The Lockheed twin boom "Lightning" was produced to the tune of 10,000 units; very obviously a successful design. The Germans nicknamed it "Der Gabelschwantz Teufel", "The Fork Tailed Devil". Serving successfully in both European and Pacific theaters, the P-38 was credited with more kills in the Pacific theater than any other aircraft, more impressive in that it was a land based platform. Its twin engines housed in separate booms give it an even mix of advantages and disadvantages. Its slim design made it difficult to spot at a distance and the twin counter-rotating engines gave it significant speed and performance, but its relatively large top and bottom profile made it easy to spot and target from the enemy above and below. The large wing area to the left and right of the cockpit necessitated banking to increase visibility but the nose located canons gave the Lightning pilot an outstanding cone of fire in combat. The P-38 is one of the first recorded implementations of assisted flight controls in the world. Beginning its service in 1943 in the European theater, the versatile P-38 was used effectively in a multi-role capacity, including a two seat night fighter version. Because of its range, the P-38 was used extensively as a reconnaissance platform in many variation. A classic in the ranks of World War 2 Allied fighters, the P-38 is most famous for shooting down the Japanese G4m "Betty" fatefully carrying Japanese Commander in Chief Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, a deadly blow to the Japanese war effort. A great looking aircraft, the "Fork Tailed Devil" is sure to fire the blood of any true aircraft buff. In the ranks of "sexy" fighter aircraft, the P-38 Lightning has a solid place. Lockheed P-38 Lightning; Classic model By Bazze available very generously for free at colacola.se , some custom texture work in the paintshop downstairs. Pilot: Free ApolloMax figure and versatile ADH3D's USAAF Fighter Pilot Gear available here at Rendo Poser, Vue6Infinite, PS Cs3