Droopsnoot Lightning Modifications and Camouflage:

• Modification Purpose:
  • In early spring 1944, a field modification allowed a bombardier and bomb sighting equipment to be carried in the nose section of a small number of P-38s.
  • The goal was to lead formations of P-38s on fast medium-bombing attacks against heavily defended targets.
• Modification Details:
  • Nose Armament Removal: The nose armament was removed, and the metal nose cap was replaced with a Plexiglas nosepiece.
  • Vulnerability: These modified P-38s, known as "Droopsnoot Lightnings," were unarmed and thus vulnerable to enemy fighters.
• Deceptive Camouflage:
  • An 8-inch wide white band was painted around the nose directly behind the Plexiglas nosepiece on Droopsnoot Lightnings.
  • Standard Armed P-38s:
    • To deceive the enemy, standard armed P-38s were also given an 8-inch white nose band immediately in front of the gun compartment covers.
    • Any paint forward of the band was removed, and the bare metal was highly polished to mimic the appearance of the Droopsnoot's nose.
  • Effectiveness: This deception was effective, as the difference between Droopsnoot and standard P-38s could only be seen at close range.