WWII AIRCRAFT OF THE WEEK: P38 LIGHTNING; Country of origin: USA Type: Fighter Crew: 1 Powerplant: Allison V-1710 Armament: -4x Browning M2 .50 HMGs -1x Hispano Mk. II 20mm autocannon -Various rocket and bomb loadouts Top speed: 414 mph(666 kph); The twin-booned and twin-engined P38 Lightning, developed by Lockheed Corporation and introduced in 1941, was a highly versatile and effective design. It was used extensively in both the PTO and ETO, employed not only as a fighter but also as a reconnaissance aircraft, fighter-bomber, bomber escort, and pathfinder. It was the first warplane to exceed a speed of 400 mph.