Skip to main content Mobile menu button Mobile search button
The Runway Air Force Logo
  • ADELE
  • Help
  • Request membership
  • Log in
Home
Articles (2061) Collections Topics
Runway Flix (119) 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

5 Oct 2026
Military History

Sunken WWI sub is leaking TNT into the North Sea

2 minutes
Liaison Officer - Leading Aircraftman Andrew Hunter
3 Jul 2026
Military History

First Nations Australians serving during World War II

15 minutes
Australian War Memorial Lancaster
23 Jun 2026
Military History

World War II Lancaster Bomber Pilot Howard Hendrick Dies Aged 102

4 minutes
3 Jan 2026
Military History

An Australian warplane disappeared 82 years ago. Now, it's been found

5 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 (2061)
  • Collections (36)
  • Topics
  • Runway Flix (119)
  • Archive (3553)
  • Events
  • Wirraway (ADELE)
  • Search