The Bell P-39 Airacobra was one of the principal American fighter aircraft in service when the United States entered World War II. It was the first fighter in history with a tricycle undercarriage and the first to have the engine installed in the center fuselage, behind the pilot. Although its mid-engine placement was innovative, the P-39 design was handicapped by the absence of an efficient turbo-supercharger, limiting it to low-altitude work.
Revell 1/48 P39 Airacobra
The P-39 was used with great success by the Soviet Air Force, which scored the highest number of individual kills attributed to any U.S. fighter type. Other important users were the Free French and co-belligerent Italian air forces. Together with the derivative P-63 Kingcobra, these aircraft became the most successful mass-produced fixed-wing aircraft manufactured by Bell.
This kit was built some time ago after my long model building hiatus. The molds for the 1/48 P-39 Airacobra from Revell might have its age, but it still pressing out a nice and affordable kit. The kit comes with the ground maintenance crew as seen on the pictures. Some of the included figures are familiar ones from other Revell model kits like the B-24 J Liberator.
One of the things that got my attention was the cockpit detail for a model kits of this era. One of the reasons why I decided to display this model with its door opened, was the fact that I wanted to have the cockpit visible thru the opened door. Considering that most WW-II subjects from Revell / Monogram from back in the day have very limited interior detail, this model stands out from those
The overall fit of this kit including the clear parts was so nice, that it made me forget that this P-39 has raised panel lines instead of receded ones. Sure there are other options. But in my build log, the Revell P39 is a winner and you can’t beat it at a $16.99 MSRP.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Bell P-39 Airacobra Specifications:
Length: 34 feet
Wingspan: 30 feet, 2 inches
Height: 12 feet, 5 inches
Crew: 1
Weight: Empty 5,347 Max Takeoff – 7540lbs
Max Speed: 376mph at 19,700 feet
Cruise Speed: 250mph at 16,400 feet
Range: 650 miles
Service Ceiling: 33,000 feet
Fuel Capacity: 106 gallons internally and 80 gallons in a single drop tank
Powerplant: Allison V-1710 with 1,200hp
Armament:
One 37mm cannon firing through the propeller hub
Two 50 Cal Browning machine guns in the nose
Two 50 Cal Browning machine guns in underwing pods
One or more bombs of up to 550lbs total
First Flight :
Cost: $46,000
