The most advanced aircraft of it’s day when it first flew on 27 January 1939, Kelly Johnson’s P-38 became one of America ‘s more famous fighters in World War II as both fighter and photo recon platform. Early models of the P-38 had streamlined engine cowlings and smaller radiators, virtually no cockpit heat and turbosupercharger problems. Nevertheless, these first Lightings made the aircraft ‘s reputation as a multirole aircraft. Pilots found they could outclimb and outdistance the opposition, giving them the key ability to choose time and place for combat. In late 1942, P-38s became the first modern American fighter to best the opposition. With counter rotating propellers, concentrated firepower and, twin-engine safety, hydraulically boosted ailerons and range, the Lightning was in a class of its own and it was the mount of America's two leading aces, Dick Bong (40 kills) and Tommy McGuire (38 kills). It was so streamlined it had problems with compressibility, going to fast enough in a dive to lock up the controls.

The XP-38, 37-457, was built under tight secrecy and made its maiden flight on January 27, 1939. Its performance justified Lockheed's investment of nearly $6,000,000 of its own funds to complete the prototype. The Army was so delighted with the big new fighter, it lifted the wraps of secrecy from the plane for a transcontinental speed dash on February 11, 1939. This event was marred by a crash when the XP-38 undershot the runway at Mitchell Field, N.Y. The aeroplane was written off, but Lockheed received a contract for 13 YP-38's along with the usual list of improvements.

The P-38L could carry 14 wing-mounted missiles