Lockheed P-38 Lightning

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was one of the most versatile aircraft of WWII, distinguished by its unique twin-boom design with a central nacelle for the pilot and armament. Designed by the legendary Kelly Johnson, it was the only American fighter in production throughout the entire US involvement in the war. The P-38 excelled in the Pacific where its long range was essential. America's top two aces, Richard Bong (40 kills) and Thomas McGuire (38 kills), both flew P-38s. A P-38 squadron intercepted and shot down Admiral Yamamoto's transport in 1943, one of the most significant targeted kills of the war. Germans called it der Gabelschwanz-Teufel, the fork-tailed devil.