Tag Archives: lockheed

Today in 1939 the XP-38 Lightning prototype flew for the first time

It all started for the twin boom aircraft called “der Gabelschwanz-Teufel” (“fork-tailed devil”) by the Luftwaffe and known by American pilots as the “Lightning” on June 23, 1937 when Lockheed won a design competition with their Model 22.  They were received a USAAC government contract for $163,000 to build a prototype XP-38 – an airplane that ended up costing Lockheed an additional $761,000 to complete.

The prototype XP-38 was designed and built by Clarence Kelly Johnson and a team of designers in Lockheed’s Burbank, California facility under tight security.

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Planes of Fame Airshow – Chino Airport May 4-5

If you haven’t already, you should get your tickets for this great airshow!

Every year the Plane of Fame Air Museum at Chino Airport hosts a great airshow featuring aircraft from different eras in both static and flying presentations.  This years theme is “Lightning Strikes Chino” highlighting the Lockheed P-38 Lightning – one of my favorite World War II aircraft.

The flying portion of the show is May 4-5, from 11am to 4pm, with gates opening at 8am, and closing at 5pm.

Tickets are available online from the POF website HERE, and you save $5 if you pre-order through the website.  Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for children (5-11), and there’s grand stand seating available for an additional $15.

From the Planes of Fame website:

“This year’s airshow will feature nearly 40 historic aircraft performing for your enjoyment as well as a salute to the Lockheed P-38 Lightning.  Planes of Fame Air Museum is proud to present Air Show 2013: “Lightning Strikes Chino”.  We invite you to Airshow 2013 to celebrate the history and contributions of this great aircraft. In addition to many other fantastic airplanes performing, there will be panel discussions with our honored veterans.  Check back often for updates on the veterans who will participate. Also, be sure to catch the Airshow Preview Event and check out the Air Show 2013 Promotional Video!”

The shadows of the men who flew these planes grows longer every day.  We should strive whenever and wherever possible to maintain America’s great aviation heritage, and remind future generations of the accomplishments of the great aviators, aviatrix, inventors, engineers, and designers who pushed – and continue to push – the boundaries of the heavens.

The Planes of Fame website is HERE.

The Airshow 2013 Promotional Video is HERE.

You an buy tickets online HERE.