P-39L Airacobra Evelyn, 350th Fighter Group, Algeria, Spring, 1943 (1:72)

The Bell P-39 was the first American fighter to use tricycle undercarriage. Also unique was the use of a mid-mounted engine with a propeller shaft that ran from the engine through the cockpit under the pilot to the propeller. A 37mm cannon was mounted behind the gearbox and set up to fire through the propeller and the proper role the Airacobra performed marvelously and created a number of Aces.

In North Africa the P-39 was tasked to convoy patrol, armed reconnaissance and ground attack with little chance of encountering enemy fighters in combat. However Lt. Hugh �Rowdy� Dow got lucky when he and another P-39 spotted two Bf-109s. Both pilots attacked the German fighters and damaged both Messerschmitts. Dow spotted a third Bf-109 and gave chase that ended with the Bf-109 being destroyed. About one month later he scored his second kill that was probably the last for a P-39 in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations.

P39L Specifications

Had a different nose wheel, designed for lesser drag on take-off

General information
Type: Single Seat Fighter and Ground Attack
Manufacturer: Bell Aircraft
Total Produced: 250

Powerplant
Engine: 1 x Allison V-1710-63
Type: Liquid Cooled V12
Horsepower: 1,325 hp

Dimensions
Wingspan: 10.37m (34 ft.)
Length: 9.2m (30 ft. 2 in.)
Height: 11 ft. 10 in.
Wing Surface Area: 213 Sq. Ft.

Weights
Empty: 5,600 lbs.
Loaded: 7,780 lbs

Performance
Maximum Speed at 15,000 ft: 380 mph
Initial climb: 4,000 ft. (1220 m) per minute
Service Ceiling: 35,000 ft.
Range: (Ferry range with drop tanks)
1,475 Miles (2360 km) at 160 mph

Armament
4 x Colt-Browning .30" in the wings
2 x .50" machine guns in the nose
1 x 37 mm M-4 cannon.
Optional rocket pylon installation under the wings.