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Lockheed P-38L Lightning "Sky Lightning" 2.0 (OUTDATED)

26.9k Sunnyskies  8.0 years ago
Auto Credit Based on Sunnyskies's Sky Lightning Detail Update

Wait up! If you're checking this out, direct your attention to my newest version instead!
https://www.simpleplanes.com/a/43LaJW/Improved-P-38L

The following has been changed from the 1.0 version:
-Made canopy more detailed
-Adjusted position and size of rocket rack and pitot tube
-Added long wire radio antenna
-Added nosewheel mirrors
-Gave fuel tanks realistic storage capacity
-Reshaped propeller cones
-Updated radiator scoops
-Added dive flaps
-Added pylon camera
-Made the elevator shape more accurate
-Added prettier fuselage inlets to all the smaller air scoops
-Fixed the width of flaps
-Gave the canopy a more reflective shine
-Evened out most of the auto-roll (a very slight roll still persists, barely noticeable)

Basic operating rundown:
AGs 1-5 are triggers for the rockets. They fire in pairs just like they did in real life. Only fire them when you are flying straight.
AG 6 turns on your lights.
AG 7 jettisons your fuel tanks.
AG 8 shuts off the right engine.
The VTOL slider operates your flaps. They are very useful for lowering your stall speed, and tightening your combat maneuvers.
Brake will operate dive flaps, but these are more for show than functionality. They do actually pull the nose up very lightly though.

Performance:
The plane is slightly asymmetrical. Because of this, there is an asymmetrical drag, and imperfect lift force. This results in a drift on the ground at takeoff, and a very slight tendency to roll in flight. To take off, throttle to maximum. Lightly tap your yaw controls to keep you straight. You can rotate very soon (the main wheels will pull off the runway), and even sooner with flaps. Retract landing gear once airborne. In flight, the plane behaves a lot like the real thing, reaching a little over 400 mph in level flight at altitude, having decent roll, and great pitch. The pitch is actually just a little bit better than it was in real life. The engines are modded to help achieve its top speed, so DO NOT touch them in the editor, or the horsepower will reset.
Landing is tricky thanks to the landing gear, but thanks to the flaps, your stall speed is super-low, so you probably won't have problems. Approach throttle with full flaps is 10% (a little more with tanks still attached). Touch down level and straight around 100 mph, then cut power. Don't brake until the plane is going straight, all three wheel are on the ground, and the plane is not wobbling.

Spotlights

General Characteristics

  • Predecessor Sky Lightning Detail Update
  • Successors 2 airplane(s) +14 bonus
  • Created On Windows
  • Wingspan 52.0ft (15.9m)
  • Length 37.5ft (11.4m)
  • Height 12.7ft (3.9m)
  • Empty Weight 12,309lbs (5,583kg)
  • Loaded Weight 17,173lbs (7,789kg)

Performance

  • Horse Power/Weight Ratio 0.349
  • Wing Loading 24.1lbs/ft2 (117.7kg/m2)
  • Wing Area 712.7ft2 (66.2m2)
  • Drag Points 8362

Parts

  • Number of Parts 300
  • Control Surfaces 17
  • Performance Cost 1,049
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  • Profile image
    35.1k AdlerSteiner

    @Sunnyskies thanks!

    6.6 years ago
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    26.9k Sunnyskies

    @AdlerSteiner Judging by your other works, I'm sure it will be top-tier for sure.

    6.6 years ago
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    35.1k AdlerSteiner

    @Sunnyskies got it. won't let you down.

    6.6 years ago
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    26.9k Sunnyskies

    @AdlerSteiner Sure. Just be sure to tag me on it.

    6.6 years ago
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    35.1k AdlerSteiner

    Hmmm next plane...and if I built one would you add it into your honorable p38 lists?

    6.6 years ago
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    26.9k Sunnyskies

    @jamesPLANESii I do what I can.

    7.9 years ago
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    This one has a little more detail than mine...

    7.9 years ago
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    26.9k Sunnyskies

    @asteroidbook345 Thanks! This is my favorite plane of all time, and about the only plane I put any real effort into recreating. I love it so much.

    7.9 years ago
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    26.9k Sunnyskies

    @MediciAviation243 I find that when I try to think of something to build, I never can. I just go about my day, and wait for inspiration to come to me. Most of my ideas originate while I'm standing in the shower.

    8.0 years ago
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    @Sunnyskies I mean that I don't have any ideas on what to create

    8.0 years ago
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    26.9k Sunnyskies

    @MediciAviation243 ?

    8.0 years ago
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    @Sunnyskies Hmm, probably, sorry about not posting, I don't have any ideas

    8.0 years ago
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    26.9k Sunnyskies

    @MediciAviation243 Because cats are fast and deadly ambush predators.

    8.0 years ago
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    @Sunnyskies It reminds me of cats, why does it remind me of cats?

    8.0 years ago
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    @Sunnyskies thanks

    8.0 years ago
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    26.9k Sunnyskies

    @AwesomeDesign717 Aw, thanks. I do try to make them presentable.

    8.0 years ago
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    @Sunnyskies All of your planes do look nice!

    8.0 years ago
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    26.9k Sunnyskies

    @AwesomeDesign717 Thanks! All my planes would look this nice if I wasn't so lazy.

    8.0 years ago
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    @Sunnyskies Cool! Nice build!

    8.0 years ago
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    26.9k Sunnyskies

    @Unreliablewaffle365 Thanks. Also, the AG8 shutoff was "just because" sort of thing. AG 8 wasn't doing anything else special. Also, the P-38 can fly on one engine just fine, but the way SP handles thrust is just... not good, so it just spins out. Useful for 180 turns on the ground though!

    8.0 years ago
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    Absolutely awesome. Why would you want to deactivate 1 of the engines at anytime?

    8.0 years ago
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    26.9k Sunnyskies

    @Treadmill103 Thanks!


    @JoddyFubuki788 I'll be sure to check it out.


    @AwesomeDesign717 I've seen that one. It's one of the best on the site. It's better looking than mine livery-wise, and has prettier wings, but mine has a more accurate shape.


    @ChiChiWerx I thought about that. I might make that variant eventually.


    @Mod It's an excellent boom-and-zoom plane thanks to its great climb and high dive speed. Its long range makes it ideal for escort missions as well.

    8.0 years ago
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    30.2k ChiChiWerx

    Noice! You should make this into an F-4 or F-5 recce version, the blue is just about right.

    8.0 years ago
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    Check this out!

    8.0 years ago
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    Woo, that's awesome counts! Later i want to update my FA-40 series so there will be one fixed design for my actual plane of FA-40! @Sunnyskies

    8.0 years ago
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