The P-38 Solved an Annoying Problem

Video from the channel Real Engineering about Lockheed P-38 Lightning, linked on its Above Ten Thousand entry. Duration: 2:46. Language: English. Video type: Documentary.

Short piece on how the Lockheed P-38 Lightning's configuration solved the gun convergence problem. Its central nacelle concentrated four .50-caliber machine guns and a 20 mm cannon, all pointing forward, with no need to set a convergence point.

Most World War II fighters carried their guns in the wings, which required aiming them so the rounds met at a certain distance: short for close combat and long for attacking bombers or ground targets. In addition, ground crews had to realign them according to each pilot's preference.

The video compares it with the Bf 109, which fired a cannon through the propeller hub, and likens its armament to that of the P-47 and the Fw 190, both of which had convergence problems.