Happy 85th First Flight Anniversary to the Bell P-39 Airacobra!

The Bell P-39 Airacobra was one of the main fighters for the U.S. Army Air Forces when America entered World War II.
The P-39 had an innovative design. It was the first fighter fitted with tricycle landing gear and its engine was mounted in the center fuselage, directly behind the pilot. That configuration freed up space for a 37 mm T9 cannon to fire through the center of the propeller hub.
What do you think about the Airacobra’s design as a fighter?
This P-39Q belongs to the Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing. They restored it as WWII Triple Ace Col. Bud Anderson's first aircraft painted as "Old Crow". The patch on the cockpit door signified the 363rd Fighter Squadron.
#aviation #aircraft #avgeek #firstflight #anniversary #warbird
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[@BV-fr8bf]

Stunning photography! Truly shows the elegant beauty of the P-39!

[@WarChallenger]

"I guess you guys aren't ready for that yet. But your allies are gonna love it."

[@mylesspear]

Not one of the most successful, but definitely one of the most unique.

[@petronasf1team]

Yep

[@Karnov1977]

Tell that to the Soviet pilots who flew them and became aces.

[@Jackjaberofficial]

Yay one of my favorites

[@scottkleyla7752]

Serious hobby packages! Stay Safe

[@reckemroysrc3764]

Love the p 39. Awesome plane

[@trodat07]

"Engineers think they know best, actual combat field test knows better", that should be the P-39's motto.

[@thegreat_I_am]

The P39 was very effective at low level, as the Soviets proved. It’s poor reputation mainly came from the RAF who wanted to use it as an interceptor, which it was unsuited to, mainly due to the lack of a supercharger. The engine did not get enough air at altitude, reducing the available power. As a low level fighter/ground attack aircraft it did useful work. It was a lovely little aircraft to look at as well.

[@trodat07]

@@thegreat_I_am In theory, moving the engine closer to the center of gravity would greatly improve the handling and give it an edge on battle. In practice, the P-39 resulted a 'meh' fighter, especially when compared to the engineers' expectations. It was not intended to be a ground attack plane either, but Russians managed to find an use for it.