Lockheed P-38L Lightning, ‘Putt Putt Maru’, Col. Charles McDonald, 475th FG USAF, Philippines, 1945.

Having seen the introduction of advanced monoplane fighter designs in both the German and Japanese air forces, America was only too aware that their own Air Force was in need of an upgrade as a matter of urgency. To this end, an official requirement was issued in February 1937 for the production of a new pursuit fighter, an aircraft that would have to possess performance that had never previously been seen, not only on an American aircraft but anywhere else in the world. The Lockheed Aircraft Company was one of six companies determined to satisfy this demanding requirement and entrusted the design of this radical new aircraft to talented designer Clarence ‘Kelly’ Johnson, who was basically given free rein during its development. Almost immediately, he determined that a single-engined aircraft could not satisfy these demanding specifications and started work on a twin-engined design, one which featured twin booms to house the engines and superchargers, with a centrally positioned nacelle for the cockpit and the fighter’s heavy armament.

• Item Length – Without Packaging (cm): 15.1
• Item Height – Without Packaging (cm):5.2
• Item Width – Without Packaging (cm):21.8
• Item Scale:1:72 Scale
• License line:Produced under license. Boeing, their distinctive logos, product markings and trade dress are trademarks of The Boeing Company
• Finish:Painted
• Colour:Multi
• Wingspan (mm):218
• Detailed Crew Figures:Yes
• Optional Undercarriage Down:Yes
• Rotatable Propeller(s)/Rotor(s):Yes
• What’s Inside:1 x Aircraft, 1x Stand