Would it be possible for a heavily modified P-38 to take the place of the F-82

Probably reengined, perhaps with turboprops? Definitely heavily modified. They could be used as a combo superprop air superiority fighter and a fighter-bomber, a nice bit of multi role the F-82 lacked.
 
I would love to take part in this discussion, in detail, but am working toward something similar in my NACA P-38 TL (link in my signature) so I will summarize my thoughts as a simple, "yes, I think it is possible."

EDIT: To qualify that statement though I should point out that it would require many, many, modifications to bring the P-38 up to late 1940's standards. Again, my P-38 TL is slowly working away at these but the biggest hurdle to it being chosen over the F-82 is aerodynamics. All else being equal, the OTL P-38 was thirstier than the F-82 just by virtue of an older, higher drag, design especially in the wing. Replace the wing, improve radiator and intercooler installations, and figure out to maintain balance and performance in a two-seat variant and it has a chance.
 
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I would love to take part in this discussion, in detail, but am working toward something similar in my NACA P-38 TL (link in my signature) so I will summarize my thoughts as a simple, "yes, I think it is possible."

Your TL is what got me thinking about this, I mentioned it in your thread.
 
Your TL is what got me thinking about this, I mentioned it in your thread.
I figured as much. It is a great idea but I really think the P-38 would either need to be improved earlier (as in my TL) or Lockheed would need to dedicate massive resources toward it to make it compete directly with the P/F-82--something they had no desire to do because they were already producing the P-80. The solution, of course, would be to have another designer/manufacturer take it over. Such as Consolidated-Vultee (Convair).
 
for the long patrol/escort missions envisioned, a co-pilot was needed, and more so, for the Radar version

the droopsnoot or piggyback versions of the P-38 wasn't ideal.
Then as others mentioned, the wing needs work, its not a great airfoil
when you need to replace the wing and nacelle, it's just time for an all new aircraft
 
for the long patrol/escort missions envisioned, a co-pilot was needed, and more so, for the Radar version

the droopsnoot or piggyback versions of the P-38 wasn't ideal.
Then as others mentioned, the wing needs work, its not a great airfoil
when you need to replace the wing and nacelle, it's just time for an all new aircraft

Alan Turing lives and designs autopilot/s

What about earlier improvements, a la @everkings NACA p-38?

Would they need to be re-engined? What engines could they mount, especially high-alt turboprops or post WW2 pistons?
 
Alan Turing lives and designs autopilot/s

What about earlier improvements, a la @everkings NACA p-38?

Would they need to be re-engined? What engines could they mount, especially high-alt turboprops or post WW2 pistons?

F-82s went back to Allison power. Engines isn't the problem with the P-38, just everything else that's getting fixed in that other TL.

mid '40s autopilots were not small, and you needed the servo system to control all axis of movement. redesign time.

OTL, just too much in 1945 to fix.
 
Alan Turing lives and designs autopilot/s
Well, Turing was around in time period but was otherwise occupied. Still, no need for Turing to come up with autopilot. The F-4 and F-5 (P-38 photo-recce) airplanes were already fitted with rudimentary autopilot systems which maintained a set altitude, course, speed, and trim. The pilot only had to intervene to make corrections and adjustments (e.g. course change on a dogleg, etc).
 
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