Corgi - Lockheed P-38L-5-LO Lightning "Putt Putt Maru" Col. Charles McDonald 475th FG Philippines 1945 Aviation Archive 1/72 - Multi

Brand new 1/72 scale diecast model of the Lockheed P-38 L-5-LO Lightning Fighter Aircraft "'Putt Putt Maru', Col. Charles McDonald, 475th FG USAF, Philippines" (1945) United States Air Force from *The Aviation Archive* Series by Corgi, this collectible comes in a brand new box and features a detailed exterior, true-to-scale detail, a sliding door, removable engine covers, an opening canopy, and includes a display stand with a pilot figure in the cockpit. It is an officially licensed product in the manufacturer’s original unopened packaging, with dimensions approximately Length-6.25 and Wingspan-8.75 inches. Constructed from diecast metal and plastic, it offers durability and a heavy, realistic feel, with authentic panel lines, antennas, access panels, and surface details for an accurate representation of the real-life airplane, making it perfect for collectors and military history enthusiasts. Having seen the introduction of advanced monoplane fighter designs in both the German and Japanese air forces, America realized its own Air Force urgently needed an upgrade. In February 1937, an official requirement was issued for a new pursuit fighter with unprecedented performance, and Lockheed Aircraft Company, under the guidance of talented designer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson, set out to meet this challenge. Johnson concluded that a single-engine design could not achieve the specifications and instead developed a twin-engine aircraft featuring twin booms to house the engines and superchargers, with a centrally positioned nacelle for the cockpit and heavy armament. The resulting XP-38 was a radical and stunning departure from previous designs, impressing officials with its maiden flight and later shattering the US Transcontinental speed record by 23 minutes, though it ended in an emergency landing after running out of fuel. The aircraft’s potential was undeniable, leading the US Army Air Force to order sixty-six units, making it America’s first 400 mph fighter. While its introduction brought challenges due to its groundbreaking design, continuous development transformed the Lightning into an exceptionally effective high-altitude interceptor. With engines driving outwardly rotating propellers, it became remarkably stable, and its range and firepower made it formidable in combat. Most notably, the P-38 Lightning avenged the Pearl Harbor attack when sixteen aircraft from the 339th Fighter Squadron intercepted and shot down the bomber carrying Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the architect of the raid.

• Brand New Condition: This product is 100% brand new, unused, and in original condition.
• Brand New Condition: This product is 100% brand new, unused, and in original condition.