P-38F GUNNERY PRACTICE

It was in North Africa that the P-38
earned its nickname of "der Gabelschwanz
Teufel" (forked-tail devil) from the
Germans.  The P-38E was the first of the
Lightnings to replace the 37mm cannon in
the nose with a 20mm.  The P-38F followed
soon after, and was the main model that
fought in North Africa, starting in
November 1942.  The P-38F introduced a
1,325 hp Allison V-1710-49/53 engine,
underwing bomb racks for up to 2,000
pounds of bombs, and maneuvering flaps
(the high wing loading was a disadvantage
in combat, and the flaps improved the
turn rate over earlier Lightnings.)  Top
speed was 395 mph at 25,000 feet, crusing
speed was 305 mph, with a ceiling of
39,000 feet and a range of 425 miles
(without drop tanks).  Total production
was 527 planes.
The P-38G was essentially the same as the
F model, except for slightly better
engines (1,325 hp V-1710-51/55s) minor
detail changes, and a 200 pound drop in
weight.  Production of the P-38G was
1,082 planes.
              YOUR MISSION
As you approach a bridge, you encounter
two pairs of fighters on patrol.
The enemy planes will not evade your
attack.  Practice your deflection shooting
techniques with the P-38's machine guns
as well as its cannon.  To be accurate in a
deflection shot, you must lead your target
so that your bullets intercept its line of
flight.
Your P-38F cannot be damaged and has
unlimited ammunition.
Your mission will not end automatically.
You must choose to quit.  Please see your
reference guide for instruction on how to
quit, as well as information on other
controls.
x
 