"Cub Driver" wrote in message
...

The problem with the version of the P-38 supplied to the RAF
was the inferior supercharger supplied on the export version
not the fact that it had 2 engines turning the same way.

How would you like to have to turn a fighter to the left to avoid a
Japanese fighter when you have two 1200-hp Allisons pouring on the
torque to the right? This was an all-but-impossible task.


You couldnt out turn a Japanes fighter in any Lightning
and the RAF never tried to do so.

I think your grasp of the subject leaves something to be desired,
Keith. British engines did turn anti-clockwise as seen from the
cockpit;

I never said otherwise.

the export Lightning was all but useless as a result of two
engines turning the same way;

That was not the reason the RAF rejected them however, they
did so because of the extremely poor performance achievable
with the engines supplied. I am aware that was what the British
purchasing commission ordered but the factory guaranteed a
minimum speed of 400 mph at 16,900 ft with the original engines.
As the aircraft as delievered could barely achieve 350 mph it
was rejected by the RAF.

The USAAF took over the 140 aircraft remaining and even after
fitting handed engines relegated them to a training role.

and carrier islands to starboard had
little or nothing to do with engine rotation.


They did in 1918 when the Island location was fixed
on the 1st generation carriers and of course P-38's didnt operate
from carriers so their situation is irrelevant.

Keith