When the first XP-38 took flight in 1939, the Army Air Corps instantly recognized that the Lightning had catapulted fighter aircraft design well into the future. At a time when 325 mph was an impressive speed for a fighter, the over 400 mph speed of the P-38 was a shock to all those concerned, friend or foe.

In the early days of World War II the Lightning went through its share of teething problems, but in the end it proved to be an awesome fighter, notorious for long-range bomber escorts during daylight attacks on German targets.

This 1/48 scale Academy kit includes four decal variations, covering the P-38J, the P-38J Droopsnoot, the P-38L Pathfinder, and the F-5E Photo Recon schemes.

• Four decal variations included: P-38J, P-38J Droopsnoot, P-38L Pathfinder, and F-5E Photo Recon
• Mount a clear nose to build a Droopsnoot, or insert windows in the nose for the Pathfinder conversion
• Arm a Pathfinder with 500 lb. bombs, or load up a J with 4.5 Rocket Launchers and High-Velocity Air Rockets (HVAR)
• Cockpit features embossed instrument and side panels with a realistic ejector seat, control stick, and clear sight reticle
• Fully engraved panel lines and realistic PVC tires
• 6-1/2 inch fuselage and wingspan which is over a foot

• Paint
• Modelling Glue
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Modelling Knives
• Modelling Files