| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | AE979 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Lockheed P-38 Lightning |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Lockheed P-38/F-5 Lightning |
| Aircraft Version: | Lockheed Lightning Mk.1 |
| C/n (msn): | 322-3002 |
| Operator Titles: | UK - Air Force |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Location: | In Flight |
| Region / Country: | California, United States |
| Photo Date: | 1941 |
| Photo from: | AirHistory.net Photo Archive |
| Photo ID: | 715097 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
The RAF rejected the Lightning after receiving three aircraft (AE978 - AE980) which remained in the US. Lockheed insisted the RAF take the 667 aircraft ordered by the Anglo-French purchasing committee. The stand-off ended when the US entered the war and needed fighters itself. The RAF reevaluated the aircraft later but after testing in the UK turned down the type a second time. Photo from: Whites Aviation Collection/Alexander Turnbull Library This photo was added on 11 August 2024, and has since been viewed 237 times. |