DICK BONG America finally got things about right in a combat airplane when “Kelly” Johnson at what would later become the famed Skunk Works came up with the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. It was a goofy looking plane and it was unforgiving of any carelessness, incapacity, or neglect on the part of its pilot, but it was highly capable in many combat rolls. It was designed as a heavy fighter, but it could be used as a level bomber, a dive bomber, or a bomber escort. It was also excellent for ground support and for photo recon. The P-38 had a maximum speed of 414 mph, an operational ceiling of 40000 feet, and a range of 1300 miles. Twin Allison engines with counter-rotating props gave it a high rate of climb, and good high speed
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