Lockheed P-38 L-5-LO Lightning Fighter Aircraft "Putt Putt Maru Col Charles McDonald 475th FG USAF Philippines" (1945) United States Air Force "The
Brand new 1/72 scale diecast model of Lockheed P-38 L-5-LO Lightning Fighter Aircraft "Putt Putt Maru Col. Charles McDonald 475th FG USAF Philippines" (1945) United States Air Force "The Aviation Archive" Series die cast model by Corgi. Brand new box. Has sliding door. Detailed exterior. True-to-scale detail. Includes display stand. Officially licensed product. Includes pilot figure in cockpit. Manufacturers original unopened packaging. Removable engine covers and opening canopy. Dimensions approximately Length- 6.25 Wingspan- 8.75 inches. Diecast metal and plastic construction for durability and a heavy realistic feel. It is a highly detailed and accurate model perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of military history. Realistic panel lines antennas access panels and surface details for an authentic representation of the real-life airplane. HISTORY ASPECTS: Having seen the introduction of advanced monoplane fighter designs in both the German and Japanese air forces America was only too aware that their own Air Force was in need of upgrade as a matter of urgency. To this end an official requirement was issued in February 1937 for the production of a new pursuit fighter an aircraft which would have to possess performance which had never previously been seen not only on an American aircraft but anywhere else in the world. The Lockheed Aircraft Company was one of six companies determined to satisfy this demanding requirement and entrusted the design of this radical new aircraft to talented designer Clarence Kelly Johnson who was basically given a free rein during its development. Almost immediately he determined that a single engine aircraft could not satisfy these demanding specifications and started work on a twin-engine design one which featured twin booms to ho