Was the P-63 a good fighter?
In general, official Soviet histories played down the role of Lend-Lease supplied aircraft in favor of local designs, but it is known that the P-63 was a successful fighter aircraft in Soviet service.
How many P-63 were made?
3,305 P-63s
The US Army Air Force never used the P-63 in combat, but some were used for fighter training. A total of 3,305 P-63s were produced. Improved XP-39E; laminar flow wing. Allison V-1710-47 engine, 1,325 hp.
Who made the P-39?
Bell Aircraft
Bell P-39 Airacobra/Manufacturers
The P-39 Airacobra was a fighter aircraft made by Bell Aircraft. It first flew in 1939, and was introduced in 1941. While it had good weapons, it was known for being very unstable and could lose control easily. It was fast but not very good above 5000 m (15,000 feet) as it lacked turbocharger.
How good is P-39?
The P-39 Airacobra may be the least loved American fighter plane of World War II, deemed inadequate by military planners at the outset of hostilities and written off as nearly useless by many historians. It would only take a single direct hit to down an enemy airplane, and the P-39 also carried two additional .
Why did the Soviets like the P 39?
The comparatively low-speed, low-altitude nature of most air combat on the Eastern Front suited the P-39’s strengths: sturdy construction, reliable radio gear, and adequate firepower. Soviet pilots appreciated the cannon-armed P-39 primarily for its air-to-air capability.
Was the airacobra any good?
A strange irony. The P-39 Airacobra may be the least loved American fighter plane of World War II, deemed inadequate by military planners at the outset of hostilities and written off as nearly useless by many historians.
Why did the Soviets love the P-39?
Why is Airacobra hated?
Furthermore, the Airacobra’s slow climb rate made it terrible at its original role of intercepting high flying enemy bombers. The P-39 centrally-mounted engine also pushed the center of gravity to the rear, making it prone to vicious spins once cannon ammunition was expended from the nose.
Was the Airacobra a good plane?
While the Airacobra was never one of the best airplanes, it was still a good airplane. The P-39 introduced many new innovations that would later be used on America’s first jet powered airplane, the XP-59 Airacomet. Prototype with one turbo-supercharged 1,150 hp Allison V-1710-17 engine.
Is the Bell P-63 Kingcobra still in use?
The Bell P-63 KingCobra was never used operationally by the USAAF, the greater proportion of the output being delivered to Russia under Lend/Lease. A special modification of the Bell P-63 KingCobra was, however, evolved to serve as a target in the U.S. Army’s live ammunition training program.
Which is better P-51 Mustang or P-63 Kingcobra?
The USAAF concluded the Bell P-63 KingCobra was inferior to the North American P-51 Mustang, and declined to order larger quantities. American allies, particularly the Soviet Union, had a great need for fighter aircraft, however, and the Soviets were already the largest users of the Airacobra.
What was the top speed of a bell Kingcobra?
This made it one of the fastest Kingcobras built with a the top speed of 421 mph (678 km/h) at 24,100 ft. (7,300 m). 5 The performance of the XP-63A was found to be satisfactory and it was ordered into production in September 1942 with deliveries beginning in October 1943.
When was the bell P-63A Model 33 made?
In September 1942, even before the prototype flew, the USAAF ordered it into production as the Bell P-63A (Model 33) KingCobra.