Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>P-39>HA1707

General Background

The P-39 Aircobra was one of the principal American land based fighters during the beginning of WWII. It first saw action in April 1942 but had not been successful against the Japanese “Zero” due to the lack of turbo-supercharger for high altitude operations.

The aircraft saw its real success in the hands of the Soviet Union. The Soviets liked the low altitude speed and maneuverability, excellent structural integrity, and heavy armament, everything they needed to fight the type of war on the Eastern Front. They were so pleased by these attributes that they nicknamed it “The Iron Dog”. There were 9,585 P-39s of all variants built with about 4,500 going to the Soviets.

The Aircraft

Colonel Clarence E. "Bud" Anderson was a World War II triple ace with 16 1/4 air victories in Europe. Shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Anderson volunteered for aviation cadet training. He received his wings and was commissioned a second lieutenant on 29 September 1942. Originally assigned to the 328th Fighter Group, Anderson later transferred to the 363d Fighter Squadron flying the P-39Q Airacobra. In November 1943, the 363d was assigned to Leiston, England and became the first 8th Air Force unit to receive the P-51 Mustang.

Specifications :

Aircraft role:	Ground attack fighter
Production:	2,095 with first delivery November 1942
Crew:	1
Dimensions:
Length:	30 ft. 2 in.
Wing area:	213 sq. ft.
Wingspan:	34 ft.
Height:	12 ft. 5 in.
Performance:
Powerplant:	1 X Allison V-1710-85 1,200 hp
Speed:	cruising 330 mph at 5,000 ft.
	maximum 376 mph at 15,000 ft.
Climb rate::	2,600 ft/min to 5,000 ft. - to 15,000 ft. in 6 min 6 seconds
Service Ceiling:	38,270 ft. with best performance below 20,000 ft.
Range:	300 miles because of smaller fuel tanks in this version
Extended range:	1,000 miles with extra fuel tanks
Fuel capacity:	internal 72.4 imp. Gallons (87 US gallons) – external 62.45 imp. Gallons (75 US gallons) in one drop tank
Weight:
Empty:	5,645 lbs.
Maximum:	8,300 lbs.
Operational weight:	with weapons: 8,300 lbs.
Armament:	Machine guns: 2 X 0,50 in. fixed forward-firing in the upper side of the nose 200 rounds each,
	4 X 0.3 in. fixed forward-firing in the wings with 1,000 rounds each,
	Cannons: 1 X 37 mm M4 fixed forward firing in a Moteur-cannon installation (able to fire through the propeller) 30 rounds
	Bomb load: up to 500lb on one hard-point with 1 X 500lb. bomb or 1 X 325 lb. bomb or 1 X 250 lb. bomb