Dimensions: 18" x 16.5" Signature: Tony LeVier (Chief Test Pilot)
Plane Type: P-38 Lightning
The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was a World War II American fighter aircraft built by Lockheed. Developed to a United States Army Air Corps requirement, the P-38 had distinctive twin booms and a single, central nacelle containing the cockpit and armament. Named "fork-tailed devil" (der Gabelschwanz-Teufel) by the Luftwaffe and "two planes, one pilot" (2飛行機、1パイロット Ni hikōki, ippairotto?) by the Japanese, the P-38 was used in a number of roles, including dive bombing, level bombing, ground-attack, night fighting, photo reconnaissance missions, and extensively as a long-range escort fighter when equipped with drop tanks under its wings.
The P-38 was used most successfully in the Pacific Theater of Operations and the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations as the mount of America's top aces, Richard Bong (40 victories) and Thomas McGuire (38 victories). In the South West Pacific theater, the P-38 was the primary long-range fighter of United States Army Air Forces until the appearance of large numbers of P-51D Mustangs toward the end of the war.
About our Framing: This Aviation Collectible is exquisitely Custom Framed with double mattes and comes in a 1 ½ Matte Black Frame. We've opened up the matte on the bottom to showcase the authentic pencil signature of the pilot's who flew this aircraft. All of our Aviation Collectibles come with a Certificate of Authenticity to ensure that the signatures are real and your purchase will be collectible for years to come. Pilot Signature: Test Pilot Tony LeVier - Tony LeVier chalked up more than 10,000 flying hours on over 24,00 flights in 260 different airplanes. Tony was the Chief Test Pilot on the XP-38 which first flew on 27 January 1939. PLANE JUNKIE - P-38 Lightning with Tony Levier(P-38 Lightning)