P38 Lightning Pilot's Flight Operating Instructions

Originally designed as a high-altitude interceptor, the P-38 was the first U.S. fighter of WWII to compare favorably with the Spitfire and Me-109. The twin-tailed, single seat "Fork Tailed Devil" carried four .50-caliber machine guns and a 20mm cannon, and could fly at speeds above 400 mph.

An extremely successful design, over 9500 Lightnings were built by V-J Day in 1945. Originally classified "Restricted", this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form.