P-Screamers The History of the Surviving Lockheed P-38 Lightnings
Author: Keviin Grantham
Publisher: Pictorial History MS
Edition: First
Cover: Soft
ISBN: 0-929521-90-0
Fighters
Synopsis: This unique historical documentation chronicles the fascinating stories of the surviving Lockheed P-38 Lightning aircraft that remain in existence today, providing comprehensive coverage of their wartime service, post-war histories, and current preservation status. The book combines aviation archaeology with detailed historical research to preserve the individual stories of specific aircraft that survived when most of their contemporaries were scrapped or lost to combat operations. Through extensive investigation and documentation, the narrative reveals how particular P-38s survived the massive post-war disposal programs and found their way into museums, private collections, and restoration projects that maintain these historic aircraft for future generations. The work provides detailed coverage of each surviving aircraft's service history, including construction details, combat operations, and the specific missions that made each airplane historically significant beyond its general type characteristics. Individual aircraft stories reveal the diverse roles played by P-38s throughout World War II, from long-range escort missions over Germany to photographic reconnaissance flights over Japanese-held territory in the Pacific. The book documents restoration projects and preservation efforts, showing how dedicated individuals and organizations have invested tremendous effort and resources to maintain these historic aircraft in flying condition or museum-quality static displays. Technical discussions explain the unique design features and engineering innovations that made the P-38 distinctive among World War II fighters, including the twin-engine configuration and concentrated nose armament that provided exceptional firepower and reliability. Personal accounts from former P-38 pilots provide insight into the aircraft's flying characteristics and combat capabilities, revealing why the Lightning was both loved and feared depending on operational circumstances and pilot experience. The narrative includes comprehensive coverage of recovery operations, including aircraft retrieved from remote crash sites and the technical challenges of returning 40-year-old aircraft to airworthy condition. Museum displays and static exhibitions are documented, showing how different institutions present P-38 history while preserving these artifacts for educational and historical purposes. The work examines the P-38's post-war civilian applications, including air racing, experimental programs, and private ownership that extended the aircraft's active life beyond military service. Photographic documentation provides current status information for each surviving aircraft, including detailed images that preserve their appearance for historical reference and research purposes. The book addresses conservation challenges facing vintage aircraft, including parts availability, technical expertise, and funding requirements necessary to maintain these complex machines in operational condition. Through comprehensive research and detailed documentation, this work serves as both historical record and preservation guide, ensuring that the stories of individual P-38 Lightnings are preserved while documenting the ongoing efforts to maintain these important aviation artifacts. The book provides essential reference material for researchers, restorers, and aviation enthusiasts while honoring the dedication of those who ensure these historic aircraft remain available for future generations to study and appreciate.
P-Screamers The History of the Surviving Lockheed P-38 Lightnings, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.
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