Italeri 1446 - P-38J "Lightning" (1:72)

Italeri 1446 - P-38J "Lightning" (1:72) captures Lockheed’s distinctive twin-boom fighter with its forward central cockpit and engines mounted in separate booms.

Historical background

In aerodynamic and structural terms, the Lockheed P-38 Lightning was among the most advanced American aircraft of the Second World War. This revolutionary heavy fighter was powered by two liquid-cooled Allison V-1710 V-12 engines, each rated at 1,425 hp, giving it a top speed of more than 660 km/h. Its armament combined four 12.7 mm Browning machine guns with one Hispano M2 cannon. Compared with contemporary single-engine fighters, it was not especially manoeuvrable, but it stood out for durability, stability and versatility. The type served both in the Pacific and in the escort role for long-range bombers over Europe, where enemy pilots nicknamed it the “two-tailed devil”.

Kit contents

The finished model measures 160 mm. Italeri lists a difficulty level of 3 and supplies decals for 4 marking options, along with a colour instruction sheet and recommended paint references 4677AP, 4768AP, 4754AP, 4721AP, 4315AP, 4678AP and 4769AP. Figure not included.