P-38 Lightning and Mitsubishi Zero (World Fighter Aircraft Collection)

The Chino-based P-38 Lightning "23 Skidoo" chases the Commemorative Air Force's Mitsubishi Zero during the 2006 Arizona Skyfest held near the town of Prescott.

The Zero was Japan's main fighter throughout World War Two, and American forces made extensive use of the Lightning during thePacific War because of its long range, especially when using drop tanks like the ones visible in this photograph underneath "23 Skidoo".   An aircraft with two engines also has considerable advantages when flying over vast stretches of ocean, though flying a P-38 on only one engine is no easy matter.

Ultimately the Lightning shot down more Japanese aircraft than any other USAAF fighter, though navy and Marine Corps F6F Hellcatsdid shoot down more.