P-58 'Chain lightning' USAF fighter-bomber

• 

The X-58 was the largest version of the series of aircraft based on the P-38...The X-58 was the largest version of the series of aircraft based on the P-38 and continued with the XP-49. The 'Chain Lightning' was initially designed as a long-range bomber escort, but was redesigned as a low-altitude ground attack aircraft and finally retro-designed back to a bomber escort/stack aircraft. Besides the many role changes, the XP-58 was plagued by engine, armament and crew changes. In the final configuration, the aircraft had two crewmen – a pilot and a rear-gunner. Engine and supercharger problems caused the project to be canceled after one aircraft was built.