Droop Snoot P-38J code KI-C of the 402nd FS 370th Fighter Group, Luxemburg April 1945
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.