I just learned that at the time the P-38 was extremely fast. It was clocked at 500 mph which during the 1940's and 50's was extremely fast. I have also been given information that the p-38 was highly classified it took 1-2 years before coming to the attention of the public. The reason the p-38 was considered stealth was because of it's irregular shape. I have a example of a yp-38 lightning at the end of this post.