P-39 Airacobra: Bell Fighter in World War II

The Bell P-39 Airacobra was a mid-engined fighter with a sturdy tricycle landing gear and a nose-mounted 37 mm cannon. It was rejected by British and American combat squadrons but was much better received in the Soviet Union, where it was deployed against the Luftwaffe. This new entry in the Legends of Warfare series features detailed photographic coverage of all variants of the Airacobra.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 28 August 2023
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd

The Bell P-39 Airacobra was a remarkable aircraft with a thoughtful and innovative design. It featured a mid-engined configuration, sturdy tricycle landing gear, and a nose-mounted 37 mm cannon. While it lacked the all-out performance of some other key fighters available to Allied flyers, particularly at altitude, it was still a formidable aircraft. Unfortunately, the P-39 was largely rejected by British and American combat squadrons.

However, it found a more welcoming home in the Soviet Union, where the Red Air Force successfully deployed large quantities of the type against the Luftwaffe. This new entry in the Legends of Warfare series offers detailed photographic coverage of all variants of the Airacobra, including prototypes, trainer versions, production models C through Q, and the P-400.

The P-39 Airacobra was a significant aircraft in the history of World War II. Its innovative design and powerful weapons made it a formidable opponent for the Luftwaffe. While it may not have been the most advanced fighter of its time, it played a crucial role in the defense of the Soviet Union and helped to turn the tide of the war in favor of the Allies. The detailed photographic coverage in this book provides a unique insight into the history and development of this remarkable aircraft.

Weight: 926g
Dimension: 236 x 236 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780764367038