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Air Power |
The P-39 was the first instance where the aircraft was built around a gun.
The P-39 Airacobra was the first US Army fighter with tricycle landing gear, and was also unique for having its engine placed behind the pilot in the middle of the aircraft. Other interesting features included a 37mm cannon firing through the propeller hub, and access to the cockpit via a door in the fuselage (as opposed to a moveable canopy). While not noteable as an air-to-air fighter (in American hands), the P-39 performed well as a ground attack aircraft. However, the Russians received nearly 5000 P-39s through the lend-lease program, and they used them successfully as air defense fighters on the Eastern Front. About 200 P-39s originally designated for export to the British were repossessed by the USAAF, and were known as P-400s; these were used in the early Southwest Pacific campaigns such as at Guadalcanal.
Specifications:
Primary Function: Patrol
Contractor: Bell Aircraft
Crew: one
Unit Cost: $46,000
Powerplant: Allison V-1710 rated at 1,200 hp
Dimensions:
Length: 30 ft, 2 in
Wingspan: 34 ft
Height: 12 ft, 5 in
Weights: Empty: 5,610 lb / Max. Takeoff: 8,400 lb
Performance :
Speed: 376 mph
Ceiling: 35,000 ft
Range: 650 miles
Armaments:
One 37mm T9, four .50-caliber machine guns (two in nose, two under wing), 500 lbs of bombs.
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