Although “ Opener, Can, Hand, Folding” is its official Army nomenclature, it soon acquired the popular name P-38. Historians disagree as to which of three theories explains the moniker. One is that soldiers called it the P-38 because it could open a can faster than the P-38 Lightning fighter plane could fly.
What does P stand for in p51 Mustang?
What does P stand for in p51 Mustang? The “P” stood for pursuit . It was the first long-range fighter escort, thanks to external fuel tanks, for bombers traveling from England to drop ordnance over Germany. It also was used in China and the Pacific, though late in the war.
What does P stand for in P-38?
For example, before the new system, the Army Air Force used the “P” designation, which stood for pursuit , on a wide variety of its fighter aircraft, like the P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt and P-38 Lightning.
How did the P-38 get its name?
The P-38 acquired its infamous nomenclature from the 38 punctures around the C-ration can required for opening and the boast that it performed with the speed of the World War II P-38 fighter plane . “Soldiers just took to the P-38 naturally,” said World War II veteran John Bandola.
What did the Japanese call the P-38?
The nicknames.
They once called the plane the fork-tailed devil, while the Japanese dubbed them, two planes, one pilot .
Was the P-38 any good?
When Major John Mitchell led 16 P-38s to attack and kill Japan’s Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto on April 18, 1943, the mission spanned about 420 miles (see “Death by P-38,” May 2013). The P-38 Lightning inspired young men, fought a global war and earned a reputation as one of the greatest fighters of all time .
What was the P-38 used for?
P-38, also called Lightning, fighter and fighter-bomber employed by the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. A large and powerful aircraft, it served as a bomber escort, a tactical bomber, and a photo-reconnaissance platform .
What made the P-51 so good?
The Mustang, with its high speed, long-range, low -cost, and six . 50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns , made it the ideal fighter for the job. ... The P-51 dominated air combat in Europe, destroying nearly 5,000 enemy aircraft. It was also a very capable fighter-bomber and could carry 1,000 pounds of bombs and rockets.
Which is better Spitfire or P51?
| Aircraft Mustang Spitfire | Number Built 16,000 20,300 |
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How many guns did the P-38 have?
The Ultimate Weapon
Hibbard and his then assistant, Clarence “Kelly” Johnson, the twin-boomed P-38 was the most innovative plane of its day, combining speed with unheard-of advances: two supercharged engines and a potent mix of four 50-caliber machine guns and a 20-mm cannon.
What does the K in K rations mean?
The first procurement of K-rations was made in May 1942. Some believed the K-ration was named after Dr. Keys or was short for “ Commando ” (as elite troops were the first to receive it). However, the letter “K” was selected because it was phonetically distinct from other letter-name rations.
Can a P-38 fly on one engine?
The P-38 could indeed fly fast—maxing at 395 miles-per-hour—and far (at slower speeds), up to 1,100 miles . ... However, the P-38’s long range and heavy payload—up to 3,000 pounds of bombs and rockets—meant it could perform missions early-war single-engine types simply couldn’t.
