The P-38 (larger variant known as the P-51) is a small can opener that was issued with canned United States military rations from its introduction in 1942 to the end of canned ration issuance in the 1980s.[1] Originally designed for and distributed in the K-ration, it was later included in the C-ration. The lightweight, tiny, P-38 foldable military can opener was designed and patented by J.W.SPEAKER Corp. (who also designed and patented the "HEATAB" dry fuel tablets used to heat the U.S. Military rations during World War II).[citation needed] As of 2024, it is still in production and sold worldwide.[2]
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ArmyP38was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Buy P38 or P51 Can Opener at Army Surplus World | Army Surplus World". www.armysurplusworld.com. Retrieved 2020-01-04.