Was the P-38 a good plane?

Was the P-38 a good plane?

The P-38 was an excellent all around aircraft – it didn’t earn the moniker “forked tail devil” for being a slouch. It was very maneuverable, had a massive range, had two engines, which allowed for greater redundancy as well as for better roll characteristics in both directions since they were counter-rotating.

Are there any P-38 Lightnings still flying?

The Lockheed P-38 Lighting is an American two-engine fighter used by the United States Army Air Forces and other Allied air forces during World War II. Of the 10,037 planes built, 26 survive today, 22 of which are located in the United States, and 10 of which are airworthy.

Which was better p38 or mosquito?

The p38 was a heavy fighter adapted to a strike bomber role whilst the mosquito was a strike bomber adapted to a heavy fighter role. So whilst there is overlap in roles, not unsurprisingly the p38 was a better fighter and the mosquito was a better strike bomber.

How much is a p38 Lightning worth?

Each P-38 cost around $120-100,000, twice the price of most U.S. single-engine fighters. However, the P-38’s long range and heavy payload—up to 3,000 pounds of bombs and rockets—meant it could perform missions early-war single-engine types simply couldn’t.

How does the Mosquito compare to the P-38?

The P-38 has the slight advantage in altitude, speed and range (although I question the range differential if the Mossie has slipper tanks). Structurally, I believe the Mosquito is tougher than the P-38 and is trading 4x20mm cannon fire for 1×20 + 4×50’s. In the night fighter role I think the Mosquito would have it all over the P-38.

Why was the Mossie considered a better bomber than the p38?

The p38 was only ever designed to be a fighter, and was modified to be an effective bomber. But when all is said and done the Mossie excelled at more different things than the P38. So two aircraft that were designed for different purposes but both ended up crossing over in SOME of their roles, BOTH did well as multi role aircraft.

Was the P-38 the best daylight escort fighter of WWII?

Not that the P-38 was the best daylight escort fighter (both the P-47 and P-51 were better) but the P-38 was used in that role while the Mosquito was not.

How does the p38 compare to the Me-110?

One was a bomber that it was discovered could do amazing things, and the other was a heavy fighter. Probably a better comparison would be the Me 110 and p38. Both were originally designated as heavy fighters, and both were adapted to other roles. In that comparison the p38 wins in almost every aspect.