P-38 Lightning: A look at surviving models and their historical significance

After WWII ended and jet fighters emerged, production of the P-38 ceased in 1945. However, they were not immediately retired; operations continued until 1949 in the U.S., with some countries using them into the 1960s. Countries like Australia and Italy operated limited numbers post-war before phasing them out.

There are reports that more P-38s could potentially be recovered from remote locations such as jungles or icy terrains where they crashed but were preserved over time. Restoration efforts continue globally with projects underway in places like Australia and Serbia.

In terms of current locations of airworthy P-38s within the U.S., examples include serial numbers registered across states like Colorado (N12652), Washington (NL3JB), Minnesota (N79123), Oregon (N2114L), New Mexico (N577JB), Texas (N17630), California (N9005R), Massachusetts (N505MH), and others at various museums.

California hosts several flightworthy Lightnings with museums such as Planes of Fame Museum and Yanks Air Museum showcasing these historic aircraft. Internationally, Austria is home to a rare flying P-38 owned by Flying Bulls housed at Salzburg Airport.

Static displays are also common across numerous museums including National Air & Space Museum in Washington D.C., National Museum of USAF in Ohio among others. These exhibits contribute to preserving the legacy of this iconic WWII fighter despite challenges faced by restoration projects due to funding constraints or incomplete artifacts.