P-39 Airacobra in detail & scale (D&S Vol. 63)
Bert Kinzey - P-39 Airacobra in detail & scale
Squadron/Signal Publications | 1999 | ISBN: 1888974168 | English | 76 pages | PDF | 21.75 MB
D&S Vol. 63
Squadron/Signal Publications | 1999 | ISBN: 1888974168 | English | 76 pages | PDF | 21.75 MB
D&S Vol. 63
Although P-39s were one of the most brilliantly designed and engineered fighters of WWII they became one of the most controversial and disappointing American aircraft of that era. It was conceived as a fast interceptor designed around a hard-hitting 37mm cannon that fired explosive shells ensuring the destruction of any enemy aircraft. But after promising flight tests by the XP-39 the US Army Air Corps mandated removing the turbo-supercharger. This short-sighted and ill-advised decision by leaders schooled and experienced only in ground warfare meant that the high altitude performance of the aircraft suffered considerably. But the aircraft's users particularly the RAF blamed Bell Aircraft for the substandard high altitude performance. Airacobras were not held in high favor by most pilots who flew it. FEATURES: Information on the P-39 Airacobra aircraft. Filled with specifications facts and pictures including a 16-page color center section showing the different markings and configurations. A very handy guide for modelers trying for true scale appearance!