Lockheed P-58D Black Lightning

[TomZ]

Lockheed P-58D Black Lightning



The Lockheed P-58 Chain lightning design was started in 1940 as a heavy fighter. Difficulty with the Allison V-3420 engines led to many delays in the development of the aircraft. This led to the cancellation of the program by the Air Force in 1940.



Lockheed tried to resurrect the design and entered it in the competition for a dedicated night fighter. Here it competed with the Northrop P-61 Black Widow. A radar was placed in the nose and the guns were moved to the wings.



An order for 300 P-58B's and D's were placed in 1943 and the aircraft entered service in 1944. As a night fighter the aircraft was still plagued with engine problems and the last Black Lightning was retired in 1946.



TomZ
http://www.airwar1946.nl/index.htm

[kitnut617]

I like that   

[sandiego89]

Great job! I can't tell from the pictures about armament. Wing guns?

[TomZ]

Yes, wing guns. Radar in the nose.

TomZ

[zenrat]

[NARSES2]

I have a Chain Lightning kit that's been laying unfinished for years. Could never work out what the USAAF would have done with them. Now it's obvious    

[b29r]

Tom, love this and all of your sweet entries here.  A very intriguing design to say the least, and I love your take on this.  Well done! 

You have been very busy, my friend!

Best regards,
Kem

[TomZ]

I finished most of them a couple of weeks ago, just didn't get around to photographing them.
Part of a USAF What-if series....

TomZ

[chrisonord]

That's different, and looks like it means business too
Chris

[McColm]

Great build.

[Dizzyfugu]

Nice! 

[Tophe]

great twin-boomer, thanks!