P - 39D Airacobra Model Airplane

The P-39 "Airacobra", built by Bell, was one of America's first-line pursuit planes in late1941. It made its initial flight in April 1939. The P-39's main armament was a propeller hub mounted 37 mm cannon. To allow the weapon to be housed in the nose required the engine to be placed behind the pilot's seat. This unique engine location behind the cockpit caused some pilot concern, but this proved to be no more of a hazard in a crash landing than with an engine located forward of the cockpit. However, the P-39's spin characteristics could be quite a problem if recovery techniques were ignored.

The Airacobra saw combat throughout the world, particularly in the Southwest Pacific, Mediterranean and Russian theaters. Because its engine was not equipped with a supercharger, the P-39 performed best below 17,000 feet altitude, and it often was used at lower altitudes for such missions as ground strafing (when supported by other fighters). When P-39 production ended in August 1944, Bell had built 9,584 Airacobras, of which 4,773 had been sent to the Soviet Union. Operating at lower altitudes over the Eastern Front, Russian pilots particularly liked the cannon-armed P-39 for its ground attack capability. Other P-39's served with French and British forces.

Source and Link:    U.S.A.F. Museum.

Fully assembled, Handcrafted Model Airplane with Removable Desk Stand.
(Scale: 1/32, Length: 10.75", Wing Span: 12.75")
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