from high speed compression, which starts close to 0.70 Mach.
 +
 
 +
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 of other fighters.
 +
 
 +
The P-38G's turn rate is quite good but depends a lot on its Fowler flaps. They do increase the lift significantly but at the cost of a proportional increase in 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 single engined 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 and high deflection shooting.
 +
 
 +
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 mirrored in turn direction makes it so the pilot does not need to worry about the propeller torque effect as the propellers on one side negate the effect of the other. Furthermore, the plane doesn't require any trimming except for some elevator adjustments to fly in a straight line.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,048 m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 8,229 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
Line 41: Line 45:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| 477 || 461 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.7 || 18.2 || 7.0 || 7.0 || rowspan="2" | 183
+
| 634 || 616 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 23.1 || 24.0 || 14.6 || 14.6 || rowspan="2" | 380
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| 527 || 501 || 16.7 || 17.0 || 15.5 || 10.6
+
| 687 || 660 || 20.9 || 22.0 || 22.4 || 18.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 488 || 446 || 232 || ~11 || ~7
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 565 || 495 || 250 || ~9 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 420 || < 380 || < 420 || > 300
+
| < 380 || < 460 || < 500 || > 420
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 2,133 m || 1,000 hp || 1,200 hp
+
| 5,800 m || 2,620 hp || 3,010 hp
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
====Engine performance====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Engine
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine Name
 +
! colspan="3" | Number present
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="3" | Allison V-1710-51 12-cylinder || colspan="1" | 2
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Engine characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Weight (each)
 +
! colspan="1" | Type
 +
! colspan="1" | Cooling
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="2" | 610 kg || Inline || Water
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Engine power (Stock)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="1" | Mode
 +
! colspan="2" | Max
 +
! colspan="2" | Take-off
 +
|-
 +
| ''Arcade'' || colspan="2" | 1,084 hp || colspan="2" | 1,350 hp
 +
|-
 +
| ''Realistic/Simulator'' || colspan="2" | 1,072 hp || colspan="2" | 1,200 hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Engine power (Upgraded)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
+
! Mode
 +
! colspan="2" | Max
 +
! colspan="2" | Take-off
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Optimal altitude
+
| ''Arcade'' || colspan="2" | 1,264 hp || colspan="2" | 1,531 hp
−
! 100% Engine power
+
|-
−
! WEP Engine power
+
| ''Realistic/Simulator'' || colspan="2" | 1,252 hp || colspan="2" | 1,380 hp
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | WEP Duration
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Arcade
 +
! colspan="2" | Realistic/Simulator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 4,571 m || 900 hp || 1,080 hp
+
| colspan="2" | 25 seconds || colspan="2" | Infinite
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
−
* 9.5 mm armoured pilot seat
+
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit top front.
−
* Self-sealing fuel tanks
+
* 6.5 mm Steel plates in the nose.
−
 
+
* 6.5 mm Steel plates in pilot's seat.
−
As with many early pre-war fighters, not much emphasis was put on the survivability of the aircraft. The best course of action was for the pilot to not let anyone get behind them. The {{PAGENAME}}'s only sources of protection for the pilot is the engine block and the 9.5 mm (angled at 24° for effective thickness of 13 mm), that being said, depending on the engine block to save the pilot may do so at the expense of the engine, thus requiring the pilot to glide back to base if possible or bailout. There are also two unprotected oil coolers if which are punctured, the aircraft will leak oil until depleted eventually causing the engine to seize up.
+
* 9.5 mm Steel plate in pilot's headrest.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and 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|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
+
{{main|AN/M2 (20 mm)|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
+
* 1 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannon, nose-mounted (150 rpg)
−
* 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (500 rpg = 2,000 total)
+
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 2,000 total)
  
−
Armament weaknesses found in the [[P-36A]] and [[P-36C]] were addressed when outfitting the {{PAGENAME}} fighter, as the armament though increasingly better with each model upgrade, was still found lacking. While the engine cowling was already crowded and no more machine guns could be centrally mounted which required wing modifications to install two more 7.62 mm machine guns, for a total of two in each wing. For this aircraft, two machine guns are mounted in the engine cowl and fire through the propeller arc while the other four are mounted two in each wing. Due to the wing-mounted machine guns, convergence is a factor to deal with with the optimal range being 100 - 200 m, anything beyond this will still work, however, the bullets significantly start losing their punch. The increase in armament increased the damage output ability of the fighter, making it well worth the additional weight. Options in ammunition will allow the pilot to select the type best suited for their mission whether it be as an interceptor, ground target hunter or a stealthy pouncer.
+
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|M8}}
  
−
;Option 1 Configuration (optimal 200 - 400 m convergence)
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* 12.7 mm = Ground target rounds
+
* Without load
−
* 7.62 mm = Stealth round
+
* 6 x M8 rockets
−
* The use of ground target rounds gives you access to hard-hitting ammunition rounds with tracers to help guide in the rounds, however, the 7.62 mm should be set up with stealth rounds as providing a good mix of armour-piercing and incendiary rounds without the tell-tale tracers. Without the tell-tale show of tracers flying by, the pilot of the aircraft may assume a weakly armed aircraft is on their tail with intermittent tracers from the 12.7 mm machine gun. This can be a huge advantage for the attacking aircraft by sneaking in a large amount of lead and incendiaries while still having the ability to walk in the shots with the tracers (especially helpful in realistic and simulator battles where the aiming helper is not available for use).
 
  
−
==== 12.7 mm ammunition ====
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|T|M1 tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|Ball|M2 Omni-purpose}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|M1 incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|M1 tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|M1 incendiary}}
+
The P-38G-1 is a medium- and high-altitude fighter which excels in anti-bomber roles and when working with teammates to destroy enemy fighters. Its manoeuvrability is unsurprisingly worse than that of single-engine fighters, but is quite good compared to that of other heavy fighters. The plane excels in a boom and zoom roll, where its powerful armament and good energy retention are brought into the spotlight.
−
* '''Ground targets:''' {{Annotation|T|M1 tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}
 
−
* '''Tracers:''' {{Annotation|T|M1 tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|M1 tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|M1 tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}
 
−
* '''Stealth:''' {{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|M1 incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}
 
  
−
==== 7.62 mm ammunition ====
+
In a turning engagement, the P-38 fares better than most other heavy fighters. When engaging its flaps, it can turn surprisingly well; however, these flaps bleed a considerable amount of airspeed, and sustained turning is unadvisable in most scenarios. Most single-engine fighters will be able to outturn the P-38. All of this means that engaging in furballs is unwise. It is usually better to boom and zoom, going in and out of the dogfight while evading enemy fire.
−
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|T|Tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|Ball|Omni-purpose}}{{-}}{{Annotation|Ball|Omni-purpose}}{{-}}{{Annotation|Ball|Omni-purpose}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|Incendiary}}
 
−
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|T|Tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|Incendiary}}
 
−
* '''Tracers:''' {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}
 
−
* '''Stealth:''' {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|Incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|Incendiary}}
 
  
−
== Usage in battles ==
+
If there is an enemy on the P-38's tail it is best to dive away, utilising the plane's great acceleration; or to fly towards teammates. The P-38's lack of manoeuvrability compared to single-engine fighters means that attempting a rolling scissors or other type of reversal is often very difficult. Indeed, the plane suffers especially from a poor roll rate, which although excellent for a plane of this size, is not comparable to that of planes such as the Fw 190.
−
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
−
The {{PAGENAME}} Hawk is one of the best fighter aircraft at Rank I as it combines energy retention, manoeuvrability and decent firepower. Energy retention lends this fighter to be a great zoomer, dropping in for a shot and then speeding back up to regain the energy advantage. With this aircraft having such a low stall speed; it makes a great fighter to practice Rope-a-dope energy depletion manoeuvres. This requires the P-36 pilot to bait another fighter into following them in a climb, as the attacker attempts to get guns on, the P-36 pilot can start to spiral climb which will cause the attacking aircraft to pull a tighter circle haemorrhaging their energy. If done correctly, the attacking fighter will stall out and be completely helpless as they begin to fall back to the ground allowing the P-36 to roll over or Split-S and take out the stalled fighter below.
 
  
−
Most fighters are typically only good at one thing whether its turning, speed or weapon systems, however, the P-36 is good at two, speeding and turning. This fighter has the ability to not only zoom attack but can also turn fight competitively with most other aircraft. There are few aircraft (notably the A6M Zero fighters of the Imperial Japanese Navy) which may outshine while turning, however, when utilizing flaps and rudder while turning, the P-36 can manoeuvre into some tight turns and allow guns to get on target.
+
With a 20 mm cannon and four machine guns located in its nose, the P-38G-1 has formidable firepower. This can be used to destroy enemy bombers to great effect (the P-38 finds much success in a bomber-hunting role), and to easily destroy lightly armoured ground targets. Smaller enemy planes such as single-engine fighters are especially easy to take down.
  
−
Even with all of its power and mobility, the P-36 is a relatively fragile aircraft. Without much armour on the aircraft, many of its critical systems are exposed and it will not take much even from lower calibre machine guns to cause fuel fires, oil leaks and the engine shutdowns, not to mention a knocked out pilot. Situational awareness is critical to potentially know not only where the targets are, but also the enemy aircraft which are manoeuvring into position and ready to pounce, however, structurally the aircraft is sound and has been known to survive aerial collisions which allowed it to continue fighting on where other aircraft would have been shedding parts right and left. The {{PAGENAME}} is beefed up with six machine guns, though it may not have the notoriety of the [[I-16 (Family)|I-16]] and the [[LaGG-3 (Family)|LaGG-3]], it is more than capable of challenging them on a more than even footing.
+
In ground realistic battles, this plane can be used reasonably well to destroy ground targets and ensure air superiority. With 6 rockets and nose-mounted guns, the P-38 can destroy lightly-armoured and open-top vehicles easily, and also engage some more heavily-defended targets.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 172: Line 212:
 
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Combined || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Excellent climb speed
+
* Good top speed
−
* Excellent dive speed
+
* Good dive acceleration
−
* Better-than-average turn-radius
+
* Nose-mounted weaponry is powerful, accurate and good in head-ons
−
* Good energy retention for Boom & Zoom manoeuvres
+
* Excellent roll rate
−
* Two more machine guns (six total) for increased firepower over the [[P-36C]]
+
* Great climb rate
 +
* Extremely stable in terms of torque
 +
* Turns well at high speeds
 +
* Has a great ammunition reserve for its machine guns
 +
* Cannon has a respectable ammunition reserve of 150 rounds
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Lack of turbocharger relegates this fighter to lower altitudes
+
* Large aircraft and thus an easy target
−
* No suspended armament options
+
* Prone to elevator damage
−
* Less-than-average roll rate at high speeds
+
* Low dive speed limit
−
* Very little armour protection
+
* Controls will stiffen around 560 km/h (350 mph)
−
* Poor in a head-on, engine and pilot exposed
+
* Cannon inaccurate without "New 20 mm cannon" upgrade
 +
* Susceptible to catching fire
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 P-36 Hawk began its life at Curtiss Aeroplane Company as a design in the early 1930s. A private venture by Curtiss, the project was headed up by Donovan A. Berlin, a former Northrop aircraft company engineer who was the principal designer and incorporated design portions of early Northrop designs.<ref name="MilFac" /> The P-36, at this time known as the X-17Y, was a stretch from the biplane years by utilizing an all-metal low-wing monoplane with fabric-covered control surfaces. This aircraft also featured retractable landing gear, which utilized a design put forward by Boeing Aircraft Company and required royalties to be paid to Boeing for every aircraft in which this landing gear was installed.<ref name="JoeB" /><ref name="AviHis" /> Initial weapon load-outs included the standard 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns, both of which were mounted in the forward fuselage deck and fired through openings in the cowling, synchronized to fire through the propeller arc.<ref name="AviHis" />
+
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 and benefited from more automated engine management. The G model had lighter weight and handling characteristics compared to the later J and L models, and was therefore favoured by some of the more experienced pilots despite accumulated age and wear in theatre.
 +
 
 +
The armament suite was formidable and consisted of a 20 mm Hispano AN/M2 cannon with 150 rounds and four 12.7 mm Colt-Browning M2 machine guns with 500 rounds apiece. The fuselage of the F and G models was reinforced, and the operating manual allows for the carry of two extra 300-gallon (1,136-litre) fuel tanks, or up to 1,100 lbs of external ordnance. However, in-theatre operational requirements often dictated the need for heavier ordnance, and it was not uncommon for 2 x 1,000 bombs to be hung on the racks. Field modifications allowed additional external ordnance to be loaded, including 2 x M10 triple-tube rocket launchers, or installation of outer wing pylons allowing 4 x 500 lb bombs to be carried outboard of the engines (two bombs per pylon) - thereby allowing long-range drop tanks to be carried simultaneously on the standard inner-wing racks.
  
−
The initial flight took place in 1935 and when it was presented at a competition the next year, the competitor aircraft (Seversky SEV-2XP/P-35) was heavily damaged in transit. While Seversky took their aircraft back to perform repairs and modifications, Curtiss took the opportunity during this time to make some modifications of their own, and namely replacing the Wright XR-1670-5 twin-row air-cooled radial engine with the upgraded Write XR-1820-39 Cyclone radial.<ref name="MilFac" /> With the Seversky aircraft repaired, the competition was back on. Even though the Seversky aircraft underperformed and was more expensive than Curtis X-17Y, it was selected and an order of 77 aircraft were put in for, however later the Material Division of the USAAC contacted Curtis and put in an order for three examples as they were becoming nervous about Seversky's ability to deliver their aircraft on time. Curtiss worked on modifying the P-36 by again upgrading the motor and working on the cockpit, especially increasing the amount of area behind the cockpit where the pilot could see. During the 1937 competition, test pilots who piloted the P-36 all commented that the aircraft responded to pilot input favourable and at all speeds and even noted that it handled well on the ground while taxiing. With such a reaction from the test pilots, the USAAC put in an order for 210 P-36A fighters, which at that time was the largest single US military aircraft order since World War I.<ref name="JoeB" />
+
One of the P-38's unique characteristics was its incredibly long range, especially for a fighter - a trait which made it ideally suited to bomber escort, intruder patrols, and long-range strikes, such as the famous "shuttle missions" over Germany to Ukraine. Perhaps the most exceptional display of the P-38G's capabilities was Operation Vengeance - a war-changing mission to kill the Imperial Japanese Navy's brilliant naval strategist and mastermind of the Pearl Harbor attack, Admiral Isokoru Yamamoto. The highly-secret 18 April 1943 interception successfully brought down two G4M1 bombers - one transporting Adm. Yamamoto, the other carrying his chief of staff. Despite the mission's success, the U.S. kept the operation a state-secret for some 35 years in order to protect the intelligence sources and methods used to plan the operation.
  
−
As the P-36 fighters began to roll off the assembly line, they were shipped to US squadrons, however, problems developed with the aircraft which left them grounded while waiting repairs. The P-36 continued to have problems, however, four P-36A fighters stationed at Wheeler Air Field in Hawaii were able to get airborne and attach a flight of Nakajima B5N1 torpedo bombers, claiming two shot down and gaining the first US fighter aircraft "kills" of the Pacific War. Despite this action, the P-36 fighters were withdrawn from combat outfits and sent to training units for new pilots to train on. While the P-36 did not see much action with the U.S., it did see combat action while flown by other nations such as France and Finland where they put the little fighter to the test and were highly successful with it. 10 P-36A training fighters were transferred in 1942 to Brazil where they remained in service until 1954.<ref name="JoeB" />
+
The P-38 was widely used by the Army Air Force (USAAF) in all theatres and was the plane used by the United States' top aces: Richard Ira Bong (40 kills) and Thomas McGuire (38 kills). Other noteworthy aces of early P-38s include Jack Ilfrey and Dixie Sloan of the Mediterranean Theater; Robin Olds and John Lowell of the European Theater; Charles McDonald, Gerald Johnson and numerous others in the Pacific Theater. George Welch, famed for his exploits in a P-40 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor also became a P-38 ace of 12 kills. In addition, the famed 'Lone Eagle', Charles Lindbergh, splashed a Ki-46 at the controls of a P-38 while on a visit with the 475 FG in the South Pacific.
 +
 
 +
From 1942 to 1943, Lockheed built 1,462 P-38Gs. Whether out of preference, or sheer necessity, some F and G models served in theatre as late as 1945. They were finally decommissioned in 1949.
  
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
 
{{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-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}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
−
Not long before the Germans occupied Norway, the Norwegian government put in another order with the Curtiss company. In January 1940, a contract was signed for 36 Curtiss Hawk 75A-8 fighters.
+
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.
  
−
The new model differed from the Curtiss Hawk 75A-6s in its improved weaponry and its 9-cylinder single-row air-cooled Wright GR-1820-G205A Cyclone engine with a maximum output of 1,200 hp.
+
An experimental XP-38 (Model 22) was first flown on January 27, 1938. Production began in June of 1941.
  
−
The Curtiss Hawk 75A-8 possessed two large-calibre 12.7 mm synchronized Colt-Browning ANM2.5 machine guns in the fuselage with 200 rounds each and four 7.62 mm Colt-Browning ANM2.3 machine guns mounted on the wing panels with 500 rounds each. Bomb racks were installed on the underside wing panels.
+
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.
  
−
This model was equipped with a fixed loop radio compass, the antenna of which was installed above the fuselage spine fairing behind the pilot's cockpit in a characteristic teardrop fairing.
+
The plane carried a formidable armament consisting of 20 mm 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 gallons (1136 litres) 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 order was fully completed by the end of 1940, but all the planes of this model remained overseas due to the occupation of Norway. The exiled Norwegian government received only 6 Curtiss Hawk 75A-8 fighters and used them as training planes to prepare fighter pilots for the Norwegian Army Air Service in so-called Little Norway at Toronto, Canada until mid-1943.
+
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 remaining Curtiss Hawk 75A-8s were integrated into the USAAF with the designation P-36G.
+
From 1942 to 1943, Lockheed built 1,462 P-38Gs. They were decommissioned in 1949.
−
 
 
−
By this time, the Curtiss Hawk 75A was no longer of high value as a fighter, and the other P-36s in the USAAF were powered by different engines. Because of these issues, the P-36Gs were transferred to Peru in 1943 as part of the lend-lease program.
 
−
 
 
−
The Latin-American country's formerly Norwegian Curtiss Hawk 75A-8 fighters served peacefully until 1954.
 
 
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;Skins
 
;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-36g Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-38g Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|qrNWrb-ianw|'''Magic FUN Times! P-36G Hawk! - USA - Review!''' - ''Jengar''|dHiWxG9r-k8|'''War Thunder: P-36G Hawk''' - ''MagzTV''|G3cXlOGKXyc|'''War Thunder Realistic: P-36G Hawk [Little Beast!]''' - ''Jengar''|91duRbIoCPM|'''The Shooting Range #91''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:02 discusses the P-36.}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|cHakCK96pjA|'''The Shooting Range #155''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:53 discusses the P-38 Lightning.}}
  
 
== 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;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
  
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;Related development
+
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
−
* [[P-36 (Family)]]
 
  
−
;Analogues of other nations
+
* Northrop [[P-61C-1|P-61]] Black Widow
−
 
+
* Savoia-Marchetti [[SM.92]]
−
* Polikarpov [[I-180S]]
 
−
* Nakajima [[Ki-43 (Family)|Ki-43]]
 
−
* Reggiane [[Re.2000 serie 1|Re.2000]]
 
  
 
== 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;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''other literature.'' -->
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* ''other literature.''-->
−
 
 
−
* [[wikipedia:Curtiss_P-36_Hawk|[Wikipedia] Curtiss P-36 Hawk]]
 
−
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/86594-p-36-h-75/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
−
 
 
−
=== References ===
 
−
;Citations
 
−
<references>
 
−
<ref name="JoeB">Baugher, Joe (1999)</ref>
 
−
<ref name="MilFac">Militaryfactory.com website (2019)</ref>
 
−
<ref name="AviHis">Aviationhistory.com website (2007)</ref>
 
−
</references>
 
  
−
;Bibliography
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/56587-lockheed-p-38g-1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
−
* Aviationhistory.com website. [http://www.aviation-history.com/curtiss/p36.htm The Curtiss P-36 Hawk]. ''The Aviation History Online Museum website'', On-line 12 June 2007. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
+
* [https://archive.org/details/PilotTrainingManualP38/page/n1/mode/2up/ AAF Manual 51-127-1 - Pilot Training Manual for the Lightning P-38]
−
* Baugher, Joe. [http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p36_1.html Curtiss P-36A Curtiss P-36A]. ''Joebauer.com website", On-line 12 June 1999. Retrieved 24 August 2019.''
 
−
* Militaryfactory.com website (2019) [https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=155 Curtiss P-36 Hawk (Hawk 75 / Mohawk).] ''Militaryfactory.com website'', On-line 10 May 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
 
  
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{{AirManufacturer Curtiss}}
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{{AirManufacturer Lockheed}}
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{{USA fighters}}
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{{USA twin-engine fighters}}

Latest revision as of 18:52, 24 August 2024

This version of the wiki is no longer supported
Use Wiki 3.0
This page is about the American twin-engine fighter P-38G-1. For other variants, see P-38 (Family).
P-38G-1
p-38g.png
GarageImage P-38G-1.jpg
360://https://old-wiki.warthunder.com/images/8/89/Cockpit_p-38g.jpg
P-38G-1

Description

The P-38G was a minor evolution of the P-38 and was also widely produced with over 1,000 aircraft built. The P-38G was largely the same aircraft as the P-38F except the G ran at higher boost settings as well as having improved radio equipment. The Allison V-1710-51 in the P-38G (F10R) runs at a slightly higher manifold pressure (47.5) compared to the engine in the P-38F (47.0). Unfortunately, due to cooling issues with the engines at higher altitudes, the power was significantly limited. A decent portion of P-38G’s were actually F-5A Lightnings that were unarmed and fitted with five cameras for reconnaissance duties. These received the same improvements found in the P-38G and were built along the same production lines.

The P-38G-1 Lightning was present at the beginning of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. It’s a significant improvement over the previous P-38. It features better engines, a lighter airframe, and the ability to use rockets. The P-38G is a fairly strong plane due to its low BR and excellent climb performance. Furthermore, all of the guns are mounted in the nose which greatly helps with quickly downing enemy aircraft. Unfortunately, the P-38G is still an early version of the P-38 family and lacks the dive brakes which help against compressibility. However, players should still be satisfied with the P-38G’s performance.


General info

Flight performance

Despite being a heavy twin engine fighter the P-38G has good overall performance. Its level speed is comparable to many single engined fighters and faster than some of them. It can reach 550 km/h at the sea level and thanks to its superchargers the plane's maximum is speed is close to 660 km/h at 5,000 m altitude. The cruising speed remains constant up to 11,000 m altitude. That makes it a good medium and high altitude fighter and in most cases outperforms the opposition.

Acceleration in level flight is decent and when it starts diving it gets very good. However, it is required to keep an eye on the speed due to the low structural speed limit. Of course due to the plane's configuration it suffers a lot from high speed compression, which starts close to 0.70 Mach.

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 of other fighters.

The P-38G's turn rate is quite good but depends a lot on its Fowler flaps. They do increase the lift significantly but at the cost of a proportional increase in 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 single engined 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 and high deflection shooting.

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 mirrored in turn direction makes it so the pilot does not need to worry about the propeller torque effect as the propellers on one side negate the effect of the other. Furthermore, 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 23.1 24.0 14.6 14.6 380
Upgraded 687 660 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 + -
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

  • 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

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main articles: AN/M2 (20 mm), M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The P-38G-1 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)

Suspended armament

Main article: M8

The P-38G-1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 6 x M8 rockets

Usage in battles

The P-38G-1 is a medium- and high-altitude fighter which excels in anti-bomber roles and when working with teammates to destroy enemy fighters. Its manoeuvrability is unsurprisingly worse than that of single-engine fighters, but is quite good compared to that of other heavy fighters. The plane excels in a boom and zoom roll, where its powerful armament and good energy retention are brought into the spotlight.

In a turning engagement, the P-38 fares better than most other heavy fighters. When engaging its flaps, it can turn surprisingly well; however, these flaps bleed a considerable amount of airspeed, and sustained turning is unadvisable in most scenarios. Most single-engine fighters will be able to outturn the P-38. All of this means that engaging in furballs is unwise. It is usually better to boom and zoom, going in and out of the dogfight while evading enemy fire.

If there is an enemy on the P-38's tail it is best to dive away, utilising the plane's great acceleration; or to fly towards teammates. The P-38's lack of manoeuvrability compared to single-engine fighters means that attempting a rolling scissors or other type of reversal is often very difficult. Indeed, the plane suffers especially from a poor roll rate, which although excellent for a plane of this size, is not comparable to that of planes such as the Fw 190.

With a 20 mm cannon and four machine guns located in its nose, the P-38G-1 has formidable firepower. This can be used to destroy enemy bombers to great effect (the P-38 finds much success in a bomber-hunting role), and to easily destroy lightly armoured ground targets. Smaller enemy planes such as single-engine fighters are especially easy to take down.

In ground realistic battles, this plane can be used reasonably well to destroy ground targets and ensure air superiority. With 6 rockets and nose-mounted guns, the P-38 can destroy lightly-armoured and open-top vehicles easily, and also engage some more heavily-defended targets.

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:

  • Good top speed
  • Good dive acceleration
  • Nose-mounted weaponry is powerful, accurate and good in head-ons
  • Excellent roll rate
  • Great climb rate
  • Extremely stable in terms of torque
  • Turns well at high speeds
  • Has a great ammunition reserve for its machine guns
  • Cannon has a respectable ammunition reserve of 150 rounds

Cons:

  • Large aircraft and thus an easy target
  • Prone to elevator damage
  • Low dive speed limit
  • Controls will stiffen around 560 km/h (350 mph)
  • Cannon inaccurate without "New 20 mm cannon" upgrade
  • Susceptible to catching fire

History

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 and benefited from more automated engine management. The G model had lighter weight and handling characteristics compared to the later J and L models, and was therefore favoured by some of the more experienced pilots despite accumulated age and wear in theatre.

The armament suite was formidable and consisted of a 20 mm Hispano AN/M2 cannon with 150 rounds and four 12.7 mm Colt-Browning M2 machine guns with 500 rounds apiece. The fuselage of the F and G models was reinforced, and the operating manual allows for the carry of two extra 300-gallon (1,136-litre) fuel tanks, or up to 1,100 lbs of external ordnance. However, in-theatre operational requirements often dictated the need for heavier ordnance, and it was not uncommon for 2 x 1,000 bombs to be hung on the racks. Field modifications allowed additional external ordnance to be loaded, including 2 x M10 triple-tube rocket launchers, or installation of outer wing pylons allowing 4 x 500 lb bombs to be carried outboard of the engines (two bombs per pylon) - thereby allowing long-range drop tanks to be carried simultaneously on the standard inner-wing racks.

One of the P-38's unique characteristics was its incredibly long range, especially for a fighter - a trait which made it ideally suited to bomber escort, intruder patrols, and long-range strikes, such as the famous "shuttle missions" over Germany to Ukraine. Perhaps the most exceptional display of the P-38G's capabilities was Operation Vengeance - a war-changing mission to kill the Imperial Japanese Navy's brilliant naval strategist and mastermind of the Pearl Harbor attack, Admiral Isokoru Yamamoto. The highly-secret 18 April 1943 interception successfully brought down two G4M1 bombers - one transporting Adm. Yamamoto, the other carrying his chief of staff. Despite the mission's success, the U.S. kept the operation a state-secret for some 35 years in order to protect the intelligence sources and methods used to plan the operation.

The P-38 was widely used by the Army Air Force (USAAF) in all theatres and was the plane used by the United States' top aces: Richard Ira Bong (40 kills) and Thomas McGuire (38 kills). Other noteworthy aces of early P-38s include Jack Ilfrey and Dixie Sloan of the Mediterranean Theater; Robin Olds and John Lowell of the European Theater; Charles McDonald, Gerald Johnson and numerous others in the Pacific Theater. George Welch, famed for his exploits in a P-40 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor also became a P-38 ace of 12 kills. In addition, the famed 'Lone Eagle', Charles Lindbergh, splashed a Ki-46 at the controls of a P-38 while on a visit with the 475 FG in the South Pacific.

From 1942 to 1943, Lockheed built 1,462 P-38Gs. Whether out of preference, or sheer necessity, some F and G models served in theatre as late as 1945. They were finally decommissioned in 1949.


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 20 mm 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 gallons (1136 litres) 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
Videos
The Shooting Range #155 - Pages of History section at 04:53 discusses the P-38 Lightning.

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

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