P-38

[05564]

I recently read an article on the P-38 Lightening and it stated that it had counter rotating props. It said it was done to "keep the airframe stable". Was this the only multi-engined plane to do this? If so, why didn't other's try it? I'm no engineer, so I hope some of the experts on here can enlighten me.

[aerovin2]

The P-82 Twin Mustang also had counter-rotating propellers. Definitely an aerodynamic thing for torque and airflow reasons.

The other big twin engine fighter, the P-61, did not. The larger twin engine bombers did not. Probably a performance thing...not as critical given the performance differences.