Skip to main content Mobile menu button Mobile search button
The Runway Air Force Logo
  • ADELE
  • Help
  • Request membership
  • Log in
Home
Articles (1808) Collections Topics
Runway Flix (118) Archive (3553)
Search
Search
Close
Military History

P-38 Lightning: The Best Fighter of World War II?

Christian D. Orr
02 February 2024
Archived
9 min
PME All levels

BLUF

P-38 Lightning, WWII's top U.S. fighter in the Pacific, downed 1,800+ Japanese aircraft, exemplifying unmatched success and versatility

Summary

  1. Innovative design with twin booms, supercharged engines, and heavy firepower.
  2. Used by America's "Ace of Aces," - 40 kills.
  3. Less successful in Europe.
READ: P-38 Lightning: The Best Fighter of World War II?

References

  • Media Check: National Interest - Media Bias/Fact Check (HIGH CREDIBILITY)
  • Collections |The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
  • ADDITIONAL READING RAAF RUNWAY (PME)
  • RAAF RUNWAY: RATIONALE, GUIDELINES, LEARNING OUTCOMES, ETC
 

Related articles

A Douglas DC-3 aircraft conducts a fly past during the Bombing of Darwin Commemorative Ceremony held at the Darwin Cenotaph, NT.
18 Jul 2025
Military History

Handwritten notes reveal Churchill's penicillin concern ahead of D-Day.

6 minutes
15 Aug 2026
Military History

From the ANI Archives: The Surface Warship as Force Multiplier

12 minutes
30 Dec 2025
Military History

In plain sight: The Pearl Harbor spy

8 minutes
24 Dec 2025
Military History

80 years ago, a WWII B-17 bomber crashed in the Baltic. Scientists are finally learning who was onboard.

3 minutes
Stay in the loop
  • ADELE
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • About
  • Contribute
  • Privacy
  • Acceptable Use Policy
  • Strategic Partner – Interserv

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that images and names of deceased persons may appear on this website

  • Help
  • Request membership
  • Login
  • Home
  • Articles (1808)
  • Collections (39)
  • Topics
  • Runway Flix (118)
  • Archive (3553)
  • Events
  • Wirraway (ADELE)
  • Search