P-38 Lightning
This video contains a compilation of films produced by the Army Air Force and focusing on the P-38 during WWII. "P-38 Flight Characteristics" is a pilot training film covering take-offs, in-flight procedures, and landings. "The Headhunters" details activities of the 80th Fighter Squadron in the Pacific. "Angel in Overalls" details the performance of the P-38 in combat. The video also includes a film that shows the arrival and assembly of P-38s in Australia. Please note: Some segments in the video are not narrated. Shows normal and emergency operating characteristics of the P-38. Demonstrates precautions and techniques for taking off, flying, and landing, showing in detail how controls and apparatus should be manipulated. Explains how to take off and fly with only one engine, and shows how to bail out. On the P-38 and its performance. shows scenes, partially staged, of P-38's in combat. Stresses the versatility and capabilities of the P-38. Shows Maj. Bong in his plane. Gen Kenney speaks. Includes brief scenes of plane production. P-38 pilots fly freight, strafe targets, fire rockets, and fly photo missions. Shows a P-38 crash and burn. Plane production by workers to defeat the enemy is emphasized. Pilots pose in their P-38 planes with South Pacific natives, and hang native battle-shields on their planes. P-38 planes are shown landing, taking off, in flight, and in battle against Japanese planes. A native poses at the controls of a P-38. Shows P-38 planes being repaired by mechanics, flying in formation, and diving. Pilots pose in front of their planes. P-38 planes are loaded with bombs and take off.
