Dive Flap Drive - only P-38J-25/L ?
 

Hello,

Is the Dive Flap system fit FROM P-38J-25 and -L versions?
BUT :
Was this device retrofit to earlier versions ?

Dataplate ("Dive Flap Drive" Assem. No. 404630) was found on a P-38 crashsite during the Bulge, between Marche en Famenne and Rendeux. No date, no info.

Is any possibility with the s/n on that part ("3776") to be linked to a particular aircraft s/n ?

Best for 2026 ! -H-

ClinA-78

Re: Dive Flap Drive - only P-38J-25/L ?
 

No the s/n of the part has nothing to do with the s/n of the aircraft.


Do a Search with P-38 and BEL in the appropriate boxes.
https://www.aviationarchaeology.com/dbSearchAFMACR.asp

https://www.aviationarchaeology.com/dbSearchAF55.asp

Re: Dive Flap Drive - only P-38J-25/L ?
 

Yes I was guessing, but perhaps a tiny possibility this particular modification was linked to an airframe...

This P-38 is not identified in any document, list, file (MACR, accident report, etc).
I am trying to ID those 'missing' P-38 lost during the Bulge in Belgium.

ClinA-78

Re: Dive Flap Drive - only P-38J-25/L ?
 

If you don't know the s/n of the aircraft how do you know it isn't identified in any document, list, file, etc??

Re: Dive Flap Drive - only P-38J-25/L ?
 

What do I mean, this P-38 MAY be listed in a such document as MACR, etc. but no link made (or found until now) between the exact crashplace and its recorded loss (often miles away and vague to say the last). So I start from pieces to find out version, circumstances, etc. as I lack the date of loss, pilot's fate, etc. as crucial info.
For example : BERRY (485 FS, POW) is given lost in Houffalize area; well a needle in a haystack...

I get another puzzling example with P-38 42-67780 (2Lt. Roy SMITH KIA, 485FS) lost on the 27/12 with ANY MACR ! That may be the P-38 wreckage I have unearthed in 2024 between Manhay and La Baraque de Fraiture but this is another story...

ClinA-78