The P-38 had several variations which made it all the more versatile for use in combat.
The Lightning was noted for its powerful firepower in the nose of the plane, but it could also be outfitted with rockets or bombs as part of its armament.
In addition to installing rockets under the wings or switching out the fuel tanks on the bottom for 500‑lb bombs, some P‑38s were designed and built for specific functions:
“Photo Joes”
were gigantic flying cameras, used to take pre-mission target and surveillance photos.
“Night Fighters”
(AKA "Night Lightning") guns had special blast shields on the muzzles to prevent blinding the pilots when they were fired.
“Droop Snoots”
were converted P‑38Js with a complete bombardier's station located in the nose
“Pathfinders”
had special ground-mapping radar.
NIGHTFIGHTER P-38s (P-38M)
This model of the P‑38 was painted jet black and had flash guards on the armament to better hide in the night sky.
The radar equipment was operated by a guy crammed in behind the pilot under the bubble canopy. Due to the limited quarters in the rear of the cockpit, really big guys were not the preferred operators for the radar.
P-38M Night Lightning 1/32
To see a “Night Fighter” model, click here (or if you prefer to go all in, try this model instead — this model goes in and out of stock).
