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Designation: P-39N

Bell P-39N

Bell P-39N Airacobra

Picture of the Bell P-39N Airacobra

The P-39 was an unusual design when it appeared in 1937.  Among its many unorthodox design features are the mounting of the engine behind the pilot, the use of automobile type doors on the sides of the cockpit, and tricycle landing gear.  The Airacobra had good low altitude performance but suffered badly at high altitudes.  Fortunately, the aircraft’s large, nose mounted 37mm cannon made it a perfect ground attack aircraft.  Large numbers of P-39s were exported to the Soviet Union where they were very popular in this role.  The Airacobra was never popular in American or British service, but they still served in combat during the early stages of the war while more capable types were being designed and built.

Wingspan 34 ft

Wingspan

Length 30 ft 2 in.

Length

Height 12 ft 5 in.

Height

Weight 8,300 lbs (loaded)

Weight

Max. Speed 385 MPH

Maximum Speed

Service Ceiling 35,000 ft

Service Ceiling

Range 650 miles

Range

Engines One Allison V-1710-85 12-cylinder engine with 1,325 horsepower

Engine

Crew 1

Crew


Manufacturer
Bell

Markings
110th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, New Guinea, 1944

Designation
P-39N

Serial Number
42-18814