Added: Nov 18, 2008

From: spencermcgrew

Duration: 3:41

This is a short clip of a P-38 lightning. The aircraft was heading out to do a photo shoot, but traffic meant that there was 30 minute wait, so they canceled it. I got what I wanted though: the distinctive sound of the turbocharged Allison engines. I do enjoy the sound of Merlins and non turbocharged engines but the 12 into 1 pipes gives the engine a mean rumble. A Merlin engine similar in character to a top fuel V8 they both have individual exhaust stacks. On the other hand a turbo allison is akin to v8s used on the sports car racing circuit; Corvettes, Aston Martins and the like.Side note- There was a ramp/step stool that i asked to stand on so I could get some footage of the turbines spinning but I didn't ask right away and I never got a chance because they didn't start her up again. (it started raining)--Note it has been brought to my attention that this is not a "K" model. The "K" was a prototype that featured paddle bladed propellers. She is actually a F-5 photo recon model.

Channel: Autos

Tags: allison  p-38  p38  ruff  startup  stuff  turbosupercharger 

Rating: 5.00 (12 ratings)    Views: 16425' favoriteCount='41    Comments: 25

proffromgview Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - I'm not trying to rain on ANYONE'S parade, but as far as I know, NO flying P-38s have their superchargers hooked up. All of the flying Lightnings are what the British called "castrated Lightnings" after the ones shipped them by the Americans at the outset of the war--they had no superchargers

rukkee22 Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - This plane has its turbo-supercharger . The british lightnings had exhaust stacks right behind the props .

proffromgview Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - All the Lightnings were made in the USA, and the so-called "British Lightnings" were simply early models that did not have the TSCs. But I still don't think ANY planes today have them hooked up. I belonged to Lightning Strikes, the P-38 publication, and have written for them before. My dad was a P-38 pilot. It's just too expensive with too many additional parts to have them hooked up. What is your source for saying that they do have them?

rukkee22 Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - my reply's aren't working . The info came from the shop lead for this bird .

rukkee22 Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - My link's aren't working is what i ment to say err . Im a 38 nut as well, it's cool to find another 38 fan.

proffromgview Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - Very interesting. Great plane, regardless!

rukkee22 Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - Another fun fact is the Glacier girl's superchargers are functional , the turbo's however are not .

spencermcgrew Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - Why do Flying fortresses and thunderbolts still run their turbos? and additionally I believe ruff stuff has her turbochargers piped in and they do operate.

rukkee22 Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - Yep ruff stuff is a complete turbo supercharged bird as far as know . I really can't answer the other question thou . Maybe it comes down to the radial vs inline engine design themselves.

Craigpv2d Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - Nowadays, Running the exhaust driven turbocharger, or a mechanically driven supercharger, or combination of the two, is simply the choice of the owner/operator. Most warbird owners detune the engines by disabling the superchargers and retarding the mags because they don't need the power at the low altitudes, and speeds, and weight they operate at. They also have only 100LL to workj with instead of 145 octane gas. Craig Hoaglund CAF, EAA

davidwaters62 Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - The castrated version was sent to Britain. Some of the reasons for this version was security , lack of the specially trained maintinance mechanics , and I imagine the chance of a complete airplane being captured. I believe one was captured complete , and actually shot down an american bomber. It succumbed to engine damage due to inferior fuel and lack of spare parts. The Brits may not have had the proper fuel either. Ask your dad , would be interesting to know.

flight206 Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - man i love that beautifus sound

spencermcgrew Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - Very good point Craig, I didn't factor in the octane rating. Avgas nowadays is nothing compared to the stuff they used near the end of WWII.

spencermcgrew Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - The castrated lightnings you speak of did have superchargers. The specific name for the aircraft was "Model 322" and these were equipped with Allison V-1710-C15 engines. These engines had a supercharger ratio of 8.77/1 The castrated lightings did indeed have superchargers.

Irvine5312x6ma Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - Is this a J model or an L?

spencermcgrew Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - neither, its a K

cabritorsss Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - The engines are turning opposite of each other?

frutsak Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - to reduce torque

FiveCentsPlease Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - In regard to the B17, I believe they still depend on the turbos to make sufficient power for such a heavy aircraft. I think some Thunderbolts do fly without operational turbos, though.

rukkee22 Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - I'm pretty sure it's a J , no landing light in the wing. It's definitely not a K , they don't exist today and their were only 2 ever built IIRC.

teknoslet Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - c/n 422-8235 was built as a P-38L-5, later in the war converted to F-5G recce bird.'Fighternose' was only reinstalled in mid 90s.Currently registered with the FAA again as P-38L-5.

oisiaa Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - Such a beautiful machine.

Ivannator138 Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - thats hot

stringtheorysucks Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - yes they do. it helps handling, it makes the plane easier to fly.

rustyATV Says:

Nov 18, 2008 - It eliminates what's called a "critical engine", which multi-engine piston aircraft have. You should be able to search it on the internet for a detailed explanation.