Contents |
![]() P-38M 44-27234 sporting its shniy black paint scheme. |
1) Unzip the file P-38M.zip in FS2004's 'Aircraft' folder. A folder named
P-38M_Lightning and many sub-folders will be created.
2) Copy the files in the gauges subfolder to FS2004's gauges folder
3) Copy the files in the effects subfolder to FS2004's effects folder
Important Notes
1) This model is intended for FS2004 only. While it will load in FS2002, the flight model, texture, sound and other aspects are spcifically mean for FS2004.
2) The visual model makes extensive use of so-called 'reflective textures.' Be sure this setting is ON. The setting can be found through the main menu by selecting Options / Settings / Display ... / Aircraft tab, "Reflections." as shown in the image below:
This setting may adversely affect display performance, but is required for the model to look as intended. I also recommend setting the aircraft textures size to Massive to see the details, but again, this affects display performance.
3) Landing light: Use the standard Landing Light command (Ctrl+L) to turn it on/off.
Note that you can adjust the aim of the beam with ctrl+shift+[num pad number] (Num lock
must be off).
4) Occasionally I experience unpredictable behavior with these light switches. If
you have any trouble with them (such as the panel lights being turned off when you turn
the landing lights on, or the tail strobe is not illuminating the tails) try the the
all-lights-on command (typically the 'L' key) and then use the switches.
5) Use the spoiler command (typically '/') to deploy/retract the dive recovery flaps.
5) There two visual models -- with and without external tanks. In order to use the external tanks, follow the instructions in the [fuel] section of aircraft.cfg file.
And finally ...
I have attempted to model these planes to appear as 'restored' warbirds, in pristine flying condition with some modern avionics.
Be sure to visit www.kazoku.org/xp-38n for the latest updates, more P-38 models, and lot's of P-38 pictures!
(image of XP-38N version 3)
Project XP-38N is my on-going effort to model what might have been the next version of the P-38 had the war not ended. (The last production model was designated 'M', so if there had been another, it would have been 'N'.) My first version was for FS98 and later versions were made for CFS1, FS2000, CFS2 and FS2002. Beginning with version 3, I used the base model to create a P-38L-5, P-38M, P38J-15, P-38J-15 Droop Snoot, and a P-38J-20/F-5E-2 Photo Lightning.
To celebrate aviation's 100th anniversary, Project XP-38N version 4 spans all major P-38 variants, as well as the fictional 'N.' An entirely new base model has been created, with the first package -- the prototype XP-38 -- released in late Dec 2002. A second package entitled "P-38 Triple Play" was released Feb 2003 that included the F, G and H variants, and "P-38 Pair" was released Jun 2003 that included the J/F-5 variants. "P-38L-5 The Definitive Lightning" was released in Aug 2003. This package is the fifth package from the new base model; the fifth phase of Project XP-38N version 4.
The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was one of the most prominent fighters throughout WWII in
both theaters of operation. P-38s scored the first kills in the Pacific Theater as they
served in the arctic cold of Aleutian Islands. In Europe, they often provided
high-altitude long range escorts for bombers.
The P-38 was originally developed in response to the US Army Air Corps' need for a high
altitude 'interceptor' in the late 1930s. The Air Corps' requirements specified a craft
that could reach an altitude of 20,000 ft in six minutes, attain a top speed of 360 mph
and fly at full throttle for one hour. In addition, it would carry more armament that any
previous fighter.
Lockheed's legendary aeronautical engineer, Kelly Johnson, drew on his past experience
with twin-tail craft such as the Electra and proposed a twin-engine, twin-boom arrangement
with turbo-supercharged engines. (Kelly Johnson went on to design the F-104, the U-2 and
the SR-71.)
The XP-38 was first flown in January 1939. After logging just a few flight-test hours, it
embarked on a record-breaking cross-country flight that proved the capabilities of the
design, but also lead its demise when it plowed into a golf course just before landing.
The only fighter-craft to remain in production throughout the war, the P-38 proved to be a
very versatile platform for a wide range of operations including long-range escort, photo
reconnaissance, fighter/interceptor, ground attack, and even formation bombing. It evolved
through several variations, each iteration more successful than the last.
Perhaps its strongest asset was its concentrated fire power. Being a twin engine aircraft
allowed it to have four guns and one cannon mounted in the nose. This clustered
arrangement meant that the guns did not have to be sighted to converge at some optimum
target range. In the hands of a skilled pilot, the Lightning was a formidable fighter.
No wonder America's top two fighter aces scored their victories in P-38s.
However, it was not without its faults. Early into the European war it gained a reputation
for poor high altitude performance. Even though this was eventually traced to the use of
lower-grade British fuels, the reputation remained. The two liquid-cooled Allison engines
required a lot of attention, and there was trouble with the turbo superchargers as well.
The P-38 was the first aircraft to seriously encounter a potentially fatal phenomenon:
compressibility. During a high-speed dive the wings would lose lift, resulting in loss of
control. The enemy soon began exploiting this weakness to elude the P-38s. The problem was
finally solved when, late in the J series production, dive recovery flaps were added which
gave pilots the freedom to enter into high speed dives with confidence. Early Lightnings
also had poor roll rate and required a lot of muscle to turn. When the dive recovery
flaps were added during the J-25 production block, hydraulically boosted ailerons were
also added. This welcome addition gave pilots "power steering," greatly
increasing the roll rate.
As the need for night fighters increased, Lockheed produced the two-seater M series. The
addition of a radar operator relieved the pilot from radar duties and allowed him to
concentrate on the mission objectives.
Nearly 10,000 P-38s were built, the bulk of which where J and L series. After the end of
the war, the Army Air Force surplused them for $1,200 a piece. Of course you had to
arrange for delivery, which was no trivial task since as many of them were in the south
Pacific. Today, only a handful remain. Only a few are in flying condition.
Nearly 40 mph faster than the larger Northrop P-61 Black Widow nighttime fighter, the "Night Lightning" was to serve as a dedicated radar-equipped night fighter. The Night Lightning had a ASH-type radar scanner mounted in a streamlines housing under the nose. Flash nozzles were installed on the guns and cannon to shield the pilots eyes. Even with the bubble canopy providing more headroom than on the two-seat trainer P-38s ("piggybacks"), the P-38M radar operator had to be somewhat diminutive in size.
Lockheed modified 75 P-38L-5-LO's into this special-purpose two-seater fighter, but only a few reached the Pacific Theatre just as the war ended. Some sources suggested P-38Ms saw limited combat against enemy night intruders. Some served the occupation forces. After the war, most were scrapped but a few made it into the national racing circuit.
For any FS model, there can be up to four aspects of the visual model: 1) external geometry, 2) textures (paint scheme), 3) 2D panel and 4) 3D virtual cockpit. My design is intentionally a balance between computer performance, modeling time (that is, the time I can dedicate to this hobby), aesthetics, detail, etc.
The model was built in FSDS2. (Ver. 2.24.)
The external model has the following animated features:.
- Asynchronous landing gear deployment/retraction
- moving control surfaces (ailerons, elevator, rudders, Fowler flaps)
- dive recovery flaps
- retractable cooling vents
- counter-rotating, textured propellers
- rolling wheels
- moving/steering nose wheel (via rudder-control*)
- moving rudder pedals
- gear suspension
- shining landing light inset in left wing's leading edge
- tail strobe lights (with illuminating tail effect), wingtip navigation lights, under-fuselage identification lights
- opening canopy / extending boarding ladder
- illuminated VC at night (via panel switch)
*There was no control of the nose wheel on any of the the real P-38s. Steering was accomplished with differential braking and differential thrust. The nose wheel was a caster, and simply moved like a shopping cart's front wheels. But my P-38s have rudder-control steering!
Not being a graphic artist, my textures are always on the simple side, but I believe they are effective in establishing the essence of the look and visual 'feel' of the aircraft. I made extensive use of 3-view plans from various P-38 books (see References) as well as PaintShop Pro to make these. Some of the image details come from digital photographs I have taken of real P-38s.
Here are some examples:
- the wheel, still propeller, and the inside of the gear doors are from the P-38L at Oshkosh
- the radio boxes are images of a real P-38 radio at the USAF museum in Dayton, OH
- the pilot's checklist on the panel is from a ebay auction of a real P-38 pilots checklist
- guns and some cockpit images are from Glacier Girl
I used digital photos of other real-life objects too. For example, an image from a Saturn V makes a cameo appearance, can anyone find it? Finally, some of the cockpit images were 'borrowed' from the stock P-38F in MS CFS2.
The textures correspond to S/N 44-27234, shown in the photo above.
My objective for the 2D panel design was what one flight-sim designer has dubbed "functionally realistic." The layout is based on photos of actual P-38L panels but I had to re-arrange several items for practical purposes. The bitmap is a modified version of CFS2's stock P-38 panel. I've included the default GPS, a separate pop-up window with a few modern navigational aids for simple IFR flying, and a pop-up window for the engine starters.
My previous P-38 models had very simple virtual cockpits (VC) for computer performance reasons and because I did not use VCs much. Having invested in a higher-performance computer, I decided to make this virtual cockpit more detailed because I am beginning to like using the VC for many aspects of flying (I particularly enjoy it for landings).
The VC includes dynamically-functioning gauges and levers, control yoke and many of the features found in a real P-38 cockpit, such as the radio boxes behind the pilot and miscellaneous switches. I thought about putting in a cup-holder or two... :-)
(Final release note, not all gauges in the VC are functioning. Some of the engine gauges were replaced with static bitmaps to improve frame rates.)
I make my living working with sound. So for me sound in a flight sim is a very important element. Ever since I began this project in 1998, I have always wanted to create a sound package from actual P-38 sounds that I recorded, mixed and mastered myself. I have used and modified some great P-38 sound packages over the years for my own purposes and occasionally for sharing, but I had a longing to record a real P-38 and make a P-38 sound package from scratch with my own sounds.
On October 26, 2002, I had the privilege of attending the first flight of a newly-restored P-38F-1-LO. Dubbed "Glacier Girl," this rare bird had been recovered from the snow and ice of Greenland and restored to perfection. Drawn like a month to a bright light, I made my way to Middlesboro, KY to see and hear a P-38 fly for the first time in my life. Naturally, being a professional acoustical engineer, I brought some recording equipment with me. :-)
I obtained quite a number of recordings, but the best came from single-engine tests several hours before the flight. However, there were literally thousands of people there, and as a common bystander I could not get too close to the plane (though I did have a front row spot!). So, most of the recordings I brought home have people talking loudly over the almost musical purring of the Allison and Curtis Electric prop.
(photos by me.)I employed several tricks of the trade and managed to extract the sounds you hear in this model. I mixed in the turbo-supercharger sound per my imagination because, well I felt it needed it. (I'm not sure the turbos were even engaged on Glacier Girl, as I could not pick them out during the single engine test nor during the flight. It could be that the rpm's were never high enough to hear them, or they were simply not plumbed into the exhaust system. I have been informed that the P-38 at Chino, CA does not even run with the turbos, as it never gets up to altitude where they're needed and they're quite a mechanic's nightmare to maintain.)
I readily admit that I am not a pilot. Ironically, I actually hate real-life flying and avoid it whenever possible. But I can spend hours and hours flying my P-38!!! (I even flew it around the virtual world!)
In many respects I have been working on the flight model longer than any other aspect of this model. Project XP-38N began in 1998 and this flight model is distant relative of the very first flight model I developed. Early versions of XP-38N used FS98-AIR files. I spent hundreds of hours developing those AIR files and I didn't want to give them up. For XP-38N version 3.0, I successfully transferred many of the old parameters to a CFS2-based AIR file and then made adjustments until it flew pretty much the way I wanted it. Also, a major part of updating the dynamics from version to version was accomplished when I modeled the P-38L. For that, I sought some help.
First, I obtained P-38 videos and printed references that I studied carefully (and continue to study). Second, I sought help from those who actually flew the plane. I have had the privilege of corresponding with a former P-38 pilot, Lt. Col. (ret) William C. Sharpsteen II, who flew with the 339th FS/ 347th FG in the South Pacific. Mr. Sharpsteen has taught me much about the handling of the P-38, in the air and on the ground, and about the differences between the earlier G model, which he spent quite a bit of time in, and the late J-25/L, which he also flew.
The flight model for the L/M is a conglomeration of aspects from my previous models, tailored to the unique characteristics of the P-38L/M, plus a few new techniques I have developed.
The flight model was designed and tested in FS2004 with full realism applied. During certain maneuvers above 450 mph the plane may buffet a bit. This is intentional. While the actual plane may not have buffeted exactly like this, I am trying to simulate the fact that it did have a tendency to buffet at high speeds as indicated in the actual flight manual for later variants. You will also note that at most speeds, it is very difficult to stall, which was apparently true of the actual airplane.
I do not claim this to be the best or the most accurate flight dynamics model for the P-38, as I believe flight dynamics modeling to be somewhat of an art. However, I do believe I have captured the essence of the early model P-38.
Best taxi speed is below 40 mph. Use differential braking (F11 and F12), differential thrust or the nosewheel (via rudder pedals) for steering. For best results, use a combination. For tight turns, slow down to just a few mph.
Once lined up for take off, hold the brakes, bring the engines up to full power and then release the brakes. Rotation and lift-off occurs near 100 mph (no flaps). Retract gear as soon as you can. It likes to cruise between 270 and 300 mph IAS, depending on altitude. At those speeds use trim liberally for level flight. Be sure to cut back on the fuel mixture if you want to fly for any great distances. Max distance is about 1,000 miles without external tanks. Max speed is about 420 mph (TAS), though you can push it a past that in a dive before buffeting begins. Watch out for compressibility if you make extended dives from high altitude. Use the spoiler key '/' to deploy the dive recovery flaps.
The model's kneeboard checklist and reference tab provide some operating instructions and information. Some of the verbiage is directly from the P-38's pilot manual. To view these press F10.
Beta Testing/User Input
Dave Bitzer, Jerry Lindell and George Lindell for help with the XP-38, and "Triple Play" models, from which this is derived. Jerry Lindell and Lowell Wiley helped with the J. "Willy" helped with the M.
Special thanks to Dave for his valuable feedback on fuel consumption and power settings. Dave also provided help with the checklist, reference card and IFR navigation instruments.
Gauges
Most of the gauges are from CFS2's stock P-38 (gauge file is included in FS2002 Pro and FS2004) but the bitmaps have been modified by me to look 'cleaner,' 'newer,' and 'less used' to fit with my 'restored warbird' motif. I have included my XP-38N dive recovery flap gauge (which is really a repaint of a FS98 stock spoiler gauge). The WEP gauge was programmed by Mike Wagner and the bitmap by yours truly (thanks Mike!). The dual-needle Manifold Pressure and RPM gauges are also creations of Mike Wagner, which he graciously customized for this project. The starter gauges are by Chuck Dome. The XML basis for the Start Panel toggle is by Jorge Salas. A few gauges from other stock FS2002 planes are used as well.
Resources / Influences / Other
AVHistory.org - for their methods and AirEd.ini file. While I did not employ their "Assembly Line" process, I admire their methodical and scientific approach and have learned much from their work.
Netwings and Sim-outhouse, AVSIM, FlightSim, and all the great PC-aviators that contribute to the forums.
Special thanks to my family for putting up with my P-38 obsession!
- P-38 Lightning in Detail and Scale Part 1: XP-38 through P-38H, Bert Kinzey. Squadron/Signal Publications, 1998.
- P-38 Lightning in Detail and Scale Part 2: P-38J through P-38M, Bert Kinzey. Squadron/Signal Publications, 1998.
- P-38 Lightning in Action, Larry Davis, et. al. Squadron/Signal Publications, 1990
- P-38 Lightning in World War II Color, Jeffrey L. Ethell. Motorbooks International, 1994.
- Lockheed P-38 Lightning (Warbird Tech Series), Frederick A. Johnson. Specialty Press, 1996.
- Peter Three Eight The Pilots Story, John Stanaway. Pictorial Histories Publishing Company, 1986.
- P-38 Lightning Aces of the ETO/MTO, John Stanaway. Osprey Publishing, 1998.
- P-38 Lightning Aces of the Pacific and CBI, John Stanaway. Osprey Publishing, 1997.
- Lockheed P-38 Lightning (Production Line to Frontline Series), Michael O'Leary. Osprey Publishing, 1999.
- Pilots Manual for Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Lockheed/US Army circa 1944. republished by Aviation Publications sometime in the mid 1970s.
- Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Steve Pace. Motorbooks International, 1996.
- America's Hundred Thousand, Francis H. Dean, Shiffer Publishing, 1997.
- Fork Tailed Devil, Martin Caidin, iBooks, 2001 (original printing 1972).
- The P-38J-M Lockheed Lightning, Profile Publications no. 106, 1966.
- The P-38 Lightning, Pamela Reynolds and the P-38 National Convention, Turner Publishing Co., 1989.
- The Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Warren M. Bodie, Widewing Publications, 2001 (first printing 1991).
- The Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Edward T. Maloney, Aero Publications, 1968.
- Comouflage & Markings: Lockheed P-38, F-4 & F-5 Lightning USAAF ETO & MTO 1942 - 1945, Ducimus Books Ltd
- Fighting Lightnings, Michael O'Leary, Osprey Publishing, 1988.
- Famous Aircraft Series: The P-38 Lightning, Gene Gurney, Arco Publishing Co., 1969.\
- P-38 Screamers: the history of the surviving Lockheed P-38 Lightnings, A. Kevin Grantham, Pictoral Histories Publishing Co., 1994.
- P-38 Lightning: Restoring a Classic American Warbird, Jesse Alexander, Motorbooks International, 1990.
- Great Planes, Series 1, Volume 10 (P-38), Aeroco, Inc. 1989.
- Warbird Checkout No.1 "P-38 Flight Characteristics", (and other period films), Historic Aviation,
- Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Program Power Entertainment, 1997.
- P-38 Inspection, (USAAF period film for mechanics), EAA Paul Harvey A/V Center.
- Heavy Metal: P-38 Lightning Strikes! History Channel/A&E Entertainment, 2001.
This model is released as FREEWARE. If Freeware can be copyrighted, then I claim Copyright © 1998-2003 David C. Copley. This package, including each and every file, may NOT be included in a commercial package.
Please DO NOT modify and distribute any part of this model, including but not
limited to the flight model, sound package, textures, etc. without my permission.
Please do not upload/distribute this package or any file therein as is (unmodified).
In other words, I want to retain control of all aspects of the
model. I am especially sensitive about the engine/propeller sounds. I invested
a bit of my free time and money to travel to southeastern Kentucky to acquire those sounds
and I hope the flight sim community will respect my wishes to maintain control over them.
13 Oct 2003 - "P-38M Night Lightning" (P-38M-6 version 2.0, Project XP-38N version 4 phase 5) for FS2004
13 Oct 2003 - "P-38M Night Lightning" (P-38M-6 version 2.0, Project XP-38N version 4 phase 5) for FS2002
16 August 2003 - "P-38L: The Definitive Lightning" (P-38L-5 version 2.0, Project XP-38N version 4 phase 4) for FS2002
12 August 2003 - "P-38L: The Definitive Lightning" (P-38L-5 version 2.0, Project XP-38N version 4 phase 4) for CFS2 (Limited Release)
21 June 2003 - "P-38 Pair" (J and F-5 version 2.0, Project XP-38N version 4 phase 3) for FS2002
8 Feb 2003 - "P-38 Triple Play" (F,G and H version 1.0, Project XP-38N version 4 phase 2) for FS2002
1 Feb 2003 - "P-38 Triple Play" (F,G and H, Project XP-38N version 4 phase 2) for CFS2
20 Dec 2002 - XP-38 ver. 1.0 (Project XP-38N version 4 phase 1) for FS2002
14 September 2002 - P-38M ver. 1.1.0 (FS2002/CFS2)
14 June 2002 - XP-38N ver. 3.2 (FS2002/CFS2)
13 Apr 2002 - F-5E-2 version 1.0.0 (FS2002/CFS2)
11 Mar 2002 - P-38L 1.3.0 (concurrency with XP-38N ver 3.1) (FS2002 only)
26 Jan 2002 - XP-38N ver. 3.1 (FS2002/CFS2)
13 Oct 2001 - "Droop Snoot" variant from J-15 model (CFS2 only)
1 Oct 2001 - P-38J version 1.0.0 (CFS2 only)
29 Sep 2001 - P-38L 1.2.1 (CFS2 only) and P-38L 1.2.2 (FS2002 only)
11 Aug 2001 - P-38M ver. 1.0.0 (CFS2)
14 Jul 2001 - XP-38N ver. 3 (CFS2 and FS2000 versions)
21 April 2001 - P-38L: ver. 1.1.0 (XP-38N ver. 3 Phase 2) for CFS2
28 Mar 2001 - P-38L 1.0.0 (XP-38N ver. 3 Phase 1) for CFS2
22 Apr 2000 - XP-38N ver. 2 for FS2000
17 Jan 2000 - XP-38N ver. 1.1 for FS98/CFS
20 July 1999 - XP-38N ver. 1.0 for FS98
Sep 1998 - began Project XP-38N
By day I am an acoustical engineer for a major industrial company. By night (when I'm not spending time with my family or engaged in other real-life activities) I am a P-38 nut. I am also a musician, so my 'free' time is split between flying/making P-38s and making music.
You may contact me at db@kazoku.org, or visit my web site www.kazoku.org/xp-38n.