             The Lockheed P-58 "Chain Lightning"

The success of the P-38 led to the call for an improved
version to be used as a long range bomber escort.  The
requirement was initially drawn up on April 12, 1940.  The
program ran into change after change, which resulted in it
never really getting off the ground.  The first was a change
in engines, then the addition of a second crewman, then an
extra nose cannon and again an engine change.  Finally, two
power turrets and a pressurized cabin were added.  In early
1942, another change to add a automatic 75mm cannon in the
nose was made, in order to use the P-58 as a bomber
destroyer.  Then there was a change to make it into a low
altitude tankbuster, since it could no longer compete with
existing fighters.  The role of the P-58 was changed back to
bomber destroyer, and it made its maiden flight on June 6,
1944.  Two alternate noses were planned, which I have called
the P-58A and P-58B.  The first was to have a 75mm automatic
cannon with 20 rounds, and two .50 caliber machineguns with
300 rounds per gun; the second was to have four 37mm cannon
with 100 rounds per gun.  Both had two rearward firing power
turrets with a twin .50 cal mount, operated by the second
rearward facing crewman.
SPECS:  Gross weight 38,874 pounds (twice the original
estimate), top speed 436 mph at 25,000 feet, cruise speed of
274 mph, ceiling 38,400 feet, range 1,250 miles, length 49
feet 5 inches, height 16 feet, wingspan 70 feet.
TO USE THIS PLANE:  Access the rear gunner in either the
P-58A or the P-58B by pressing "G" as you would normally for
a B-17.  The top turret is the upper twin, the ball turret
represents the lower twin.  The arcs of fire have been
adjusted to represent the arc available to the P-58 gunner.
Other than that, all normal controls are as per the P-38.

Planes designed by Gregory M. Smith, input by Glen "Hex Dog"
Bradley.