NARRATIVE

The P-39 was one of America’s first-line pursuit planes in December 1941. Its unique engine location behind the cockpit caused some pilot concern, but this proved to be no more of a hazard in a crash than landing with an engine located forward of the cockpit. The Airacobra saw combat throughout the world, particularly in the Southwest Pacific, Mediterranean and Russian theaters. Because its engine was not equipped with a supercharger, the P-39 performed best below the 17,000 feet altitude and was therefore more often used for ground strafing. Bell built a total of 9,584 Airacobras of which 4,773 were delivered to the Soviet Union whose pilots preferred the aircraft for its ground attack capability. The Airacobra was one of the world’s first single-seat fighters to feature a tricycle landing gear and was fitted with car-type doors for the pilot to enter and exit. Called the “Little Shaver” by the Red Air Force, “shaving” being Russian slang for ground strafing, the P-39 gained great respect as a destroyer of German tanks and vehicles.