The P-39 was my favorite plane to build as a model builder back in the '70s. It was so streamlined, interesting features, and so little was published about it. That last view seeing the rear view within the cockpit is something I never saw before! Thanks.
That camouflage scheme and markings are exactly what Monogram models used in its product. It was based on the Airacobras used in Guadalcanal, though the paint job originated with the British.
You.. point out something ... very relevant and widely unknown.. with its success as a u...s... built fighter... in any conflict ... with any air force..... with car doors ... and crank widow.s.... tricycle wheel.s ... big guns and small ones.... unique engine placement... just add turbo off a damaged lightning... what.s, not to like... its nice to hear it the way it is sometimes... thank.s man have a, great day...
It's behind the propeller, the center hub is hollow and the barrel goes through that the driveshaft actually isn't in line with it, it goes under the gun into a gearbox that spins the prop.
That was not the first fighter with tricycle landing. The p38 lightning also had tricycle landing carriage. Both were conceived around the same year. Still a good plane. What someone should do, is put in a turbo jet engine! Now that would be amazing!
If you like the P-39, look for two books ("Nanette" and "Angels Twenty", recommend reading them in that order) by Edwards Park, who flew the P-39 in New Guinea.
imho most beautiful wwii plane reminds me modern racing cars like formula 1, beloved by soviets but its prone to flat spin became for some pilots fatal and also after spending all nose cannon ammo its ballance became worse
I know this plane served in nearly every theater at some time and was used well by the Soviets. But are you sure it scored more downed planes than any other U.S. made fighter ?
@AirZoo Is there a crime to revealing where in Hades your Air Zoo is located? Not a mention anywhere! We have an Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Being that all of you are speaking with a Scottish accent, I'd venture that you are not in Kalamazoo.
Apparently the American Army Air Force ordered the aircraft without the turbo super-charger 'cause they didn't want to spend the extra bucks - then turned around and griped about the aircraft's lack of high altitude performance. - Sometimes you can't win.
It's a crying shame that so few Allison-engined applications included a turbosupercharger, as did the P-38. Many of these other war birds, like this P-39, could've been much more highly regarded and useful against bandits encountered. The Merlin made use of a better-designed supercharger, thus guaranteeing the performance and reputation of the P-51. The Allison just couldn't make use of the fighting altitudes of the bandits it tried to counter. The P-38 could master the altitudes and horsepower, but required much techno-wizardry to get the most out of it. Fiddly, as the Brits would say. By the time most pilots learned and accomplished all the finessing required, it was time to rotate out of the squadron.
They loved it for the radios, the sturdy construction and the tricycle landing gear. With certain tactics applied, the pilots also pointed out its speed retention in a dive (compared with the soviet fighters or the Spitfire)
The P-39 was my favorite plane to build as a model builder back in the '70s. It was so streamlined, interesting features, and so little was published about it. That last view seeing the rear view within the cockpit is something I never saw before! Thanks.
Love these and I fit in the cockpit perfectly with everything where it should be. Sleek, compact, & fast. Plus it looks great on the outside.
I never had a clue that it even existed. Guess I will have to visit the Air Zoo before the snow falls
Great video! I have never heard of the museum. Looks super cool.
That camouflage scheme and markings are exactly what Monogram models used in its product. It was based on the Airacobras used in Guadalcanal, though the paint job originated with the British.
Beautiful fighter !
Soviets kinda tuned their Cobras ... removing the wing guns and sometimes replacing the main cannon for 20MM. Made the hing much lighter and agile.
You.. point out something ... very relevant and widely unknown.. with its success as a u...s... built fighter... in any conflict ... with any air force..... with car doors ... and crank widow.s.... tricycle wheel.s ... big guns and small ones.... unique engine placement... just add turbo off a damaged lightning... what.s, not to like... its nice to hear it the way it is sometimes... thank.s man have a, great day...
How did they set the gun inside the propeller? Is there any animated video about P-39?
It's behind the propeller, the center hub is hollow and the barrel goes through that the driveshaft actually isn't in line with it, it goes under the gun into a gearbox that spins the prop.
That was not the first fighter with tricycle landing. The p38 lightning also had tricycle landing carriage. Both were conceived around the same year. Still a good plane. What someone should do, is put in a turbo jet engine! Now that would be amazing!
i dont understand how plane is ballanced if third wheel in on opposite side than the engine in both configurations
Kinda forgetting about the Lockheed P-38 Lightning aren't we?
If you like the P-39, look for two books ("Nanette" and "Angels Twenty", recommend reading them in that order) by Edwards Park, who flew the P-39 in New Guinea.
I read something, the soviets used the p39 mainly for ground attack
Was not a very good fighter unless flown by very experienced pilots
imho most beautiful wwii plane reminds me modern racing cars like formula 1, beloved by soviets but its prone to flat spin became for some pilots fatal and also after spending all nose cannon ammo its ballance became worse
Cobra stochka, sweet little cobra is what they called it. and performed well in soviet hands.
I know this plane served in nearly every theater at some time and was used well by the Soviets. But are you sure it scored more downed planes than any other U.S. made fighter ?
I believe it's, any other US Made fighterr, flown by non US pilots
Yes it has the highest number of kills of any western built fighter of WW2. Alexander Pukruskin had a total of 62kills and most of them in the p39
Yes. I believe 3 of the top 5 Soviet aces primarily flew the p-39. It was a menace at lower altitudes.
is this the ex reno airacobra?
37mm
@AirZoo Is there a crime to revealing where in Hades your Air Zoo is located? Not a mention anywhere! We have an Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Being that all of you are speaking with a Scottish accent, I'd venture that you are not in Kalamazoo.
We're the one and only Kalamazoo Air Zoo! Don't let the accent fool you!
Apparently the American Army Air Force ordered the aircraft without the turbo super-charger 'cause they didn't want to spend the extra bucks - then turned around and griped
about the aircraft's lack of high altitude performance.
- Sometimes you can't win.
❤
It's a crying shame that so few Allison-engined applications included a turbosupercharger, as did the P-38. Many of these other war birds, like this P-39, could've been much more highly regarded and useful against bandits encountered. The Merlin made use of a better-designed supercharger, thus guaranteeing the performance and reputation of the P-51. The Allison just couldn't make use of the fighting altitudes of the bandits it tried to counter. The P-38 could master the altitudes and horsepower, but required much techno-wizardry to get the most out of it. Fiddly, as the Brits would say. By the time most pilots learned and accomplished all the finessing required, it was time to rotate out of the squadron.
The Russians loved it for the nose cannon.
They loved it for the radios, the sturdy construction and the tricycle landing gear.
With certain tactics applied, the pilots also pointed out its speed retention in a dive (compared with the soviet fighters or the Spitfire)
car doors