Corgi Aviation Archive Series Diecast Model

Lockheed F-5E-2 (P-38) Lightning – 43-28619 ‘Rita/Ruth’, 27th PRS, 7th PG, Eighth Air Force, USAAF, RAF Mount Farm airfield, World War II, August 1944

1:72 Scale.  Length: 6.25".  Wingspan: 8.7"


Limited Edition of 900 Models Worldwide

One of the most crucial elements of the D-Day air campaign was the gathering of detailed recon photographs of the intended invasion area, which included the assessment of previous bombing raid effectiveness and the identification of future targets. In lessons learned during the disastrous Dieppe raid of 1942 military planners knew they had to have the latest intelligence information in order to prepare for disrupting communication and destroying defensive strongholds overlooking the invasion beaches.

One of the most effective aircraft in securing this information was the Lockheed F-5E-2 Lightning, the photographic reconnaissance version of the distinctive twin boom P-38J variant. Undergoing modifications at squadron level this aircraft featured enlarged camera windows for more effective information gathering, with this bigger window featuring a teardrop fairing to minimize the impact of addition drag. Lightning 43-28619 was unusual in that it made a feature of this enlarged eye in the sky by the artistic addition of shark’s teeth, with the camera windows serving as eyes for the flying beast. With an overall PRU blue paint scheme, nose art and D-Day identification markings, this must have been one of the most distinctive aircraft in the skies above the Normandy beaches even though its mission profile was to remain undetected. On November 26, 1944, this Lightning was intercepted and shot down by a German Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter flown by Luftwaffe ace Hermann Buchner, with its unfortunate pilot becoming a prisoner of war.

The P-38 Lightning was a twin-engine fighter aircraft operated by the United States and several allied countries during World War II. The aircraft had a distinctive twin boom design with a single central nacelle containing the cockpit and armament. It was used in a number of roles, including interception, bombing, ground attack, night fighting, photo reconnaissance, and as a long-range escort fighter when equipped with drop tanks. First flown on January 27, 1939, the P-38 entered service in 1941. It was the only U.S. fighter aircraft produced throughout America’s involvement in the war. From 1941 to 1945 Lockheed built a total of 10,037 P-38s in over two dozen variants.

The Corgi Aviation Archive features a wide selection of high quality, ready-made, diecast model airplanes. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft. Corgi models are built with diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of an F-5E-2 (P-38) Lightning features: