What did the Japanese call the P-38?
They once called the plane the fork-tailed devil, while the Japanese dubbed them, two planes, one pilot.
What does the P stand for in ww2 planes?
P – Patrol. R – Reconnaissance S – Antisubmarine. T – Trainer. U – Utility.
What did the Germans call the P-38?
the fork-tailed devil
Allied propaganda claimed it had been nicknamed the fork-tailed devil (German: der Gabelschwanz-Teufel) by the Luftwaffe and “two planes, one pilot” by the Japanese.
Was the P-38 a good fighter?
Despite its flaws, the P-38 was a rare early example of a successful “heavy” fighter boasting speed, range and firepower—similar to modern multi-role fighters like the F-15 and Su-27.
How many p51 Mustangs were built?
P-51D Mustang fighter. 167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard. About 13,300 Merlin-powered Mustangs were produced in the United States. Though production contracts were canceled at war’s end, the P-51 remained in service with the Air Force for several years thereafter.
How did the Red Baron get shot down?
Von Richthofen had been chasing a Canadian flyer (Lieutenant May) along the Somme valley when they flew low over Australian positions to the east of Corbie. Australian gunners fired at the Red Baron as he passed overhead when suddenly his plane banked to the right and crashed near the Bray-Corbie road.
What was the fastest plane in WW2?
Messerschmitt Me 262
With a top speed of 540 mph, Germany’s Messerschmitt Me 262 was by far the fastest fighter of World War II. It was powered by jet engines, a new technology that was not always reliable. Still, the streamlined Me 262 looked—and behaved—unlike anything else in the skies over Europe, and Allied pilots initially feared it.
What was the best plane in World War 2?
These Were The 10 Best Planes Of WW2
- 1 De Havilland Mosquito – Ultimate Multi-Role Aircraft.
- 2 North American P51 Mustang – Best Allied Fighter.
- 3 Avro Lancaster – Best Heavy Bomber.
- 4 Supermarine Spitfire – Best British Fighter.
- 5 Boeing B29 Superfortress – Best Long-Range Bomber.
- 6 Focke-Wulf FW-190 – Best Fighter.
How many planes did the 262 shot down?
542 Allied aircraft
They shot down an estimated 16 bombers and one fighter for the loss of only three jets. Over the course of the war, Me 262s are believed to have shot down 542 Allied aircraft while losing only 100 jets. One German pilot later said that fighting in an Me 262 “was like being a god in a way.”
Are there any mosquitoes left flying?
The de Havilland Mosquito is a British two-engine multi-role combat aircraft used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied air forces during World War II. Of the 7,781 planes built, 30 survive today, four of which are airworthy. Eight planes are currently under restoration.
Did Billy Bishop shoot down the Red Baron?
Ernst Udet called him “the greatest English scouting ace” and one Jasta had a bounty on his head. On 30 April, Bishop survived an encounter with Jasta 11 and Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron. In May, Bishop received the Distinguished Service Order for shooting down two aircraft while being attacked by four others.
When did the Air Force start using Roman numerals for classifications?
In September 1919, the Army Air Service decided that it needed an organized designation sequence, and adopted fifteen classifications, designated by Roman numerals. Several other unnumbered designations were added later. Each designation was assigned an abbreviation, and each design a number within that abbreviation.
Is there a list of United States Air Force aircraft designations?
It has been suggested that this article be split into articles titled List of United States Air Force aircraft designations (1919–1962) and List of United States Tri-Service aircraft designations. ( Discuss) (August 2021) This list of military aircraft of the United States includes prototype, pre-production, and operational types.
When did the army adopt the aircraft designation system?
In 1956, the U.S. Army adopted a new, and relatively simple, designation system for its aviation assets.
How are the names of military aircraft chosen?
The names of military aircraft are usually chosen by the manufacturer. However, these names are really nothing more than suggestions that the military services may or may not accept as the official name. The service ultimately decides whether to use the name selected by the manufacturer or a different name of its own choice.