Lockheed P-38 Lightning

Motorbooks International Warbird History

by Steve Pace

Lockheed planned to name its P-38 "Atlanta," the Germans called it the "Fork-Tailed Devil," the Japanese dubbed it the "Plane With Two Tails," but it was the British that gave it the name that stuck, "Lightning." No matter what it was called, the P-38 proved to be a superior warplane. Designed by Kelly Johnson, the legendary founder of Lockheed's Skunk Works, the P-38 and its F-4 and F-5 Photo Lightning counterparts went on to command the highest respect of any World War II combat aircraft. Revered by friends and feared by foes, the Lightning contributed greatly to the allied victories over Germany and Japan. P-38 Lightning is a thorough history of the design, development, and combat record of the P-38 and its variants. The book features first-hand accounts from those who flew the airplane accompanied by over 100 original photographs. From interviews with the P-38's original test pilot, Tony LeVier, to its comprehensive list of all squadrons who operated it, P-38 Lightning is a valuable resource for any warbird enthusiast.

120 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1996