The P-38 Lightning is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable aircraft every devised. It is credited with a countless string of achievements and innovations that have defined its legacy for generations. Ironically, the Lightning was the first military aircraft to be produced by Lockheed. The revolutionary characteristics of this aircraft insured the company’s production of nearly 10,000 of these great fighters. The legacy of this aircraft is most certainly baked with a history of achievement. Not only was this plane the first USAAF aircraft to break 400mph, but also it was the first twin-engine USAAF interceptor. It was one of the first aircraft to use tri-cycle landing gear, and the armament of four machine guns and one cannon was centrally housed in the nose allowing for an extremely concentrated field of fire. Additionally, this aircraft carries superb wartime achievements. The top two leading USAAF aces flew the P-38 Lightning and the Lightning is credited with the first Luftwaffe kill of the war as well as the most Japanese aircraft kills. It was also famous for carrying out one of the first ordered assassinations by the United States. On April 18th 1943 a P-38 Lightning intercepted and shot down a G4M aircraft carrying Admiral Isoroku Yamomoto.
The Germans christened the Lightning "Der Gabelschwanz Teufel” (The Devil with the Cleft Tail), a name that implies the legacy status of this aircraft. The P-38 Lightning is an aircraft seeded with history and achievement. SkyUnlimited has gone to great lengths to preserve these qualities by providing its most advanced aircraft to date. The exteriors are detailed explicitly with such features as an opening gun-bay and engine bay to the feathering props and detailed radio gear. The Drop-tanks can be dropped, and there are many new conditional features such as chocks and pitot covers that appear when the aircraft is parked. The cockpits are the most advanced we have created to date, with virtually every switch and control animated and labeled. For example, place the cursor over one of the 25 fuses in this aircraft and you can individually operate them and the tool tips will tell you what electrical system they control. In addition, both windows roll down, the yoke can disappear by clicking its base. The panel lights swivel and move up and down. The above are just a few of the many new features.
SkyUnlimited hopes you consider enjoying the legacy of one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Features Include:
Four Highly Detailed versions of the P-38. Included in volume 1 are the P-38J, P-38K, P-38L, and F-5E. The Early Lightning Package will be coming soon
Beautifully rendered virtual cockpits, created in the most stunning detail, with virtually everything animated and labeled.
Fifteen highly detailed and historically accurate paint schemes.
New exterior enhancements include our new conditional appearance parts, and droppable fuel tanks.
Highly detailed 2D panels with new pop-up windows and features
Open the cowling or gunbay access and marvel at the detailed and intricate parts that make up these aircraft.
Fully animated and enhanced vintage pilot with moving legs, arms, and head
Feel the rumble of the engine with this completely accurate sound set created by the acclaimed David C. Copley.
Machine Gun Effects triggered by After-Burner Command
Custom High Altitude Vapor-trail effects and wing-tip vortices effects. Several LODS with fewer polygons for slower computers and multiplayer gaming.
"By the Book" flight dynamics created by Jerry Beckwith that make this aircraft both a challenge and joy to fly. The P-38's have some of the most accurate flight dynamics we have ever created.
Complete with an actual Pilots Manual and several pages of Historical Information included.
Photoshop Templates for Repainting