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The Mighty Lightning Trivia Quiz

Another of WW2's great planes.

A multiple-choice quiz by P51-D Ace. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
P51-D Ace

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
159,956

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
2845

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. The Lightning was a fully capable fighter almost from the very outset.

True

False

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. The top scoring Lightning ace had how many kills? Hint

NEXT>

Question 3 of 10

3. Even after the P-51 was raining destruction on Germany, the Lightning (P-38) was still the "most wanted" aircraft for student pilots?

True

False

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. Luftwaffe pilots dubbed the P-38 the "Gabelschwanzteufel". What does this mean? Hint

the whistle of death

the fork-tailed devil

the twin demon

the destroyer

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. What was the P-38's maximum speed? Hint

358 mph

376 mph

414 mph

324 mph

NEXT>

Question 6 of 10

6. The P-38's concentrated firepower was a weakness because there was less spread of bullets requiring better aiming to hit.

True

False

NEXT>

Question 7 of 10

7. Variants of the P-38 Lightning include: Hint

the F-5 reconnaissance Lightning

all of these

the high altitude XP-49

the XP-58 Chain Lightning

NEXT>

Question 8 of 10

8. What was the total number of Lightnings built? Hint

9924

6913

4658

7117

NEXT>

Question 9 of 10

9. P-38s were built outdoors.

True

False

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. Where was the P-38 was most successful? Hint

the South Western Pacific

Western Europe

Eastern Europe

North Western Pacific

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The Lightning was a fully capable fighter almost from the very outset.

Answer: False

Early Lightnings were poor performers. Early tests resulted in pilots getting frostbite!

2. The top scoring Lightning ace had how many kills?

Answer: 40

With 40 kills, Richard Bong was and is America's top scoring ace of all time. Second, with 38 kills, is Tommy McGuire, another Lightning pilot.

3. Even after the P-51 was raining destruction on Germany, the Lightning (P-38) was still the "most wanted" aircraft for student pilots?

Answer: True

Because of its high acceleration and low-drag shape, the P-38 was very popular among learner pilots.

4. Luftwaffe pilots dubbed the P-38 the "Gabelschwanzteufel". What does this mean?

Answer: the fork-tailed devil

The "fork-tailed devil" was highly respected by German pilots.

5. What was the P-38's maximum speed?

Answer: 414 mph

Although less maneuverable, the Lightning's speed allowed it to outfly the Mitsubishi AM6 Zero.

6. The P-38's concentrated firepower was a weakness because there was less spread of bullets requiring better aiming to hit.

Answer: False

Lightnings have been reported to "saw Zeros in half" with their unique gun layout.

7. Variants of the P-38 Lightning include:

Answer: all of these

The Lightning had many roles, including serving as a clothesline for the pilots!

8. What was the total number of Lightnings built?

Answer: 9924

This is a small number compared to the 15,686 Mustangs built.

9. P-38s were built outdoors.

Answer: True

The P-38 production line had to be moved while the Lockheed plant was modernized.

10. Where was the P-38 was most successful?

Answer: the South Western Pacific

Unless in capable hands, the P-38 had trouble matching the Messerschmitt Bf-109 or the Focke-Wulf 190, but it lit up the skies over the Pacific.

Source: Author P51-D Ace

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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