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Scale, 1:72
Ref. Original: AA36617
Manufacturer: Corgi

Lockheed P-38L Lightning, 'Putt Putt Maru', Col. Charles McDonald, 475th FG USAF, Philippines, 1945, 1:72, Corgi

Having seen the introduction of advanced monoplane fighter designs in both the German and Japanese air forces, the United States was well aware that its own Air Force was in dire need of an upgrade. To this end, in February 1937 an official requirement was issued for the production of a new pursuit fighter, an aircraft that should possess performance never before seen, not only in an American aircraft, but anywhere else in the world. Lockheed Aircraft Company was one of six companies determined to meet this demanding requirement and entrusted the design of this radical new aircraft to the talented designer Clarence ' KELLY ' Johnson, who was essentially given free rein during its development. Almost immediately, he determined that a single-engine aircraft could not meet these demanding specifications and began work on a twin-engine design, one that featured twin booms to house the engines and superchargers, with a centrally placed nacelle for the cockpit and heavy armament of the aircraft. hunt.
The new aircraft looked incredible and was a radical departure from any previous fighter aircraft design, and Lockheed was awarded a contract to produce a prototype. The XP38 was a beauty and after a brief 38-minute maiden flight, everyone at Lockheed knew they had a winner on their hands. In fact, officials were so impressed with the plane's performance that they immediately decided to try to break the US transcontinental speed record. USA to highlight its potential, an attempt in which the XP38 broke the existing record by an impressive 23 minutes. Unfortunately, it appears that officials at the destination airport were not expecting the arrival of the strange new fighter and kept it on hold for so long that it ran out of fuel and had to make an emergency landing at a local golf course. However, the aircraft had demonstrated its potential and the US Army Air Force USA It ordered sixty-six aircraft and the United States had its first 400 mph fighter.
The introduction of the P-38 Lightning was not without problems; However, this was not surprising considering that its performance and configuration were radically different from anything before it. Possessing impressive range and firepower, the Lightning would eventually be used to avenge the attack on Pearl Harbor, when sixteen P-38s of the 339th Fighter Squadron intercepted a bomber carrying Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the mastermind of that attack. infamous attack, and they shot him down. The P-38 Lightning would serve with distinction in both the Pacific and European theaters, one of the most capable and distinctive aircraft of World War II.
For American fighter pilot Charles Henry 'Mac' MacDonald, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 left him determined to do his duty to ensure that this disastrous day for the United States resulted only in its eventual victory. . Joining the USAAF and earning his wings in May 1939, he would first be assigned to the 55th Pursuit Group and then the 18th Pursuit Group at Wheeler Field, Hawaii, in early 1941 and was still there at the time. of the Japanese surprise attack. It was arguably the darkest day in American military history. His continued service would allow him to acquire more and more responsibilities and new positions, first in the United States to train new pilots and then in the savage combats of the Pacific War. By October 1943, he had achieved the rank of Major and was appointed Executive Officer of the 'Satan's Angels' of the 475th Fighter Group, flying P-38 Lightnings from Dobodura, New Guinea, where his reputation as a fighter ace and effective leader of men would soon be forged. MacDonald, who often asked his men to fly dangerous long-range missions in his Lightnings over vast expanses of ocean, was the first aircraft to fly, leading from the beginning and inspiring his pilots to make their mark on the war.
Eventually reaching the rank of Colonel, MacDonald became Commander of the 475th Fighter Group and during this time welcomed the arrival of a rather famous civilian advisor to the unit, the long-range aviator and American national hero Charles Lindbergh. , who was authorized to fly with the unit. During his time in the Pacific, Lindbergh would help the 475th unlock the amazing potential of the P-38, using his knowledge of long-range engine management to alter his aircraft's power and fuel settings, modifications that extended the range of the Lightning at an incredible 100%. Now 'Colonel Mac' and the pilots of the 475th could provide combat cover for bombers attacking the Japanese oil refineries at Balikpapan, Borneo, with flight times of between twelve and fourteen hours. This raid was instrumental in turning the tide of the Pacific War and preparing American forces for the final advance toward the Japanese islands.
Colonel 'Mac' Macdonald would finish the war with 27 aerial victories, with several others damaged or probably destroyed, making him the third most successful fighter ace in the Pacific Theater. All victories were achieved using the Lockheed P-38 Lightning and although it used several different machines, they were all called 'PUTT... PUTT... MARU'. It is not known for certain what this name refers to, but it is believed that it could be a reference to the Japanese supply barges that the unit was often sent to destroy, vessels referred to as Marus, with their larger engines. well agricultural making a putt putt snorting sound. Whatever the case, if they were in the sights of a P-38 Lightning from the 475th Fighter Group, they were on borrowed time.

Scale, 1:72
Manufacturer: Corgi
Ref. Original: AA36617
Wingspan: 22 cm.
Includes the pilot figure.
Collector's item, not recommended for children under 14 years of age.
Limited edition.
Metal construction with some plastic components.
Assembled and decorated in the factory.
Realistic details, antennas, panels.
Opening canopies, detailed cockpit interiors.
Optional open/closed landing gear.
Base to show the plane "in flight".