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The P-38G was very similar to the earlier P-38F. The engines were changed again, to Allison V-1710-51/ -55, which produced the same 1,325 hp as the engines used in the F. However the new engines had more advanced controls, making them more suitable for long range missions. The first 160 P-38Gs had the same payload capacity as the F, but with the P-38G-10 a stronger wing mid-section was introduced, increasing the payload under each wing to either 300 gallons of fuel, or a 2,000lb bomb.
These 300 gallon fuel tanks could only be used for ferrying the aircraft. For standard use the 165 gallon drop tanks remained the largest size available. With two 300 gallon fuel tanks the P-38G had a ferrying range of over 2,300 miles, allowing them to be flow directly across the Atlantic.
The P-38G entered service in June 1942. 1,082 P-38Gs were built, along with 180 F-5A photo-reconnaissance aircraft based on the same airframe.
Statistics
Engine: Allison V-1710-51/ -55
Horsepower: 1,325 hp
Max Speed: 400 mph at 25,000 feet
Cruising Speed: 340 mph
Rate of Climb: 8.5 minutes to 20,000 feet
Ceiling: 39,000 feet
Maximum Range: 2,400 miles
Span: 52 feet
Length: 37 feet 10 inches
Armament: One 20mm cannon and four .50in machine guns