The Lockheed P-38 Lightning (particularly the L-model) is my favorite plane of all time, and I couldn't rest easy until an amazing high-fidelity recreation of it existed in simpleplanes, so I made it myself. This is the fifth and final update release of my Lightning for everyone to enjoy. The engines are tuned for realistic performance, the wheels are modded to be close to their realistic positions and size, guns are modded to behave similarly to the actual historic armament of 4 M2 B... Browning 50s and central Hispano 20mm, and I've included all sorts of extra realistic eyecandy such as the coolant radiators, air scoops, wing fuel caps, turbochargers, and elevator mass weights (they don't move, sadly), and (hold for applause) VTOL slider-controlled trailing edge flaps!

The default loadout is two fuel tanks, and two HVAR racks (yes they're missiles, suspend your disbelief). For optional fighter-bomber variations, replace the fuel tanks with 500 pound bombs, or replace the rocket racks with 250 pound bombs, or both.

VTOL down to operate flaps.
AGs: 1-detaches inboard pylons, 2-detaches outboard pylons, 3-turns on recognition lights, 4-turns on landing lights

How to fly (based on authentic pilot's manual)
TAKEOFF: set flaps to half, throttle to maximum, plane will lift off on its own. Retract landing gear once clearly airborne, and keep them retracted above 170 MPH, and retract flaps around 250 MPH.
CRUISE: 50-75% throttle depending on altitude, set trim for level flight (or engage autopilot, you casuals)
COMBAT: Jettison fuel tanks (AG1), throttle to maximum. (optionally dump missile for historic accuracy (AG2))
APPROACH and LANDING: Throttle to 10%, lower flaps one quarter at 300 MPH, ease throttle to 5% as you near runway, at 250 MPH set flaps to half, at 200 MPH set flaps to 3 quarters, at 170 MPH, extend landing gear, at 150 MPH set flaps to full down (do not advance past half flaps with fuel tanks or bombs attached). Use maximum trim and light pitching to touch down gently on the runway, main wheels first, cut power, then brake to a stop.
Now you're a Lightning pilot!

Also, check out my newest version! I put even more detail and love into it!   read more