Lockheed XP-58 Chain Lightning
Lockheed Corporation · United States · first flew 1944 · fighter
The Lockheed XP-58 Chain Lightning was an American two-seat long-range heavy fighter prototype, a significantly enlarged development of the P-38 Lightning concept. It was intended as a heavily armed destroyer aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 15.07 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Enlarged twin-boom heavy fighter based on P-38 concept
- Much larger than the P-38 with a two-seat cockpit
- Intended as a long-range destroyer/escort fighter
Resembles a much larger P-38 with twin booms and central nacelle, but with noticeably greater dimensions and a longer, two-seat cockpit pod; the size difference from the P-38 is the key recognition cue.
Specifications
- The Lockheed XP-58 Chain Lightning has a length of 15.07 m (49 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 21.34 m (70 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 702 km/h (436 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in 1940 but was plagued by repeated engine changes and delays, with the aircraft not flying until 1944 — too late for wartime service. Only one prototype was completed and the programme was cancelled as the design had been overtaken by events and changing requirements.
Variants
A single prototype only; the programme went through numerous design revisions during development.
Where you'll see it
Never entered production or service with the USAAF.
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- Bell XP-77
- Blohm & Voss BV 155
- Curtiss SC Seahawk
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