ARMY AIR FORCES PROVING GROUND COMMAND
EGLIN FIELD, FLORIDA
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
ON
TACTICAL SUITABILITY OF THE P-38G TYPE AIRPLANE
AS COMPARED TO THE P-38F
3 May 1943
1. OBJECT:
To determine the comparitive difference between the P-38F and the P-38G airplanes.
2. INTRODUCTION:
This is a supplementary test initiated by the Chief of the Proof Department. It is a supplement to S. T. No. 4-42-3, dated 6 March 1943, this headquarters, entitled "Final Report on Tactical Suitability of the P-38F Type Aircraft."
3. CONCLUSIONS:
It is concluded that:
a. All conclusions and recommendations applying to the P-38F, apply to the P-38G.
b. Inasmuch as the general maneuverability of this aircraft is probably the lowest of any type of current fighter aircraft, and in view of the competition facing the P-38G in the European Theatre, all possible effort should be made to improve its rate of climb and high speed.
c. The P-38G turns much better than the P-38F (will close 180° in 360° circle) due to maneuver flaps.
d. Buffeting was noticeable but at higher speeds and accelerations than in the P-38F.
e. The P-38G will outzoom the P-38F.
f. The P-38G will hold its altitude in turns at thirty-five-thousand (35,000) feet, whereas the P-38F loses altitude.
g. The P-38G holds its advantages over the P-38F at all altitudes.
h. The lack of sufficient intercooling holds down the performance of the P-38G as well as the P-38F.
4. RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that:
The same recommendations applying to the P-38F, apply to the P-38G.
5.RECORD OF TEST:
This test was conducted in accordance with the procedure set forth in "Program for testing the Tactical Suitability of Service Aircraft," this headquarters, dated 9 July 1942, a copy of which is attached as Inclosure No. 1.
6. DISCUSSION:
a Performance.
(1) Speed -approximately the same as the P-38F. (See Inclosure No. 2).
(2) Rate of Climb - approximately the same as the P-38F. (See Inclosure No. 2).
(3) Range - approximately the same as the P-38F.
(4) Armament - same as P-38F.
(5) Gas capacity - same as the P-38F.
(6) Allowable horsepower - same as P-38F.
(7) At twenty-five-thousand (25,000) feet the P-38G stalled in a turn at an IAS of about 110 mph with maneuver flaps extended. The P-38F stalled at about 145 mph IAS.
b Differences in structure.
(1) Canopy on P-38G folds back instead of to one side as on the P-38F.
(NOTE: The canopy on the P-38G, although an improvement over that of the P-38F, needs further development. Two (2) canopies unexplainably buckled at this station, endangering the life of the pilots.)
7. INCLOSURES:
Inclosure No. 1 - Test Program.
Inclosure No. 2 - Speeds.
Inclosure No. 3 - Unsatisfactory Report on Canopy Failure.
