War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

P-59A

2019-10-27T14:22:45Z

U42580251: /* External links */

{{Specs-Card
|code=p-59a
|market=P-59A (USA)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/6293/current|Operation H.E.A.T event]]. It is currently rare vehicle and is obtainable through the [https://trade.gaijin.net/? Gaijin Marketplace].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===

The P-59A ''Airacomet'' is quite an unusual jet with a number of unique and quirky characteristics. Firstly, it has a very low battle rating considering it is a jet. This reason is due to how poor its performance is compared to every other jet and even worse than most super-props (P-51H, F8F-1B, Bf 109 K-4, G.56, I-225). Secondly, the aircraft is unbelievably maneuverable and able to out turn Spitfires at the BR with the correct usage of the combat flaps and rudder. These oddities make the ''Airacomet'' a very interesting plane to fly and is the complete opposite of 90% of jets the player might've flown before. The P-59 has excellent maneuverability and decent roll rate. However, the very terrible acceleration is something to keep an eye on, but in a straight line you will be able to catch other opponents. It will take a long time to get up to speed but sooner or later, you'll catch your opponent if they continue to go in a straight line.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 9,144 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
| 659 || 638 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.9 || 21.4 || 16.1 || 15.3 || 457
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 9,144 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
| 723 || 690 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.2 || 20.0 || 23.4 || 19.5 || 457
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 520 || ~10 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 450 || < 420 || < 350 || N/A
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 0 m || 750 kgf || 780 kgf
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 6.35 mm steel plate mounted behind the armaments
* 6.35 mm steel plate in front of the pilot
* 38 mm bulletproof glass (63°) mounted in the windshield
* 2 x 6.35 steel plates behind the pilot seat
* 9.5 mm steel plate mounted behind the pilot's head

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M10 (37 mm)|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 37 mm M10 cannon, nose-mounted (45 rpg)
* 3 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (600 rpg = 1,800 total)

== Usage in battles ==

There are three ways the player can use the P-59A; energy fighter, highly manoeuvrable dogfighter, or interceptor.

=== Energy Fighter ===

* The P-59A is a decent energy fighter that can be used versus enemies with worse energy retention such as most twin-engine fighters and the Fw 190's, but should not be flown this way versus aircraft like Spitfires, 109's and Ki-84's, all of which have far superior energy retention, climb rates and speeds than you do. You should only try to out-stall an opponent when they are coming to you with an energy disadvantage, as the ''Airacomet'' has a relatively high stall speed and mediocre climb rate. It is to be noted however that the aircraft can very easily recover from a full stall but is a little unstable after having to pull the nose down.

=== Dogfighter ===

* The role that P-59A excels the most at is as a medium-altitude dogfighter that can use its unbelievable manoeuvrability to the fullest. The only things that can keep up to you in turns are Zero's, Reppu's and the occasional Ki-61, but you can outspeed all of them very easily due to their very low top-end speeds. It is important to know that you can only outturn Spitfires and Yak-3's with appropriate use of combat flaps and efficient application of the aircraft's solid rudder. A smart pilot will also use the aircraft's great roll rate to help manoeuvre around opponents. The close-range nature of dogfighting is also a boon to the P-59A because of the 37 mm cannon's mediocre muzzle velocity of 610 m/s compared to the Browning's 900 m/s, and at close range, you do not have to worry about that difference.

=== Interceptor ===

* The P-59A is a very solid interceptor that can easily climb up to bomber altitude and shred their airframes with the potent armament layout at its disposal. Be sure to steer clear of the gunners, as even though your airframe can take a beating, its never a good idea to tail a bomber with at least decent defensive armaments. One should come in at an oblique angle and aim at the wings and engines.

=== Specific enemies worth noting: ===

* [[A6M5]]. The dreaded Zero is a thing to be feared and is one of very few aircraft that can turn with you. Under no circumstances are you to engage a Zero in a manoeuvring fight, as it'll turn circles around you. The Zero is plagued by several downfalls though, namely an extremely weak airframe and slow top-end speeds, and you can take advantage of these.
* [[A7M2]]/[[A7M1 (NK9H)|A7M1]]. Being a cousin of the legendary Zero, you can expect a similar flight style between the two. The Reppu keeps the manoeuvrability of its cousin while improving speed, acceleration and armaments. Approach a Reppu the same way you would approach the Zero.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
|
|
| Offensive 12 mm
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 12 mm MGs
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 37 mm
|-
| IV
| G-suit
|
| Cover
| New 37 mm cannons
|-
|}
Being a premium, all modules are unlocked upon acquiring the vehicle.

The recommended belts to use are ''Tracers'' for the Brownings and either ''Default'' or ''Universal'' for the 37 mm cannon.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Unbelievable manoeuvrability for a jet
* Solid armament layout centred entirely in the nose
* Great roll rate
* Sturdy airframe which can take a beating
* Tricycle landing gear to help with high-speed landings
* Access to premium rewards
* Very low repair cost

'''Cons:'''

* Slow for a jet, unable to keep up with most super-props
* Mediocre acceleration due to being an early jet aircraft
* 37 mm cannon rounds can be less effective and easily deflected dut to the angle of attack
* Large target when coming in from above or below
* Wings are littered with fuel tanks

== History ==


The P-59A Airacomet is the very first US jet-powered fighter, whose development began back in 1941, when the USA received the schematics for the Whittle turbojet engine from Great Britain. It was the Bell Aircraft Corporation that signed the contract to assemble the New World’s first jet-powered fighter. Despite the unicity of the task at hand and lack of experience in the development of jet-powered aircraft, the company was planning on launching a serial production of the fighter as opposed to just building a test unit. The first aircraft was assembled as early as 1942 and underwent testing until 1944 – the engineers were struggling to solve a multitude of technical issues caused by the new engines. Once the majority of the engine-tuning problems were fixed, it turned out that the flight characteristics of the new vehicle couldn’t surpass even those of serially produced piston-engine models. Nonetheless, a small series of P-59s was manufactured – a total of 66 aircraft branded “Airacomets”. The US jet-powered firstling failed to impress the military, and soon all combat aircraft were replaced with P-80 Shooting Stars.

''- From [[wt:en/news/6295/current|Devblog]]''

The Bell XP-59A Airacomet was America's first jet aircraft. For that reason alone, the aircraft is of historic significance. Although it never fired a shot in anger during World War II, it was nevertheless important in that it provided a lot of important data on the care and maintenance of jet aircraft, which proved invaluable when more advanced jet fighters came in to service.

The history of the Airacomet is one of the most interesting of any of the aircraft we have encountered so far in this series. For that, we must go back a bit and start with the Bell XP-52.

The Bell XP-52 was an unorthodox fighter project that arose out of a USAAC competition held in the winter of 1939 for a fighter that would be much more effective than any extant--with a top speed, rate of climb, maneuverability, armament, and pilot visibility, all of which would be far superior to those of any existing fighter. In addition, the fighter was required to have a low initial cost and had to be easy and inexpensive to maintain.

The USAAC issued its requirements to the industry in the form of Request for Data R-40C. No less than 50 responses came in. Among these was the Model 16, which the Bell company had developed some months earlier. Bell was famous for submitting unconventional designs, and the Model 16 was no exception. It had a round, barrel-shaped fuselage with the pilot seated in the nose and a 1250 hp Continental XIV-1430-5 liquid-cooled twelve-cylinder inverted vee engine mounted behind the pilot and driving a pair of contrarotating coaxial propellers operating in pusher fashion. The wing was mounted in mid-fuselage position, and was swept back at an angle of about 20 degrees. Twin booms were mounted about one-third of the way along the wings outboard of the fuselage. The horizontal tailplane at the rear connected the two booms. A tricycle landing gear was to be fitted, with the nosewheel retracting into the fuselage and the mainwheels retracting into the booms. Two 20-mm cannon were to be mounted in the lower fuselage, and three 0.50-in machine guns were to be mounted in the front of each of the twin booms.

One unusual feature of the Model 16 was the presence of an engine radiator cooing air intake mounted in the extreme nose. Nose-mounted air intakes were features which were later to be seen in jet-powered fighters.

By the end of 1940, the Army purchasing commission had chosen six of the submissions for further development. Among them was the Bell Model 16. A single prototype was ordered under the designation XP-52. However this order was canceled on November 25, 1941, before anything could be built. It was replaced by an order for another Bell design, based on the XP-52 but equipped with a more-powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800-52 air-cooled radial engine rated at 2000 hp and driving a pair of three-bladed contrarotating pusher propellers. This aircraft was assigned the designation XP-59 by the US Army. The XP-59 had more-or-less the same unorthodox configuration as that of the XP-52, complete with the unusual nose intake. Estimated maximum speed was 450 mph at 22,000 feet, and service ceiling was to have been 38,000 feet.

In the meantime, something happened in England which was to alter radically the fate of the XP-59. In April of 1941, Major-General H. H. Arnold paid a visit to Britain. While there, he was shown the top-secret Gloster E-28/39 jet-powered aircraft, powered by one of Wing Commander Frank Whittle's W2B centrifugal turbojets. Work on jet-powered aircraft was well-advanced in Britain, and similar projects were underway in both Germany and Italy. The USA was clearly behind other major aircraft manufacturing nations in this revolutionary new form of aircraft propulsion. General Arnold was so impressed by the potentiality of this new technology that he immediately asked if American engineers could be given the blueprints of the new jet engine so that they could manufacture it under license in the USA. Since the US government was being so generous with its Lend-Lease aid to Britain, the RAF readily agreed.

On September 4, 1941, at a meeting at Wright Field, General Arnold asked the General Electric Corporation of Schenectady, New York to act as the prime American contractor for license production of the British jet engine. General Electric was selected for this work because of the company's extensive experience with turbines for various industrial and aviation applications. Fifteen jet engines were ordered. This work was to be carried out under the utmost secrecy.

The very next day, Bell Aircraft of Buffalo, New York was approached and asked if it would build a fighter aircraft powered by the new General Electric jet engines. The choice of Bell as prime contractor for the manufacture of the first American jet fighter is sort of curious. Some have suggested that Bell was chosen because, of all the primary aircraft manufacturers in the USA, it had the least work to do in building aircraft vital for the war effort. Others have suggested that Bell was chosen because of its flair for imaginative design. Still others claim that Bell was chosen by General Arnold for this assignment primarily because of its proximity to the General Electric plant, a primary concern if strict secrecy was to be maintained. Perhaps all of these factors played a role.

Bell accepted the assignment, and agreed to build three aircraft. They accepted a deadline to complete the first prototype eight months after signing the contract on September 30, 1941. The serial numbers of the three prototypes were to be 42-108784/108786.

In order to provide for strict secrecy, some rather extreme measures were taken. In order to provide a cover, the Bell jet fighter project was assigned the designation XP-59A. This was done in the hope that even if Axis intelligence were to get wind of the XP-59A project, they would mistakenly think that it was just an adaptation of the totally-unrelated XP-59 piston-engined pusher fighter. At this time, Bell engineers were already hard at work on the XP-59 pusher, but work on this project was quietly abandoned in the next couple of months as work on the jet fighter got under way. The XP-59 project was officially cancelled on December 1, 1941.

The General Electric jet engine was assigned the cover designation I-A, in the hope that enemy intelligence might mistake it for a new turbosupercharger.

So the XP-59A and its jet engines were an early example of a "black" project. Many more such "black" projects were to follow in later years.

With the XP-59A project being given the highest priority, work proceeded very rapidly. Since the General Electric jet engines were being designed and built in parallel with the XP-59A, Bell engineers had little or no knowledge about performance data of the engines, so they adopted a fairly conservative design approach. Within two months after the initial order, Bell engineers had submitted a design for a fairly conventional aircraft, with a cantilever, laminar-flow, mid-mounted wing and a fully-retractable tricycle landing gear. The aircraft was fitted with two 1400 lb. st. General Electric I-A jet engines, one mounted on either side of the fuselage under the wing roots. The aircraft had a high tailplane, well out of the way of the turbojet exhausts. It was fitted with a pressurized cockpit, still a rather unusual feature for the time. Access to the cockpit was through a side-hinged canopy. The fuselage was to be built in two sections, the forward section comprising armament bay and cabin, and the rear section being of stressed-skin semi-monocoque construction. All control surfaces were fabric covered and manually-operated, the ailerons being of the pressure-balance type with pressure seals. The aircraft was fitted with aerodynamically-balanced, fabric-covered flaps located inboard of the ailerons. Although the XP-59A was primarily viewed as a test-bed for jet engines, the USAAF also viewed it as a potential combat aircraft, and it was to carry a nose-mounted armament of two 37-mm cannon with 44 rpg.

The USAAF approved the initial design, and construction of the three prototypes got underway on January 9, 1942.

Without even waiting for the flight of the first XP-59A prototype, the USAAF ordered thirteen service test YP-59As in March of 1942. Serial numbers of the YP-59As were 42-108771/108783. These were to be powered by improved versions of the General Electric engine, the I-16 (later designated J-31) rated at 1650 lb. st. each. They were to have rearward-sliding cockpit canopies in place of the hinged canopies of the prototypes.

The first XP-59A prototype was ready by the late summer of 1942, and was ferried by rail out to Muroc Dry Lake, California (now Edwards AFB) on September 12, 1942. Once it arrived in California, it was fitted with a dummy propeller attached to its nose, just in case the curious might see it and start asking why this aircraft didn't have a propeller. On October 1, 1942, Bell's test pilot Robert Stanley was undergoing some high-speed taxiing trials with the XP-59A when the aircraft "inadvertently" became airborne for a short time. It made its first official flight the next day, with a USAAF pilot at the controls. This was remarkably rapid progress, the first flight of the prototype taking place only 13 months after the contract had first been awarded. The XP-59A weighted 7320 pounds empty and 12,562 pounds maximum loaded. Wingspan was 45 feet 6 inches, length was 28 feet 2 inches, height was 12 feet 4 inches, and wing area was 386 square feet.

As might be expected for such a revolutionary system of aircraft propulsion, there were serious problems right from the start. The jet engines were too heavy in relation to the amount of power they could develop, and their exhaust was so hot that the turbine blades regularly overheated and often broke off with catastrophic results. The maximum speed was 404 mph at 25,000 feet, somewhat below expectations. The engine installation was found to result in an inordinate amount of aerodynamic interference, and the aircraft was subject to severe directional snaking, making it a poor gun platform. Nevertheless, work on the P-59 continued unabated, and remedies were eventually found for its long list of faults.

The second XP-59A flew on February 15, 1943 and the third late in April.

The first YP-59A reached Muroc in June of 1943, and the USAAF gave the aircraft the name *Airacomet*. The first YP-59A flew in August of 1943. The YP-59A had more powerful 1650 lb. st. General Electric I-16 (J31) turbojets. However, the YP-59A showed little improvement in performance over the XP-59A. Empty weight increased to 7626 pounds, and maximum speed was a disappointing 409 mph at 35,000 feet. Service ceiling was 43,200 feet. The last four YP-59As had a heavier armament--three 0.50-inch machine guns and a single 37-mm cannon, which had been standardized for the production P-59A.

The third YP-59A (Ser No 42-22611) was shipped to Britain in exchange for the first production Gloster Meteor I. Upon arrival in England, it was assembled by Gloster at Moreton Vallance, where it was flown for the first time by a Bell test pilot on September 28, 1943. It was assigned the RAF serial number of RJ362/G. It was transferred to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough on November 5, 1943. It was on the top-secret Jet Flight list (along with the Gloster E.28/39, the De Havilland Vampire, and the Gloster Meteor), but the Airacomet was flown very little because of unserviceability and the lack of spares. The RAF test pilots found the aircraft to be badly underpowered, with an unacceptably-long takeoff run. Like all other early jet-powered fighters, the Airacomet suffered from very poor engine acceleration.

In December of 1943, the US Navy got the eighth and ninth YP-59As (42-108778 and 42-100779) for use in tests. Some sources list their naval designation as being YF2L-1, which is sort of curious since the F2L designation was also used by a couple of Bell P-39Q Airacobras employed by the Navy as target aircraft. Perhaps this inconsistency was simply a part of the overall program of official deception, in the hope that enemy intelligence would mistakenly think that the jets were simply more naval Airacobras. In any case, the Airacomet was totally unsuited for carrier operations because of the poor view from its cockpit and the poor acceleration of its engines. In addition, the Airacomet suffered from a lack of adequate drag during landing approaches, so that there was a lot of "float" before touchdown when the power was cut. The lack of drag was primarily caused by the absence of dive brakes, which had been deliberately omitted because of the Airacomet's anticipated mediocre performance.

The last YP-59A had been delivered by the end of June 1944.

Shortly before the first flight of the XP-59A, the USAAF had placed an order for one hundred P-59A Airacomets. However, the performance of the YP-59A service test aircraft had proved to be rather disappointing, not even up to the standards of conventional piston-engined fighter aircraft already in service with the USAAF. It was considered rather unlikely that any appreciable improvements in the performance of the P-59 would be soon be forthcoming, and by the early fall of 1943 the Airacomet was no longer considered by the USAAF as being worthy of consideration as an operational combat type. The Airacomet was therefore relegated to the operational training role, and the P-59A order was halved on October 30, 1943.

The production P-59A differed very little from the YP-59A. Only the first twenty of the P-59A order were actually completed as P-59As. Serials were 44-22609/22628. Most of these P-59As were powered by a pair of 1650 lb. s.t. General Electric J31-GE-3 turbojets, although the last few were powered by uprated 2000 lb. st. J31-GE-5 turbojets. The J31-GE-5-powered P-59A had a maximum speed of 413 mph at 30,000 feet and 380 mph at 5000 feet. Range on internal fuel was 240 miles, and range with two 125-Imp. gall. drop tanks was 520 miles. An altitude of 10,000 feet could be reached in 3.2 minutes, and 20,000 feet in 7.4 minutes. Weights were 7950 pounds empty, 10,822 pounds loaded, 12,700 pounds maximum. Dimensions were wingspan 45 feet 6 inches, length 38 feet 10 inches, height 12 feet 4 inches, and wing area 385.8 square feet. Armament consisted of one 37-mm cannon and three 0.50-inch machine guns, all mounted in the nose. In addition, two 1000-pound bombs or eight 60-pound rockets could be carried on underwing racks.

The twenty-first and remaining twenty-nine Airacomets of the P-59A order were completed as P-59Bs. Serials were 44-22629/22658. They had the uprated J31-GE-5 jets of the later P-59As, but had internal fuel capacity increased by 55 Imp gall. Maximum range was increased to 950 miles. Empty weight of the P-59B was increased to 8165 pounds and normal and maximum loaded weights were 11,049 pounds and 13,700 pounds respectively. The last P-59B was delivered in May of 1945.

Most of the P-59s went to the 412th Fighter Group of the Fourth Air Force based at Muroc Dry Lake (later Edwards AFB), where they served in the training role. The Airacomets provided USAAF pilots and ground crews with valuable data about the difficulties and pitfalls involved in converting to jet aircraft. This information proved quite useful when more advanced jet fighters finally became available in quantity. A few P-59s were later modified and used as drone directors or manned target aircraft aircraft with a second cockpit installed forward of the main cockpit.

Although the Airacomet never saw service in its originally-intended role as a fighter aircraft, it nevertheless provided the USAAF with valuable orientation experience in the use of jet aircraft and furnished a nucleus of trained jet pilots.

The Airacomet was to have one other major impact on aviation history, one that is not generally recognized. Bell engineers undertook some initial work on a single-engined version of the Airacomet, which was designated XP-59B (not to be confused with the P-59B). It had a low-mounted wing and was to be powered by a single General Electric I-16 turbojet engine housed in the rear fuselage with an air inlet at the wing roots and an exhaust in the tail. However, the Buffalo plant was so busy with other projects that in late 1942 the USAAF transferred the preliminary drawings of the single-engined XP-59B to Lockheed, where it became the inspiration of the famed P-80 Shooting Star.

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6295/current|[Development<nowiki>]</nowiki> P-59A Airacomet: One of Its Kind]]
* http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p59.html

{{USA jet aircraft}}
{{USA premium aircraft}}

P-59A

2019-10-27T14:22:17Z

U42580251: /* History */

P-63C-5 (France)

2019-10-27T14:18:49Z

U42580251: /* External links */

{{Specs-Card|code=p-63c-5_france}}
{{About
|about=French fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=other uses
|link=P-63 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_P-63C-5France.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].

The aircraft is a high altitude interceptor/ energy fighter, with it's turn radius slightly better than before. The quick dive speed and high energy retention allows the player, with the correct altitude, to engage opponents below numerous times using the high yo-yo method. This aircraft should not be used for ground attacking due to it's average ammo count.

The 37 mm M10 cannon is ridiculously powerful. Aim carefully when firing, and do not fire too quickly, lest your gun jam and you lose your main weapon. A single shot to a wing or fuselage of an enemy plane will be all that it takes to bring it down.

The M2 Brownings are similar to the guns on the Bf-109 spotters. Use them to judge the range for your cannon shot. They are almost useless (except for those lucky pilot snipes) offensively.

== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at ?,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 626 || 609 || {{specs|ceiling}} || 24.2 || 25.1 || 16.8 || 16.8 || 289
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at ?,000 m)
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 710 || 663 || {{specs|ceiling}} || 22.3 || 23.0 || 29 || 21.7 || 289
|-
|}

====Details====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flap
! Take-off flap
! Landing flap
! Air brakes
! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! +
! -
|-
| ??? || ??? || ??? || ~?? || ~?
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp
|-

|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of pilot.
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind pilot's top body.
* 6.35 mm Steel plates on cockpit doors.
* 19.05 mm Steel plate behind 37 mm autocannon.
* 15.87 mm Steel plates in front of pilot's feet.
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind engine.

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M4 (37 mm)|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 37 mm M4 cannon, nose-mounted (58 RPG)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (250 RPG = 500 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (200 RPG = 400 total)

The four machine guns are arranged in bundles of two mounted, all mounted in the nose of the aircraft. The 37 mm M4 cannon is mounted inside the propeller shaft and fires through the propeller hub.

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:

* Without load
* 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)

== Usage in battles ==

It is recommended to use the P-63 against large fighters and bombers. It is far easier to hit a bomber with the cannon then a small fighter with it.

Head-on attacks are not advisable- the large cannon combined with the relatively weak M2s make for poor head on accuracy. Only engage in head-ons if you are absolutely confident in your aim.

Boom and Zooming is also an effective tactic with this plane. It's large cannon makes getting shots while diving relatively easy, and its high climb rate and energy retention can get it to safety.

Bomber hunting is also extremely effective with the P-63, a large bomber is far easier to hit with a massive cannon. A single shot can take off a bomber's wing. However, don't spam the cannon. Keep the delay between shots at a 1-1.5 seconds. Firing too quickly will result in a jam, which makes your plane almost useless offensively.

===Manual Engine Control===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
! colspan="3" |Radiator
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
|-
! Oil
! Water
! Type
|-
| Controllable || Not controllable || Not controllable || Not controllable || Separate || Not ontrollable || Not controllable
|-
|}

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 12.7 mm
|
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 12 mm MGs
|
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 37 mm
| FMBC mk.1
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 37 mm cannons
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent dive speed
* Excellent energy retention
* Better-than-average climb rate
* Good flat out speed
* Good cannon damage

'''Cons:'''

* Average turn time
* Worse-than-average performance at low speeds
* Ineffective armament against higher rank aircraft
* Prone to engine damage when being chased

== History ==

''The next production version of the Kingcobra was the P-63C. The first P-63C production block, designated P-63C-1 (company designation Model 33C-1), differed from the P-63A by being powered by the uprated Allison V-1710-117 engine with a war emergency rating of 1500 hp at sea level and 1800 hp with water injection. The wingspan was reduced by ten inches to 38 feet 4 inches. Apart from the more powerful engine, the P-63C-1 was basically similar to the P-63A-10.''

''The next P-63C production block was the P-63C-5. The most noticeable change introduced by the P-63C-5 was the addition of a ventral fin underneath the aft fuselage, intended to improve the directional stability. Total weight of armor rose to 201 pounds. Some of the earlier P-63C-1s were retrofitted with the ventral fin, but may not have been fitted to all aircraft.''

''The first P-63C deliveries took place in December 1944, with the total production being 1227 aircraft. Most of these aircraft were delivered to the Soviet Union, although 114 were delivered to the Armee de l'Air.''

''Serials of the P-63C series were as follows:''
''42-70686/70860 Bell P-63C-1 Kingcobra ''
43-10893/10932 Bell P-63C-1 Kingcobra
43-10933/11132 Bell RP-63C-2 Kingcobra
44-4001/4427 Bell P-63C-5 Kingcobra
43-11133/11717 Bell P-63C-5 Kingcobra
''Specificaion of the Bell P-63C Kingcobra''

''Powerplant: One Allison V-1710-117 engine with a war emergency rating of 1500 hp at sea level and 1800 hp with water injection. Performance: maximum speed 410 mph at 25,000 feet. An altitude of 25,000 feet could be reached in 8.6 minutes. Service ceiling was 38,600 feet. Weights: 6800 pounds empty, 8800 pounds gross, and 10,700 pounds maximum takeoff. Dimensions: Wingspan 38 feet 4 inches, length 32 feet 8 inches, height 12 feet 7 inches, and wing area 248 square feet. Armament: One 37-mm cannon in the propeller hub, plus four 0.50-inch machine guns, two in the fuselage and two in underwing gondolas.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p63_5.html

P-63C-5 (France)

2019-10-27T14:17:58Z

U42580251: /* History */

{{Specs-Card|code=p-63c-5_france}}
{{About
|about=French fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=other uses
|link=P-63 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_P-63C-5France.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].

The aircraft is a high altitude interceptor/ energy fighter, with it's turn radius slightly better than before. The quick dive speed and high energy retention allows the player, with the correct altitude, to engage opponents below numerous times using the high yo-yo method. This aircraft should not be used for ground attacking due to it's average ammo count.

The 37 mm M10 cannon is ridiculously powerful. Aim carefully when firing, and do not fire too quickly, lest your gun jam and you lose your main weapon. A single shot to a wing or fuselage of an enemy plane will be all that it takes to bring it down.

The M2 Brownings are similar to the guns on the Bf-109 spotters. Use them to judge the range for your cannon shot. They are almost useless (except for those lucky pilot snipes) offensively.

== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at ?,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 626 || 609 || {{specs|ceiling}} || 24.2 || 25.1 || 16.8 || 16.8 || 289
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at ?,000 m)
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 710 || 663 || {{specs|ceiling}} || 22.3 || 23.0 || 29 || 21.7 || 289
|-
|}

====Details====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flap
! Take-off flap
! Landing flap
! Air brakes
! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! +
! -
|-
| ??? || ??? || ??? || ~?? || ~?
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp
|-

|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of pilot.
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind pilot's top body.
* 6.35 mm Steel plates on cockpit doors.
* 19.05 mm Steel plate behind 37 mm autocannon.
* 15.87 mm Steel plates in front of pilot's feet.
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind engine.

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M4 (37 mm)|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 37 mm M4 cannon, nose-mounted (58 RPG)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (250 RPG = 500 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (200 RPG = 400 total)

The four machine guns are arranged in bundles of two mounted, all mounted in the nose of the aircraft. The 37 mm M4 cannon is mounted inside the propeller shaft and fires through the propeller hub.

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:

* Without load
* 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)

== Usage in battles ==

It is recommended to use the P-63 against large fighters and bombers. It is far easier to hit a bomber with the cannon then a small fighter with it.

Head-on attacks are not advisable- the large cannon combined with the relatively weak M2s make for poor head on accuracy. Only engage in head-ons if you are absolutely confident in your aim.

Boom and Zooming is also an effective tactic with this plane. It's large cannon makes getting shots while diving relatively easy, and its high climb rate and energy retention can get it to safety.

Bomber hunting is also extremely effective with the P-63, a large bomber is far easier to hit with a massive cannon. A single shot can take off a bomber's wing. However, don't spam the cannon. Keep the delay between shots at a 1-1.5 seconds. Firing too quickly will result in a jam, which makes your plane almost useless offensively.

===Manual Engine Control===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
! colspan="3" |Radiator
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
|-
! Oil
! Water
! Type
|-
| Controllable || Not controllable || Not controllable || Not controllable || Separate || Not ontrollable || Not controllable
|-
|}

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 12.7 mm
|
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 12 mm MGs
|
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 37 mm
| FMBC mk.1
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 37 mm cannons
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent dive speed
* Excellent energy retention
* Better-than-average climb rate
* Good flat out speed
* Good cannon damage

'''Cons:'''

* Average turn time
* Worse-than-average performance at low speeds
* Ineffective armament against higher rank aircraft
* Prone to engine damage when being chased

== History ==

''The next production version of the Kingcobra was the P-63C. The first P-63C production block, designated P-63C-1 (company designation Model 33C-1), differed from the P-63A by being powered by the uprated Allison V-1710-117 engine with a war emergency rating of 1500 hp at sea level and 1800 hp with water injection. The wingspan was reduced by ten inches to 38 feet 4 inches. Apart from the more powerful engine, the P-63C-1 was basically similar to the P-63A-10.''

''The next P-63C production block was the P-63C-5. The most noticeable change introduced by the P-63C-5 was the addition of a ventral fin underneath the aft fuselage, intended to improve the directional stability. Total weight of armor rose to 201 pounds. Some of the earlier P-63C-1s were retrofitted with the ventral fin, but may not have been fitted to all aircraft.''

''The first P-63C deliveries took place in December 1944, with the total production being 1227 aircraft. Most of these aircraft were delivered to the Soviet Union, although 114 were delivered to the Armee de l'Air.''

''Serials of the P-63C series were as follows:''
''42-70686/70860 Bell P-63C-1 Kingcobra
43-10893/10932 Bell P-63C-1 Kingcobra
43-10933/11132 Bell RP-63C-2 Kingcobra
44-4001/4427 Bell P-63C-5 Kingcobra
43-11133/11717 Bell P-63C-5 Kingcobra''
''Specificaion of the Bell P-63C Kingcobra''

''Powerplant: One Allison V-1710-117 engine with a war emergency rating of 1500 hp at sea level and 1800 hp with water injection. Performance: maximum speed 410 mph at 25,000 feet. An altitude of 25,000 feet could be reached in 8.6 minutes. Service ceiling was 38,600 feet. Weights: 6800 pounds empty, 8800 pounds gross, and 10,700 pounds maximum takeoff. Dimensions: Wingspan 38 feet 4 inches, length 32 feet 8 inches, height 12 feet 7 inches, and wing area 248 square feet. Armament: One 37-mm cannon in the propeller hub, plus four 0.50-inch machine guns, two in the fuselage and two in underwing gondolas.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{French fighters}}

P-63A-10

2019-10-27T14:16:28Z

U42580251: /* History */

{{Specs-Card
|code=p-63a-10
|cockpit=332094/1438686
}}
{{About
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = P-63 (Family)
}}

== Description ==


[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This fighter has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===


This aircraft is a good all altitude fighter. The {{PAGENAME}} can out-climb most of its opponents, un-upgraded, although "side-climbing" is recommended when the higher altitudes are reached. Its straight line speed, especially at higher altitudes, is respectable, competing with Bf 109s of the rank. This aircraft has a poor turn-time at slower speeds, but as with most US aircraft, its high-speed performance is significantly better than the aircraft it faces (except perhaps the I-185), making it a good Boom & Zoom aircraft. Tactically, the aircraft is good for small dives against turn-fighting opponents on the tail of your allies, from around 1,000 m or less above the target. Keeping any "side-climbers" down is normally good since the speed and rate of climb allow the P-63 to catch these planes and send them back down.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,650 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 628 || 614 || 12,200 || 24.1 || 24.5 || 17.1 || 19.2 || 289
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,650 m)
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 701 || 650 || 12,200 || 22.5 || 23.0 || 30.0 || 22.2 || 289
|-
|}

====Details====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flap
! Take-off flap
! Landing flap
! Air brakes
! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! +
! -
|-
| 901 || 300 || 480 || ~15 || ~7
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 430 || < 430 || < 419 || > 250
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 7,000 m || 1,100 hp || 1,705 hp
|-

|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 15.87 mm Steel - Plates x 2, lower fore cockpit
* 19.05 mm Steel - Plate, upper fore cockpit
* 12.7 mm Steel - Plate behind pilot's seat
* 12.7 mm Steel - Plate protecting oil cooling system
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|M10 (37 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 37 mm M10 cannon, nose-mounted (58 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)

The improved 37 mm gun improves damage to aircraft since the 4 x 12.7 mm Brownings are not greatly powerful at the higher ranks- the 37 mm gun compliments the 12.7 mm machine guns as a good bomber hunter, combined with the sleek profile of the aircraft.

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be configured with the following ordinance:

* Without load
* 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)

== Usage in battles ==


An interceptor in any respect. Unlike most American designs the Kingcobra lacks heavy payload for ground attack duties. While the 37 mm can load anti-tank rounds, the plane will lose its excellent anti-air HE shells. Of course, the 12.7 heavy machine guns can be used against planes, in a ground attack role they are rather used on soft targets, as the AP shell lacks high-explosive damage radius to deal with AAA & SPAA quickly. The AP shells also require more accuracy while shooting and thus are inferior to the .50 cal Brownings on range e.g. with the HMG effective fire against light targets is possible from 600 m, but with the 37 mm AP shells, this needs to be reduced to 400 m.

The aircraft is not intended, nor should be used, as a ground attack vehicle, since it can only carry three, 500 lb bombs, which is a respectable amount, but the ammunition count for the 12.7 mm guns is not great, 250 rpg. The 37 mm gun can be used as ground attack, although this tactic isn't preferred by some as it reduces the ammo count as a whole for the aircraft, which is one of its limiting factors in combat.

===Manual Engine Control===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
! colspan="3" |Radiator
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
|-
! Oil
! Water
! Type
|-
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
|-
|}

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage Repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 12 mm
|
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 12 mm MGs
| FMBC mk.1
|-
| III
| Wings Repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 37 mm
|
|-
| IV
|
| Engine Injection
| Cover
| New 37 mm Cannons
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good horizontal speed and acceleration
* Excellent dive speed
* Excellent performance under high speed
* Good rate of climb
* Good turn radius
* Decent energy retention
* 37 mm cannon can chew bombers easily
* 37 mm default belt is made up of all HE shells, suited for air targets
* 37 mm shells are deadly against anything flying and open-topped vehicles and SPAAs
* No fuel tank in the fuselage
* Good armament at closer ranges
* Can carry an impressive 1500 lbs worth of bombs if the need arises
* Has an unlockable camouflage that doesn't attack too much attention unlike its default camouflage
* Works incredibly well with individual weapon controls; first spray your target with the .50 cal, then finish it off with the 37 mm when close enough
* Almost double the amount of 37 mm shells compared to previous iterations of Bell aircraft

'''Cons:'''

* Poor turn time at lower speeds
* Control surfaces lock up at higher speeds, often resulting in crashing since the dive angle is too steep
* Large difference in trajectory between 37 mm and 12.7 mm, limiting the opportunities at which the firepower of both can be utilized
* 37 mm cannot penetrate tank armour even at optimal angles with APT shells
* 37 mm projectiles have extremely low muzzle velocity and accuracy
* 37 mm ammo belts selection doesn't really offer anything in particular, especially lacking in a pure AP composition
* .50 cal ammo count somehow feels inadequate
* Attacking bombers yields a high risk exposing yourself into gunner fire because you have to get close to be effective with the 37 mm
* Wings are littered with fuel tanks and easily set ablaze
* When being chased, the engine is susceptible to damage which can be fatal
* Energy retention is less than average, so a higher combat-entry speed required to escape safely
* Low altitude performance is less than average, although the flat out speed makes up for this a little
* Default paint scheme makes the aircraft visible at a longer distance

== History ==

''On September 29, 1942, the US Army ordered full-scale production of the Kingcobra. The first production version of the Kingcobra was the P-63A (Bell Model 33).''

''Deliveries of production P-63As began in October of 1943. However, the US Army examined the P-63A at Eglin Field, Florida and concluded that it was unsuitable for service with the USAAF as a combat aircraft, even though test pilots spoke favorably of its characteristics, and its performance was comparable with that of other fighters of the time. Nevertheless, the Soviet Union had a need for a high-altitude fighter (where the P-39 was deficient), and it was thought that the P-63 might be a natural choice for them, combining good high-altitude performance with excellent ground attack capabilities using the 37-mm cannon.''

''The initial production block was P-63A-1. It was virtually identical to the XP-63A production prototype. It was fitted with 87.7 pounds of pilot armor and had an internal fuel capacity of 100 gallons. It was armed with a type M-4 37-mm cannon fed by a 30-round magazine. There were two synchronized 0.50-inch machine guns in the nose with 270 rpg, and two underwing 0.50-inch guns with 250 rpg. A centerline underfuselage rack could carry a 75-US gallon auxiliary fuel tank or a 500-lb bomb.''

''The P-63A-5 introduced a dorsal radio mast, which became standard on all later models.''

''The A-1 and A-5 could carry a 75- or 175-gallon drop tank or a 522-pound bomb under the center section. The P-63A-6 was fitted with underwing racks so that either a 75-gallon tank or a 500-pound bomb could be carried under each wing.''

''The P-63A-7 was fitted with an Aeroproducts propeller of slightly reduced diameter. An increase in wing loading limited this variant to a 64-gallon tank under each wing. The nose gun mounts were modified, elevator chord was increased by two inches, and the span of the horizontal stabilizer was increased by 16 inches to 14 feet 7 inches.''

''The P-63A-8 featured 188.8 pounds of armor. An improved version of the Aeroproducts propeller increased maximum speed to 417 mph. Water injection was added to the engine, which was incorporated in all subsequent Kingcobra versions. A Type N-6 gun camera was added. Ammunition for the two wing guns was decreased from 250 to 200 rpg.''

''The P-63A-9 had 198.9 pounds of armor. It introduced the 37-mm M10 cannon in place of the earlier M4, and an increase in ammunition capacity from 30 to 58 37-mm rounds.''

''The P-63A-10 had rocket rails fitted underneath the wings. The weight of the armor increased to 236.3 pounds.''

''Production deliveries of the P-63A began in October of 1943, and by December of 1944 1725 P-63As had been produced. The USAAF never saw fit to use the Kingcobra for operational combat missions, since by that time in the war the need for low-altitude close-support fighter aircraft was more than adequately filled by such aircraft as the P-47 Thunderbolt. Nevertheless, P-63As did serve for a few months with the 31st, 444th, and 445th Squadrons while they were based Stateside.''

''Most of the P-63As that were manufactured at the Buffalo plant were immediately ferried to the Soviet Union. Upon completion, the P-63s would be rolled out of the factory and ferried from Niagra Falls to Selfride Field, Michigan. After refueling, the would be flown to Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin where Soviet ferry pilots (usually women) would pick them up and fly them to Edmonton, Anchorage and then across the Bering Straits to the Soviet Union. The Russians used the Kingcobra primarily for close-support and ground strafing. The Kingcobra had a relatively good low-altitude performance and had the ability to absorb a lot of battle damage and still remain flying. It proved to be a potent ground attack aircraft and tank-buster, but it never received the amount of attention in the Soviet Union as did the Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik.''

''The P-63A never served in combat with US forces. US Kingcobras remained stateside for use by the Army in training. Many of these P-63As were converted into RP-63A target aircraft.''

''The Paul Garber restoration facility of the Smithsonian Institution in Suitland, Maryland has a P-63A on display. However, I was not able to get close enough to this plane to record its serial number.''

''I also seem to remember a P-63A being on display at the Champlin Fighter Museum in Mesa, Arizona. I remember it as being painted in Russian insignia. However, I have no information about its serial number.''

''Serials of the P-63A were as follows:''
''42-68861/68910 Bell P-63A-1 Kingcobra
42-68911/68930 Bell P-63A-5 Kingcobra
42-68931/69060 Bell P-63A-6 Kingcobra
42-69061/69210 Bell P-63A-7 Kingcobra
42-69211/69410 Bell P-63A-8 Kingcobra
42-69411/69860 Bell P-63A-9 Kingcobra
42-69861/70685 Bell P-63A-10 Kingcobra''
''Specification of P-63A-10:''

''Engine: One Allison V-1710-93 twelve-cylinder Vee liquid cooled engine with a single-stage supercharger and auxiliary hydraulic turbosupercharger, rated at 1325 hp at sea level and 1150 hp at 22,400 feet. Performance: Maximum speed was 361 mph at 5000 feet, 392 mph at 15,000 feet, and 410 mph at 25,000 feet. An altitude of 25,000 feet could be reached in 7.3 minutes. Service ceiling was 43,000 feet. Ferry range was 2575 miles. Weights were 6375 pounds empty, 8800 pounds loaded, and 10,500 pounds maximum takeoff. Dimensions: Wingspan 38 feet 4 inches, length 32 feet 8 inches, height 12 feet 7 inches, and wing area 248 square feet. Armament One 37-mm M10 cannon with 58 rounds firing through the propeller hub, two 0.50-inch machine guns in the nose with 200 rpg, and one 0.50-inch machine gun in each of two underwing gondolas with 900 rpg. A centerline underfuselage rack could carry a 75-US gallon auxiliary fuel tank or a 500-lb bomb.''

=== In-game description ===
Bell P-63A-6/A-7/A-8/A-9/A-10 Kingcobra Army Fighter

The A-6 series introduced two additional multipurpose pylons under the wings, which could hold two 500-lb (227-kg) bombs or two additional fuel tanks with a capacity of 75 gallons (284 liters). To provide the extra space needed, the Colt-Browning M2.5 12.7mm machine guns in the wings had their ammunition reduced from 250 to 200 rounds per gun. To reduce the risk of the plane going into a flat spin, the shape of the elevator fin was changed, and its area was reduced. A total of 130 A-6 aircraft were built.

During operation, the A-1, A-5, and A-6 aircraft exhibited a strain in the skin of their wings, so the A-7 series (150 planes) featured a thicker lining and reinforced structure. The fighter also had difficulty when exiting a dive or performing vertical maneuvers. This was partially countered by installing a counterbalance in the elevator control system and by increasing the area of the elevator fin. The problem was completely eliminated only by the time modification C was released.

The A-8 series (200 aircraft) had the Allison V-1710 engine, equipped with a water-methanol mixture direct-injection afterburner which could be used to briefly increase engine power to 1800 hp. Also, the airplane was fitted with an improved propeller (the Aeroproducts A6425-D3), an N-6 camera was installed, and the aircraft's armor was upgraded to 85.5 kilograms.

The A-9 series (445 aircraft) had its armament strengthened at the request of the Red Army Air Force. A Colt-Browning M10 37mm cannon was installed. The new gun featured improved ballistics and 58 more rounds of ammunition per gun. To make space for this change, the ammunition for the fuselage guns was reduced to 250 rounds each. In addition, 5 kg of armor were added when the pilot's seat was upgraded.

The A-10 series (730 aircraft) received new N-9 sights. The mass of the aircraft's armor had reached 121 kg, and the aircraft could carry 6 unguided rockets.

As the improved P-63A was being delivered to the Soviet Union, priority shifted to supplying the eastern armies preparing for military action against Japan. During the campaign of August 1945 in the Far East, the P-63 was used to escort bombers and reconnaissance aircraft as well as to cover troops from the air and attack Japanese encampments.

From October 1943 to December 1944, Bell Aircraft produced a total of 1,725 P-63A fighter aircraft, after which the design was replaced by the C modification.

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{USA fighters}}

P-63A-5

2019-10-27T14:15:50Z

U42580251: /* History */

{{Specs-Card
|code=p-63a-5
|cockpit=332104/1100866
}}
{{About
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = the Russian version
| link-1 = P-63A-5 (USSR)
| usage-2 = other versions
| link-2 = P-63 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,850 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
| 617 || 596 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.0 || 22.7 || 16.1 || 16.1 || 289
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,850 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
| 670 || 640 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.3 || 21.0 || 24.1 || 19.6 || 289
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 393 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 410 || < 380 || < 410 || > 320
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 3,658 m || 1,250 hp || 1,400 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 15.87 mm Steel - Plates x 2, lower fore cockpit
* 19.05 mm Steel - Plate, upper fore cockpit
* 12.7 mm Steel - Plate behind pilot's seat
* 12.7 mm Steel - Plate protecting oil cooling system
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M4 (37 mm)|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 37 mm M4 cannon, nose-mounted (30 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (270 rpg = 540 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (500 lb total)

== Usage in battles ==

This aircraft is a good all-altitude fighter. The A-5 can out-climb most of its opponents un-upgraded, although "side climbing" is recommended when the higher altitudes are reached. Its straight line speed, especially at higher altitudes, is respectable, competing with 109s of the rank. This aircraft has a poor turn-time at slower speeds, but as with most US aircraft, its high-speed performance is significantly better than the aircraft it faces, making it a good Boom & Zoom aircraft. The 37 mm gun improves damage to aircraft since the 4 x 12.7 mm Brownings are not greatly powerful at the higher tiers- the 37 mm gun compliments the 12.7 mm's as a good bomber hunter, combined with the sleek profile of the aircraft. The aircraft is not intended, nor should be used, as a ground attack vehicle, since it can only carry one 500 lb bomb and the ammunition count for the 12.7 mm guns is not great. The 37 mm gun can be used as ground attack, although this tactic isn't preferred by some as it reduces the ammo count as a whole for the aircraft, which is one of its limiting factors in combat. Tactically, the aircraft is good for small dives against turn-fighting opponents on the tail of your allies, from around 1,000 m or less above the target. Keeping any "side-climbers" down is normally good since the speed and rate of climb allow the P-63 to catch these planes and send them back down.

An interceptor in any respect. Unlike most American designs the Kingcobra lacks heavy payload for ground attack duties. While the 37 mm can load anti-tank rounds, the plane will lose its excellent anti-air HE shells. Of course, the 12.7 heavy machine guns can be used against planes, in a ground attack role they are rather used on soft targets, as the AP shell lacks high-explosive damage radius to deal with AAA & SPAA quickly. The AP shells also require more accuracy while shooting and thus are inferior to the .50 cal Brownings on range e.g. with the HMG effective fire against light targets is possible from 600 m, but with the 37mm AP shells, this needs to be reduced to 400 m.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Controllable || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 12 mm
|
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 12 mm MGs
| FMBC mk.1
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 37 mm
|
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 37 mm cannons
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful 37 mm cannon with 4 x 12.7 mm machine guns as a backup
* Slightly more powerful engine and better manoeuvrability than the already well performing [[P-39 (Family)|P-39Q Airacobra]]
* Can WEP for a long time without overheating
* Jack of all trades

'''Cons:'''

* Limited 37 mm ammo
* Bigger target than the P-39Q
* Still stuck with the same M4 cannon as the P-39's
* Slow fire rate for the 37 mm cannon
* 37mm projectiles are still too slow and inaccurate to be reliably effective in a dog fight
* 37mm projectiles can still not penetrate tank armour even at optimal angles
* Centre mounted engine has a higher tendency to take damage in pursuits and from diving planes.

== History ==

''On September 29, 1942, the US Army ordered full-scale production of the Kingcobra. The first production version of the Kingcobra was the P-63A (Bell Model 33).''

''Deliveries of production P-63As began in October of 1943. However, the US Army examined the P-63A at Eglin Field, Florida and concluded that it was unsuitable for service with the USAAF as a combat aircraft, even though test pilots spoke favorably of its characteristics, and its performance was comparable with that of other fighters of the time. Nevertheless, the Soviet Union had a need for a high-altitude fighter (where the P-39 was deficient), and it was thought that the P-63 might be a natural choice for them, combining good high-altitude performance with excellent ground attack capabilities using the 37-mm cannon.''

''The initial production block was P-63A-1. It was virtually identical to the XP-63A production prototype. It was fitted with 87.7 pounds of pilot armor and had an internal fuel capacity of 100 gallons. It was armed with a type M-4 37-mm cannon fed by a 30-round magazine. There were two synchronized 0.50-inch machine guns in the nose with 270 rpg, and two underwing 0.50-inch guns with 250 rpg. A centerline underfuselage rack could carry a 75-US gallon auxiliary fuel tank or a 500-lb bomb.''

''The P-63A-5 introduced a dorsal radio mast, which became standard on all later models.''

''The A-1 and A-5 could carry a 75- or 175-gallon drop tank or a 522-pound bomb under the center section. The P-63A-6 was fitted with underwing racks so that either a 75-gallon tank or a 500-pound bomb could be carried under each wing.''

''The P-63A-7 was fitted with an Aeroproducts propeller of slightly reduced diameter. An increase in wing loading limited this variant to a 64-gallon tank under each wing. The nose gun mounts were modified, elevator chord was increased by two inches, and the span of the horizontal stabilizer was increased by 16 inches to 14 feet 7 inches.''

''The P-63A-8 featured 188.8 pounds of armor. An improved version of the Aeroproducts propeller increased maximum speed to 417 mph. Water injection was added to the engine, which was incorporated in all subsequent Kingcobra versions. A Type N-6 gun camera was added. Ammunition for the two wing guns was decreased from 250 to 200 rpg.''

''The P-63A-9 had 198.9 pounds of armor. It introduced the 37-mm M10 cannon in place of the earlier M4, and an increase in ammunition capacity from 30 to 58 37-mm rounds.''

''The P-63A-10 had rocket rails fitted underneath the wings. The weight of the armor increased to 236.3 pounds.''

''Production deliveries of the P-63A began in October of 1943, and by December of 1944 1725 P-63As had been produced. The USAAF never saw fit to use the Kingcobra for operational combat missions, since by that time in the war the need for low-altitude close-support fighter aircraft was more than adequately filled by such aircraft as the P-47 Thunderbolt. Nevertheless, P-63As did serve for a few months with the 31st, 444th, and 445th Squadrons while they were based Stateside.''

''Most of the P-63As that were manufactured at the Buffalo plant were immediately ferried to the Soviet Union. Upon completion, the P-63s would be rolled out of the factory and ferried from Niagra Falls to Selfride Field, Michigan. After refueling, the would be flown to Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin where Soviet ferry pilots (usually women) would pick them up and fly them to Edmonton, Anchorage and then across the Bering Straits to the Soviet Union. The Russians used the Kingcobra primarily for close-support and ground strafing. The Kingcobra had a relatively good low-altitude performance and had the ability to absorb a lot of battle damage and still remain flying. It proved to be a potent ground attack aircraft and tank-buster, but it never received the amount of attention in the Soviet Union as did the Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik.''

''The P-63A never served in combat with US forces. US Kingcobras remained stateside for use by the Army in training. Many of these P-63As were converted into RP-63A target aircraft.''

''The Paul Garber restoration facility of the Smithsonian Institution in Suitland, Maryland has a P-63A on display. However, I was not able to get close enough to this plane to record its serial number.''

''I also seem to remember a P-63A being on display at the Champlin Fighter Museum in Mesa, Arizona. I remember it as being painted in Russian insignia. However, I have no information about its serial number.''

''Serials of the P-63A were as follows:''
''42-68861/68910 Bell P-63A-1 Kingcobra
42-68911/68930 Bell P-63A-5 Kingcobra
42-68931/69060 Bell P-63A-6 Kingcobra
42-69061/69210 Bell P-63A-7 Kingcobra
42-69211/69410 Bell P-63A-8 Kingcobra
42-69411/69860 Bell P-63A-9 Kingcobra
42-69861/70685 Bell P-63A-10 Kingcobra''
''Specification of P-63A-10:''

''Engine: One Allison V-1710-93 twelve-cylinder Vee liquid cooled engine with a single-stage supercharger and auxiliary hydraulic turbosupercharger, rated at 1325 hp at sea level and 1150 hp at 22,400 feet. Performance: Maximum speed was 361 mph at 5000 feet, 392 mph at 15,000 feet, and 410 mph at 25,000 feet. An altitude of 25,000 feet could be reached in 7.3 minutes. Service ceiling was 43,000 feet. Ferry range was 2575 miles. Weights were 6375 pounds empty, 8800 pounds loaded, and 10,500 pounds maximum takeoff. Dimensions: Wingspan 38 feet 4 inches, length 32 feet 8 inches, height 12 feet 7 inches, and wing area 248 square feet. Armament One 37-mm M10 cannon with 58 rounds firing through the propeller hub, two 0.50-inch machine guns in the nose with 200 rpg, and one 0.50-inch machine gun in each of two underwing gondolas with 900 rpg. A centerline underfuselage rack could carry a 75-US gallon auxiliary fuel tank or a 500-lb bomb.''

=== In-game description ===
Bell P-63A-1/A-5 (Model 33) Kingcobra Army Fighter

A single-seat, closed-canopy, all-metal monoplane fighter with retractable landing gear and a nose strut. The P-63 Kingcobra was developed as an improved version of the P-39 Airacobra and had a similar layout, with the engine located just behind the cockpit.

Work on the plane, originally designated the XP-39E, began in February 1941. The first prototype, designated XP-63, flew on December 7, 1942, and production of the P-63A-1 (Model 33) began in October 1943, along with the P-39.

The general layout of the P-39 Kingcobra was preserved, but the P-63 featured new, streamlined wings. In order to remedy the P-39's main weakness, a propensity to falling into a flat spin, the area of the vertical tail fin was increased and the aft section of the fuselage was lengthened.

The first production models were equipped with a V-12 liquid-cooled Allison V-1710-93 engine (1325 hp). The aircraft was armed with a Colt-Browning M4 37mm machine gun with 30 rounds and 2 synchronous Colt-Browning M2.5 12.7mm machine guns with 270 rounds per gun. An additional two M2.5s with 250 rounds each were placed in the wing compartments.

Aircraft of both series (except some A-1 planes) were fitted with a ventral pylon which could hold a fuel tank of 75 gallons (284 liters) or one 500-lb (227-kg) bomb.

The aircraft was continually tweaked from one production run to the next, improving its ability to support troops on the field. However, the differences between the A-1 and the A-5 were only slight. The most significant difference, though not a visible one, was the increase in armor from 40 kilograms to 81. 50 P-63A-1 and 20 P-63A-5 planes were produced.

The Red Army became the main consumers of the P-63A. Deliveries to the Soviet Union began in the summer of 1944, via Alaska and the Northwest Staging Route. The P-63A began to support Soviet anti-aircraft operations in the spring of 1945.

The Soviet version of the P-63A differed from the American in one important feature: the presence of a crank to start the engine. In addition, the Soviets equipped the plane with FAB-100 and FAB-250 bombs under the fuselage.

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{USA fighters}}

P-63C-5

2019-10-27T14:14:34Z

U42580251: /* History */

{{Specs-Card
|code=p-63c-5
|cockpit=332107/1100869
}}
{{About
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other vehicles
| link = P-63 (Family)
}}

== Description ==


[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test in Update 1.27.

== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,572 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
|640||626|| {{Specs|ceiling}} ||24.2||24.5||16.7||18.8||289
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,572 m)
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
|708||663|| {{Specs|ceiling}} ||22.3||23.0||32.9||21.7||289
|-
|}

====Details====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flap
! Take-off flap
! Landing flap
! Air brakes
! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! +
! -
|-
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} ||480|| ~15 || ~7
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 430 || < 430 || < 419 || > 250
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 7,000 m || 1,100 hp || 1,705 hp
|-

|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 15.87 mm Steel - Plates x 2, lower fore cockpit
* 19.05 mm Steel - Plate, upper fore cockpit
* 12.7 mm Steel - Plate behind pilot's seat
* 12.7 mm Steel - Plate protecting oil cooling system
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|M10 (37 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 37 mm M10 cannon, nose-mounted (58 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be configured with the following ordinance:

* Without load
* 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)

== Usage in battles ==


This aircraft is an improved version of the previous Kingcobra carrying the same armament and main gun. The aircraft is still a high altitude interceptor/ Energy fighter, with its turn radius slightly better than before. The quick dive speed and high energy retention allow the player, with the correct altitude, to engage opponents below numerous times using the high yo-yo method. This aircraft should not be used for ground attack due to its average ammo count.

The 37mm M10 cannon is ridiculously powerful. Aim carefully when firing, and do not fire too quickly, lest your gun jam and you lose your main weapon. A single shot to a wing or fuselage of an enemy plane will be all that it takes to bring it down.

The M2 Brownings are similar to the guns on the Bf-109- spotters. Use them to judge the range for your cannon shot. They are almost useless (except for those lucky pilot snipes) offensively.

Unfortunately, the C-5 is relatively superior to its predecessors. It has far more cannon ammo and a slightly lower climb rate than the A-10. However, this is relatively trivial as both planes are generally evenly matched. Keep this in mind, though, when selecting your load out of planes.

It is recommended to use the P-63 against large fighters and bombers. It is far easier to hit a bomber with the cannon then a small fighter with it.

Head-on attacks are not advisable- the large cannon combined with the relatively weak M2s make for poor head on accuracy. Only engage in head-ons if you are absolutely confident in your aim.

Boom & Zoom is also an effective tactic with this plane. Its large cannon makes getting shots while diving relatively easy, and its high climb rate and energy retention can get it to safety.

Bomber hunting is also extremely effective with the P-63, a large bomber is far easier to hit with a massive cannon. A single shot can take off a bomber's wing. However, don't spam the cannon. Keep the delay between shots at a 1-1.5 second. Firing too quickly will result in a jam, which makes your plane almost useless offensively.

===Manual Engine Control===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
! colspan="3" |Radiator
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
|-
! Oil
! Water
! Type
|-
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" |Combined|| rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
|-
|}

===Modules===
Initially, the aircraft's flat speed is not fast enough to outrun Fw 190 A and F 8s that it may face, so it's recommended to upgrade engine performance first. Armament, although it won't improve greatly, is the next recommendation considering how underwhelming it may be on some occasions- do this by researching ammo belts, then improvements to the cannon.
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage Repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 12 mm
|
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 12 mm MGs
| FMBC mk.1
|-
| III
| Wings Repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 37 mm
|
|-
| IV
|
| Engine Injection
| Cover
| New 37 mm cannons
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent dive speed
* Excellent energy retention
* Better-than-average climb rate
* Good flat out speed
* Good cannon damage

'''Cons:'''

* Average turn time
* Worse-than-average performance at low speeds
* Ineffective armament against higher rank aircraft
* Prone to engine damage when being chased
* Default paint scheme makes the aircraft visible at a longer distance
* Rudder locks at high speed making it hard to get guns on target in Boom & Zoom

== History ==
''The next production version of the Kingcobra was the P-63C. The first P-63C production block, designated P-63C-1 (company designation Model 33C-1), differed from the P-63A by being powered by the uprated Allison V-1710-117 engine with a war emergency rating of 1500 hp at sea level and 1800 hp with water injection. The wingspan was reduced by ten inches to 38 feet 4 inches. Apart from the more powerful engine, the P-63C-1 was basically similar to the P-63A-10.''

''The next P-63C production block was the P-63C-5. The most noticeable change introduced by the P-63C-5 was the addition of a ventral fin underneath the aft fuselage, intended to improve the directional stability. Total weight of armor rose to 201 pounds. Some of the earlier P-63C-1s were retrofitted with the ventral fin, but may not have been fitted to all aircraft.''

''The first P-63C deliveries took place in December 1944, with the total production being 1227 aircraft. Most of these aircraft were delivered to the Soviet Union, although 114 were delivered to the Armee de l'Air.''

''Serials of the P-63C series were as follows:''
''42-70686/70860 Bell P-63C-1 Kingcobra
43-10893/10932 Bell P-63C-1 Kingcobra
43-10933/11132 Bell RP-63C-2 Kingcobra
44-4001/4427 Bell P-63C-5 Kingcobra
43-11133/11717 Bell P-63C-5 Kingcobra''
''Specificaion of the Bell P-63C Kingcobra''

''Powerplant: One Allison V-1710-117 engine with a war emergency rating of 1500 hp at sea level and 1800 hp with water injection. Performance: maximum speed 410 mph at 25,000 feet. An altitude of 25,000 feet could be reached in 8.6 minutes. Service ceiling was 38,600 feet. Weights: 6800 pounds empty, 8800 pounds gross, and 10,700 pounds maximum takeoff. Dimensions: Wingspan 38 feet 4 inches, length 32 feet 8 inches, height 12 feet 7 inches, and wing area 248 square feet. Armament: One 37-mm cannon in the propeller hub, plus four 0.50-inch machine guns, two in the fuselage and two in underwing gondolas.''

''.''

=== In-game description ===
Bell P-63C-1/C-5 Kingcobra Army Fighter

The most advanced production model of the P-63. The P-63C had a more powerful engine, the Allison V-1710-117 (1500 hp), as well as a short-term water injection afterburner capable of boosting the engine to 1800 hp. The airplane's aerodynamics were changed: an additional fin was added under the fuselage. Other external differences included a carburetor intake and new truncated wings. The area of the stabilizers, however, was increased. Measures taken to eliminate the danger of the plane falling into a flat spin were not entirely effective; however, the plane did spin less dangerously than the P-39 Airacobra, without jerking and twisting the controls around. The plane's armament remained the same as on the A-9 and the A-10.

The P-63C fighter was produced in two major series. The C-1 series featured a multipurpose ventral pylon under the plane, similar to that of the A-1 and A-5 series, which could carry an extra fuel tank or a bomb. 215 of these airplanes were built.

The C-5 featured two additional pylons under the wings, similar to those of the A-6. So, the P-63C-5 could carry three 500-lb (227-kg) bombs or three extra 75-gallon (284-liter) fuel tanks, or a combination of the two.

The number of pylons was the only difference between the two series. The P-63C-5 became the largest series in the Kingcobra's production. By May of 1945, 1,012 planes had been constructed.

The Red Army Air Force's opinion of the P-63 was positive. Pilots noted the plane's high speed, good maneuverability, and powerful armament. The convenient three-wheeled chassis, coupled with efficient brakes, provided good conditions for taxiing, takeoff, and landing, and the plane's handling on the ground was excellent.

In World War II, the P-63 would only see combat in the USSR. In the short military campaign in the Far East in August 1945, the Japanese air force provided no serious resistance, so evaluating the Kingcobra's combat performance in air-to-air combat was not possible.

In all, 3,303 P-63 aircraft were produced, including all modifications. After the war, they remained in service with the Soviet Air Force until 1952-1953. In the U.S., all of the planes were officially retired in 1946.

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{USA fighters}}

P-39K-1 (USSR)

2019-10-27T14:11:23Z

U42580251: /* History */

{{Specs-Card
|code=p-39k_1
|cockpit=332115/1100890
}}
{{About
| about = premium Russian fighter '''{{Specs|name}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = P-39 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_P-39K-1_USSR.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. It costs 1,000 Golden Eagles.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 3,900 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
| 563 || 546 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.2 || 22.0 || 8.7 || 8.7 || 300
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 3,900 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
| 624 || 590 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.5 || 20.0 || 18.8 || 12.9 || 300
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 420 || ~12 || ~9
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 360 || < 380 || < 450 || > 312
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 4,000 m || 1,150 hp || 1,479 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M4 (37 mm)|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 37 mm M4 cannon, nose-mounted (30 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
* 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (500 rpg outer + 1,000 rpg inner = 3,000 total)

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Controllable || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 12 mm
| Offensive 7 mm
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 12 mm MGs
| New 7 mm MGs
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
|
|
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 37 mm cannons
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good fire power
* Well armoured
* Cockpit has good visibility
* Powerful engine

'''Cons:'''

* M4-37 mm isn't very accurate
* Has no any payload
* The engine is centrally mounted, taking engine damage while being chased is common

== History ==

''The first of the redesignated P-39Gs were the P-39K-1-BE production lot (Model 26A). They differed from the P-39D-2 in being powered by a 1325 hp V-1710-63 (E6) engine driving an Aeroproducts propeller. 210 examples were ordered on August 25, 1941. The armament was the same as that of the P-39D, but the aircraft weighed 800 pounds more and had a slightly reduced range.''

''Some P-39Ks were flown in New Guinea in 1943.''

''Six P-39Ks were converted to ground attack/photo reconnaissance configuration under the designation P-39K-2-BE. Serials were 42-4244, 47273, 4352, 4387, 4433, 4437.''

''One P-39K was converted to P-39K-5-BE with a V-1710-85 (E19) engine and acted as the prototype for the P-39N.''

=== ''Serials of P-39K Airacobra:'' ===
''42-4244/4453 Bell P-39K Airacobra''

=== In-game description ===
In developing this aircraft, the Bell designers came up against two global problems. The first was that the P-39 was intended for export, and there was no way around this. The impossibility of fitting a turbo compressor to the low-altitude Allison engine (for fully explicable reasons) was one reason why the aircraft was never able to achieve a worthy place in the US air forces. The nature of air combat, both in Europe and the Far East, prevented the P-39 from making use of its advantages, while it was not possible to rectify its main drawback - its poor high-speed performance - because of the ban on exporting turbo compressors outside the USA.

The second global problem was connected to a technical failure in the production of the 20 mm Hispano-Suiza AN-M1/M2C cannon by the Bendix company. This was the first problem the Bell specialists tried to tackle. The Bell specialists initially tried to solve this problem themselves. The virtually unusable 20 mm cannon was replaced by the old, heavy but more reliable Colt-Browning M4. The cannon had a lot of faults, mainly its low rate of fire and extremely inadequate stock of ammunition - only 30 shells. On the other hand, in spite of its weight, it could easily be fitted in the front part of the Cobra's fuselage; furthermore, it has one incomparable advantage over the Bendix product - it actually fired.

It must be noted that the M1 cannon was not always fitted onto the first series of the P-39, you could find the M4 here and there. Only the Model 26 (P-39G) carried the M4 as standard equipment. However, it did not go into production, but became the founder of a whole number of virtually identical series from P-39K to P-39Q. The main units were borrowed from the quite promising P-39D-2 series.

The P39K differed from the earlier models in its engine, the Allison V-1710-63, which was successfully tested in that same D-2. It was fitted with an afterburner system. It developed a nominal power of 1352 h.p. and 1550 h.p. in WEP (War Emergency Power) mode. The K series was the only one fitted with such an engine along with a three-bladed Aeroprop propeller. It was a full 360 kg heavier than the D-2, although externally, apart from the propeller, there was no visible difference. In fact, the extra weight was due to additional armor plating, which was used beginning with the K and on all subsequent series.

Altogether, by August 1941, 210 examples of the series K-1-BE, K-2-BE and K-5-BE, which were virtually identical, were built. Forty of them were sent to the USSR.

=== Notable pilots ===
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Alexander_Pokryshkin_profile.jpg|thumb|none|200px|link=User:U64962917#Pokryshkin,_Alexander_I.|[[User:U64962917#Pokryshkin,_Alexander_I.|Alexander Pokryshkin]] flew the '''{{Specs|name}}''' during the battle of Kuban starting his 47 kill-streak with the [[P-39 (Family)|P-39]] series lend-lease aircraft.]] </li>
</ul></div>

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{USSR fighters}}
{{USSR premium aircraft}}

P-39N-0

2019-10-27T14:09:49Z

U42580251: History

{{Specs-Card
|code=p-39n
|cockpit=332101/1100862
}}
{{About
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = P-39 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The primary purpose of a P-39 is that of a low-level interceptor against low energy aircraft. It lacks the high-altitude performance needed to engage strategic bombers. The 37 mm M4's dropping trajectory and slow rate of fire make it useless in head-on passes. Therefore, prioritise low altitude objectives, like escorting attackers or low-alt bombers, or prey on the ones of the enemy.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 3,048 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
| 613 || 593 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.9 || 19.9 || 10.5 || 10.5 || 280
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 3,048 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
| 680 || 641 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.8 || 18.0 || 21.2 || 14.9 || 280
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 450 || ~12 || ~9
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 360 || < 380 || < 450 || > 312
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 2,800 m || 1,125 hp || 1,446 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 15.87 mm Steel - Propeller hub
* 15.87 mm Steel - Plate in front of the cockpit
* 7 mm Steel - Plate over instrument cluster
* 6 mm Steel - Upper pilot's seat and headrest encasement
* 6 mm Steel - Rear tail
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen
* 64 mm Bulletproof glass - Headrest of pilot's seat

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M4 (37 mm)|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 37 mm M4 cannon, nose-mounted (30 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
* 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (500 rpg outer + 1,000 rpg inner = 3,000 total)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|M8}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 6 x M8 rockets

== Usage in battles ==

Basic dogfighting skills apply. Use energy tactics and only fire the cannon under optimum conditions. A separate key for the main gun is advised. Otherwise, utilise the given machine guns at every opportunity. Especially those 7.62 mm light machine guns in the wings, with 3,000 rounds you wont run dry that fast. The center/cowling mounted .50 cals provide great long range accuracy & harassment.

"Jack of all trades, master of none" is the credo of the Airacobra. Thus the basic tactic is to analyse your opponent's weakness and then exploit it. The P-39 will always find an area in which to exceed the foe, or at least is enough of a match to allow pilot skill to dictate the outcome of the engagement. Given the P-39's sleek and rather aerodynamic form, BnZ is the preferred form of combat. However TnB is an option as well. Again, the P-39 provides all the options a pilot could want: "Jack of all traits, master of none".

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Controllable || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 7 mm
|
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 7 mm MGs
| Offensive 12 mm
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 37 mm
| New 12 mm MGs
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 37 mm cannons
| Rocket Launcher M10
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Heavy armament
* Great dive speed and acceleration
* Reasonable turn time
* Great amount of 7.62 (.306) ammo (750 rpg)

'''Cons:'''

* "Jack of all trades, but master of none"
* Three different weapon trajectories make aiming difficult, although this is less of a problem if you are a proficient P-400 pilot
* Long countdown for the 37 mm in both overheating and reload
* Easy to stall with full controls
* Cannot fire the 2 MGs separately
* Ammunition count for the M2s is low, limiting their usage time

== History ==


Up to this time, the Airacobra had been manufactured in relatively small numbers. The first Airacobra model to be produced in really large numbers was the P-39N (Bell Model 26C and F), 2095 examples being built. The first 1100 P-39Ns were part of that order for P-39Gs which had been distributed among P-39Ks, Ls, and Ms, but the remaining 995 Ns were new orders.

All P-39Ns were powered by the V-1710-85 (E19) engine rated at 1200 hp for takeoff and 1115 hp at 15,500 feet. The power rating was similar to that of the M- model's V-1710-83, but with a different propeller reduction gear ratio and an Aeroproducts propeller in place of the Curtiss Electric.

After completion of the first 166 P-39Ns, the USAAF requested that four fuel cells be removed in order to reduce the internal fuel capacity from 120 to 87 US gallons, and so to reduce the maximum permissible gross weight from 9100 lbs to 8750 lbs. This kept weight down, but unfortunately it also restricted range. Therefore, kits were provided that allowed the four fuel cells to be refitted in the field.

The first 166 P-39Ns were fitted with an Aeroproducts propeller having a dimaeter of 10 feet 4 inches. Beginning with the 167th P-39N, the Aeroproducts propeller was enlarged to 11 feet 7 inches in diameter, an increase of six inches.

The 500 P-39Ns were followed by 900 P-39N-1s (Model 26C). These differed only in some minor internal changes which altered the location of the center of gravity.

The last Ns were the 695 P-39N-5s (Model 26C-5). They differed from earlier Ns in having the total weight of armor reduced from 231 to 193 pounds. A curved armor head plate supplanted the bulletproof glass behind the pilot. An SCR-695 radio was fitted, and a new oxygen system was fitted.

There were numerous conversions to ground support, including 35 P-39Ns converted to P-39N-3-BE, 128 P-39N-1-BEs converted to P-39N-2-BE, and 84 P-39N-5-BEs to P-39N-6-BE.

An order for 205 additional P-39Ns was cancelled.

The "O" letter was never used, lest it be confused with the number zero. For some reason, the designation P-39P was also never assigned.

The serials of the P-39Ns were as follows:
42-4944/5043 Bell P-39N-BE Airacobra
originally part of P-39G order. 100 planes
42-8727/9126 Bell P-39N-BE Airacobra
originally part of P-39G order. 400 planes
8808/8842 as P-39N-3-BE
42-9127/9726 Bell P-39N-1-BE Airacobra
originally part of P-39G order. 600 planes
9141,9145, 9148,9150,9152,9211,9255,9416,9615,9677,9697/9712,
9714/9724,9726 to P-39N-2.
42-18246/18545 Bell P-39N-1-BE Airacobra
300 planes
18276/18285,18287/18296,18298/18300,18302/18305,18310,
18327,18466,18485/18546 to P-39N-2
42-18546/19240 Bell P-39N-5-BE Airacobra
695 planes
18676/18681,18712/18725,18768,18818,18829,18831,18841,
18857,18870,18876/18879,18881,18882,18884,18887,
18889/18896,18899/18907,18909/18921,18923/18925,
18927/18933,18935/18941,18947,19043 to P-39N-6.

=== 42-19241/19445 cancelled contract for Bell P-39N Airacobra ===

=== In-game description ===
Bell's P-39 Airacobra was a WWII-era American fighter that was notable for its uncommon design: the engine was placed behind the cockpit, and the landing gear moved from the tail to the nose. The aircraft was adopted by five countries: USA, Britain, Soviet Union, Portugal and Australia.

The P-39N was the first variant to be mass produced, with the P-39N-0 getting a new V-1710-85(E19) engine and a 3-blade Aeroproducts propeller with a 3.15 meter diameter. Starting from aircraft #167, some fuel tanks were removed from the wings to reduce weight, and a connection for additional fuel tanks was installed under the hull. To further increase flight performance, Soviet engineers often removed the wing-mounted machine guns, leaving two nose machine guns and a cannon.

As this variant, Bell produced 2,095 aircraft. Most of these were sent to the Soviet Union on the US's Lend-Lease program. In November 1942, the USSR received the first Airacobras, and the fighters showed good results in battle maneuvers at low and moderate altitudes. Many famous Soviet aces — such as Pokrishkin Alexander Ivanovich, Rechkalov Gregory Andreevich, Gulaev Dmitry Nikolaevich and Kutakhov Pavel Stepanovich — piloted the Airacobras during WWII.

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{USA fighters}}

P-400

2019-10-27T14:08:13Z

U42580251: /* History */

{{Specs-Card
|code=p-400
|name=P-400 Airacobra
|display_name=P-400 Airacobra
|cockpit=332110/1100883
}}
{{About
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = P-39 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.37]].

The P-400 is the "little brother" of the [[P-39N-0|P-39's]] and [[P-63A-5|P-63's]]. Reaching maximum speed at 2,400 m (7,900 ft) means you will have to look for enemies below you, or sacrifice speed to meet the opposition higher up. At medium & low altitudes it can be considered quite a fast plane for its [[BR]] range. It handles turning at higher speed rather well but can become quite unstable at lower speeds. Watch out when engaging in stall fighting, hammerheads & yo-yos. The P-400 can survive at high speeds while diving, yet will suffer from compression. The plane is suitable for high speeds attacks where you work with more with horizontal than vertical movements. Keep your speed up!

The P-400 has good weapons consisting of one 20 mm cannon with 60 rounds and two .50 cals and four .30 cals. If you have a good aim, you can kill enemies in seconds, but if you don't the limited cannon ammo will run out in about 10-15 seconds. The .50 calibre will still destroy foes reasonably quickly, though the .30cals require the right amount of consistency and concentrated fire.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 2,400 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 553 || 536 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 23.2 || 24.1 || 6.9 || 6.9 || 320
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 2,400 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 603 || 576 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.2 || 22.0 || 13.3 || 9.7 || 320
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps
! Take-off flaps
! Landing flaps
! Air brakes
! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! +
! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 420 || ~12 || ~9
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 360 || < 380 || < 450 || > 312
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 3,677 m || 1,000 hp || 1,150 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===

'''Armour plates:'''

* 15.87 mm Steel - Ring Behind propeller
* 15.87 mm Steel - 2 on the left and right sides of the nose
* 7 mm Steel - Fore-cockpit plate
* 7 mm Steel - Cockpit front
* 38 mm Bulletproof Glass - Cockpit front
* 64 mm Bulletproof Glass - Behind Pilot
* 7 mm steel - Cockpit Rear
* 6 mm steel - Behind cooling systems and engine

'''Critical components:'''

* Cooling and Engine are in the middle of the plane
* Propeller shaft spans nearly the entire length of the aircraft

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|Hispano 404 (20 mm)|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm Hispano 404 cannon, nose-mounted (60 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (270 rpg = 540 total)
* 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (1,000 rpg = 4,000 total)

== Usage in battles ==

Try using energy tactics at low altitude and Boom & Zoom to dispatch targets if you are at high altitude. In Domination matches, this plane comes into its environment with dogfight furballs occurring in which the P-400 can intervene. Use the excellent energy retention to your advantage and avoid any type of turn fighting, as even a [[F6F-5|F6F Hellcat]] would be able to out-turn your aircraft.

Never try to contest bomber altitude when you have it stock - it just lacks the engine power to compete above 4,000 meters, and even as a spaded aircraft, it still doesn't perform as well as the [[Spitfire Mk Ia|Spitfires]] and [[Bf 109 E-3|Bf 109s]] at similar battle ratings. If you're ever forced to dogfight, use the rudder and elevator to pull yourself into a sort of climbing spiral, which the P-400 is exceptionally good at thanks to its powerful engine.

The [[Hispano 404 (20 mm)|Hispano cannon]] once on target will easily take out fighters and most bombers with even a short burst, or at the very least, cripple it. However, if there is any good fighter pilot on the enemy team, they will climb and try to secure high altitude. When you see them in more agile aircraft, your only option is to dive away and begin to strafe the furball down low. Beware that many planes in this battle rating range, including the [[I-16 type 27|Cannon Ishak]], outperform this plane in at least one, if not more categories, but this plane usually has more than one advantage over every plane it will face (i.e. it is faster than the [[Spitfire_Mk_Ia|Spitfire Mk 1a]] and out rolls it).

Use the advantages of this plane - its high speed, great rudder, powerful engine, superior armament, and terrific initial turn at high speeds. However, don't use it in a way that exposes its weaknesses - bad low-speed handling, weak turning, and poor climb rate - in combat, like when you are getting Rope-a-Doped, just flip over with an Immelmann and Turn & Burn.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil
! Water
! Type
|-
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable 1 gear || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 7 mm
| Offensive 12 mm
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 7 mm MGs
| New 12 mm MGs
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 20 mm
|
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 20 mm cannons
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Fast plane up to ~3,000 m (12,000 ft)
* Decent turn time (especially at higher speeds)
* Good pool of machine gun ammunition
* Good stopping power with all weapons active
* Nose mounted 20 mm cannon (centre line mounted weaponry equals good accuracy)
* Well armoured
* Cockpit has good visibility
* Carries a total of 7 guns with three slightly different trajectories, resulting in a high hit probability with at least one of them
* Hispano cannon is more accurate and reliable than the 37 mm cannon
* Excellent rudder control even at high speeds
* Powerful engine

'''Cons:'''

* Very low ammunition for 20 mm cannon
* Machine guns, the .30 cal and the .50 cal has no separate trigger
* Ammo counter represents the total amount of machine gun ammo, not the particular calibre
* Gets pilot killed very easily due to the bubble canopy design
* Suffers a lot from compression
* Becomes quite unstable at low speeds
* Fuel cells are stretched across the wings, resulting in fairly common fires
* The engine is centrally mounted, taking engine damage while being chased is common

== History ==

''While the YP-39 and the P-39C were being test-flown, Bell Aircraft began work on an export version of the Airacobra known as the Bell Model 14. It was to be powered by a 1150 hp Allison V-1710-E4 engine which had twelve exhaust stacks on each side rather than the usual six. France was sufficiently interested that they ordered 200 Model 14s on October 8, 1939.''

''All of the media hype surrounding the spectacular performance of the XP-39 prototype had caught the attention of the British Direct Purchase Commission which had visited the USA in 1940 in search of combat aircraft. Seduced by promises of 400 mph top speed, a tricycle undercarriage, heavy cannon armament, and high climb rates, the British ordered 675 examples of the Airacobra. Unfortunately, Bell's glossy advertising brochures did not distinguish between the performance of a lightly-loaded, unarmed, highly-polished experimental prototype and a production fighter heavily-loaded with military equipment and armament, and the British were to rue the day that they ever looked at an Airacobra.''

''In 1940, the British were desperate for combat aircraft and were willing to consider just about anything that had wings, irrespective of how poor its performance might be. Consequently, when Bell submitted specifications to the British Direct Purchase Commission for a fighter with a top speed of 400 mph, a ceiling of 36,000 feet, and a range of 1000 miles, the Commission literally salivated on the spot and ordered 675 Bell Model 14s sight unseen on April 13, 1940.''

''The RAF model was at first named Caribou, but the American name of Airacobra was adopted in July 1941. The British Airacobra was virtually identical to the American P-39D, but the slower-firing 37-mm cannon was replaced with the faster-firing and more reliable Hispano 20-mm cannon with 60 rounds. Two 0.50-inch machine guns were mounted in the fuselage, and four 0.30-inch machine guns were mounted in the wings. The engine of the Model 14 was the 1150 hp Allison V-1710-E4 (-35). The British serials of the Airacobras were AH570/AH739 (170 planes), AP264/AP384 (121 planes), BW100/BW183 (84 planes), and BX135/BX434 (300 planes).''

''Bell began test flying the first Model 14 Airacobra I in April 1941. It carried the British serial number AH570. Tested on the second British Airacobra (AH571) was a revised rudder of more angular shape and less area. Although the aircraft was delivered to England in this form, this rudder was not adopted as standard. A very small dorsal fin just ahead of the rudder became a standard feature of the RAF Airacobras and was also a distinguishing feature of the American P-39D and subsequent versions.''

''President Roosevelt signed the Lend-Lease Act on March 11, 1941, permitting large quantities of war supplies to be transferred to the Allies. Among the early requisitions under Lend-Lease were three P-39Cs intended for "war tests" plus a batch of 150 Airacobra IAs--the A suffix being used to distinguish between Lend-Lease and Direct Purchase machines, which were otherwise identical. In the event, only the three P-39Cs were ever delivered as British machines, and were assigned the serials DS173/DS175 (USAAF werials 40-2981, -2983, -2984). The P-39Cs could be distinguished from the British Airacobras by the four machine guns in the nose and the lack of wing guns.''

''The first of these P-39Cs actually arrived at RAF Colerne on July 3, 1941, followed by the other two the next day. It made its first test flight in England on July 6. However, during trials at Duxford, the performance proved disappointing. Although the test pilots praised the general ease of handling of the aircraft, the maximum speed was a shocking 33 mph lower than that anticipated. The fighter proved to be definitely inferior to the Hurricane and Spitfire in climb rate and ceiling, and the 750-yard takeoff run of the Airacobra excluded its operation from some smaller fighter airfields. There was universal shock and dismay among the RAF personnel. What had gone wrong? Bell Aircraft executives later sheepishly admitted that their performance figures had been based on the unarmed and unequipped XP-39 prototype, which weighed a ton less than the armed and equipped P-39C.''

''The first British-purchased Airacobras began arriving at Colerne before the end of July, joining the three P-39Cs already there. Deliveries of the Airacobra to Britain had to be made by sea, since the Airacobra lacked the range to make the Atlantic crossing. By the end of September, eleven machines had been received. No. 601 "County of London" Squadron was selected to be the first Fighter Command squadron to equip with the Airacobra.''

''No. 601 Squadron pilots found numerous flaws and weaknesses during their initial work-up with the the Airacobra. Some of them were a question of improving operational efficiency and pilot comfort, but others were considered essential to make the aircraft operational. Numerous modifications were made in the field in an attempt to make the aircraft suitable for combat. A master valve was introduced to allow oxygen to be turned on from the cockpit. The gunsight was modified to improve forward visibility. Changes to the ammunition tanks for the wing guns were made. Modifications were made to the cockpit harness release in order to simplify the operation. The IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe) set was removed from behind the pilot, where it obstructed aft view. A throttle control quadrant friction damper was introduced.''

''The Air Fighting Development Unit received a British Airacobra I on July 30. They subjected it to tests and completed their report on September 22. They found the aircraft to be pleasant to fly and easy to takeoff and land. Controls were well balanced and although heavier than those of the Spitfire at normal speeds, did not increase appreciably in weight at high speeds as they did in the Spitfire. It was difficult to hold the aircraft in a dive at high speeds unless the aircraft was trimmed nose-heavy. During a turn, the Airacobra would give ample warning of a high-speed stall by severe vibration of the whole airframe. Handling in formation and formation attacks was good, although deceleration was poor because of the plane's aerodynamic cleanliness. Take-offs and landings in close formation were not considered safe, since there was considerable difficulty in bringing the aircraft back to its original path after a swing.''

''The Airacobra I was powered by an Allison V-1710-E4 twelve-cylinder V in-line engine rated at 1150 hp for takeoff. Weights were 5462 pounds empty and 7845 pounds normal gross. Maximum speeds were 326 mph at 6000 feet, 343 mph at 10,000 feet, 355 mph at 13, 000 feet, 341 mph at 20,000 feet. Initial climb rate was 2040 feet per minute. With an internal fuel capacity of 100 Imp gal the Airacobra had an endurance of 1 hour 20 minutes at maximum continuous cruising speed at 6000 feet, 1 hour 5 minutes at 12,000 feet, and 1 hour 35 minutes at 20,000 feet. The true airspeeds at these altitudes were 287 mph, 327 mph, and 308 mph, respectively. Under most economical cruise conditions, the endurance increased to 3 hours 20 minutes, the relevant speeds being 183 mph at 6000 feet, 217 mph at 12,000 feet, and 215 mph at 20,000 feet. Under maximum continuous climb conditions, it took 15 minutes to reach 20,000 feet. The operational ceiling was considered to be about 24,000 feet, although there was a marked decrease in performance above 20,000 feet. At the Airacobra's rated altitude of 13,000 feet, it was 18 mph faster than the Spitfire VB. However, the speed fell off rapidly above that height, and the two planes were almost exactly matched at 15,000 feet. At 20,000 feet, the Spitfire VB was 35 mph faster and at 24,000 feet it was 55 mph faster. The ground run of the Airacobra during takeoff was 2250 feet, as compared with 1470 feet for the Hurricane II and 1590 feet for the Spitfire V.''

''The AFDU also did some comparative dog-fighting tests with the Airacobra against a Spitfire VB and a captured Messerschmitt BF 109E. The Airacobra and the Bf 109E carried out mock dog-fighting at 6000 feet and 15,000 feet. The Bf 109E had a height advantage of 1000 feet in each case. The Bf 109, using the normal German fighter tactics of diving and zooming, could usually only get in a fleeting shot. The Bf 109 could not compete with the Airacobra in a turn, and if the Bf 109 were behind the Airacobra at the start, the latter could usually shake him off and get in a burst before two complete turns were completed. If the Bf 109 were to dive on the Airacobra from above and continue the dive down to ground level after a short burst of fire, it was found that the Airacobra could follow and catch up to the Bf 109 after a dive of over 4000 feet. When fighting the Bf 109E below 20,000 feet, the Airacobra was superior on the same level and in a dive.''

''A similar trial was carried out against a Spitfire V. Although the Airacobra was faster than the Spitfire up to 15,000 feet, it was outclimbed and out-turned by the Spitfire. Unless it had a height advantage, the Airacobra could not compete with the Spitfire. If on the same level or below, at heights up to about 15,000 feet, the Airacobra would have to rely on its superior level and diving speeds and its ability to take negative "G" without the engine cutting out. Above 15,000 feet, the Airacobra lost its advantage in level speed.''

''The Airacobra was considered to be very suitable for low altitude operations because of the excellent view and controllability, and it was fully maneuverable at speeds above 160 mph. It was not difficult to fly at night, but the exhaust flames could be seen by another aircraft flying three miles to the rear. The flash from the nose guns was blinding, and could cause the pilot to lose not only his target but also his night vision. Firing of the nose guns caused the buildup of carbon monoxide contamination in the cockpit, and this could reach a lethal level very quickly. The guns were fairly inaccessible, and maintenance was troublesome.''

''By the end of September, No. 601 Squadron had received permission to take its Airacobras into action. On October 9, two Airacobras took off from RAF Manston and flew across the Channel on a "rhubarb"--a code name for a small-scale raid by fighters against targets of opportunity. On this raid, they shot up an enemy trawler near Gravelines. The next day two Airacobras visited the same area, but found no targets. On October 11, two aircraft flew to Gravelines and Calais and hit some enemy barges and then three Airacobras flew to Ostend, but no targets were found.''

''After these four missions, the RAF Airacobras were taken off operations because of difficulties encountered with the compass. The compass was too close to the guns in the nose, and when the guns were fired, the compass got thrown out of alignment. Deviations of anything from 7 degrees to 165 degrees were recorded. Without a reliable compass, pilots tend to get themselves lost. In December of 1941, the Airacobra was officially withdrawn from operational service with the RAF.''

''In spite of the problems with the compass and the need for flame dampers for the exhaust and flash suppressors for the nose guns, the RAF concluded that the Airacobra would make an excellent day fighter at altitudes below 20,000 feet and was well suited for the ground-attack role. However, before these plans could be implemented, a decision was made to divert the bulk of the British Airacobra contract to Russia.''

''By the time this decision was made, production of British-contract Airacobras had reached four a day at Bell's Buffalo plant. The initial contract for 170 planes (RAF serials AH570 thru AH739) had been completed before the end of September, and all but six of these planes had actually been shipped to Britain. However, many of them remained in their crates and were shipped directly to the Soviet Union without being opened. Somewhere between 80 and 100 Airacobras were assembled and flown in Britain by the end of 1941. They were gathered at maintenance units for final modification before being re-crated and shipped to the Soviet Union during 1942. In all, the Soviet Union received 212 of the British Airacobras (some of them shipped direct from the USA), but 49 more were lost at sea en route.''

''No 601 Squadron relinquished its 13 Airacobras in March of 1942 in favor of Spitfires. One Airacobra was fitted with an arrester hook and was used for deck landing trials at the RAE at Farnborough.''

''After Pearl Harbor, the USA found itself in desperate need of aircraft to stem the Japanese onslaught in the Pacific. Consequently, nearly 200 of the British direct-purchase Airacobras still in the USA were promptly requisitioned by the USAAC. Although they were similar to the USAAC's P-39Ds, they were not identical and were known by the USAAC under the non-standard designation of P-400. The P-400 designation had, in fact, been associated with the British Airacobras for contractual purposes as early as August 1941. The USAAC P-400s retained their original British serial numbers and their three-color camouflage paint. Most of these planes were used for training stateside, but some of them were rushed to the Southwest Pacific in an attempt to stem the onrushing Japanese advance.''

''The P-400s also saw some use closer to Britain. 179 of the Airacobras sent to Britain were re-acquired by the USAAF and were sent to North Africa to join the Twelfth Air Force.''

=== ''Disposition of RAF Airacobras'' ===
''AH573 crashed Feb 11, 1942 from Boscombe Down. Engine failure just after takeoff. Pilot killed.
AH576 in belly landing Aug 29, 1941
AH581 crashed after engine failure Nov 21, 1941.
AH582 crashed during aerobatics Oct 19, 1941. Pilot killed.
AH596 in forced landing at Colchester Sep 29, 1941.
AH602 crashed during aerobatics Jan 12, 1942.
AH603 crashed on takeoff Dec 12, 1941
AH733 delivered to RAF, but transferred to USSR''

=== ''Disposition of P-400s'' ===
''AH728 (c/n 14-159) transferred to USSR. Reports that it was lost at sea, but other reports have it
actually having been delivered. There are reports of this plane being diverted to Austraila
and condemed there Sept 3, 1944.
AH735/738
AH737 not delivered to Britain, To USSR. There are reports of this plane being diverted to
Australia Mar 1942, and condemned there Apr 13, 1943.
AP266/268 to USAAF
AP274 to USAAF
AP278 to USAAF
AP280 to USAAF
AP287 to USAAF
AP290 to USAAF
AP291 to USAAF
AP295 to USAAF
AP297 to USAAF
AP300 to USAAF
AP304 to USAAF
AP305 to USAAF
AP319 to USAAF
AP322 to USAAF
AP326/346 to USAAF
AP335 to USAAF. crashed landed Aug 2, 1943 at Lakekamu River, PNG
AP347 to USAAF. force landed Aug 20, 1943 at emergency strip with 36th FS of 8th FG. Retrieved by RAAF Chinook and
now rests at the Jackson's Airport Pilots Club in a fenced enclosure.
AP348/357 to USAAF
AP359/360 to USAAF
AP361 to USAAF. Pilot bailed out near 14-Mile Drome PNG Jun 18, 1942.
AP362/383 to USAAF
BW100/105 to USAAF
BW107/108 to USAAF
BW110/117 to USAAF.
BW114 was c/n 14-306 and came to Australia Apr 1942 for conversion for RAAF. Damaged
Feb 10, 1943, condemned Apr 1, 1944.
BW118 delivered to RAF and returned to USAAF
BW119/130 to USAAF
BW134/148 to USAAF
BW150/168 to USAAF
BW169 to USAAF. pilot bailed north of Port Moresby PNG Jun 18, 1942.
BW170/183 to USAAF
BX135 to USAAF. condemned Sep 3, 1944
BX136 to USAAF. condemned Nov 25, 1942
BX137 to USAAF. wrecked at Tontouta AB, New Caledonia Jun 7, 1942
BX138 to USAAF. wrecked at Tontouta AB, New Caledonia Jun 9, 1942
BX139 to USAAF. condemned Oct 27, 1943
BX140 to USAAF. condemned Sep 3, 1944
BX141 to USAAF wrecked Jan 28, 1942 at Margualo Station. Pilot bailed out OK.
BX142 to USAAF. condemned Sep 3, 1944
BX143 to USAAF. condemned Apr 27, 1943
BX144 to USAAF. condemned Sep 3, 1944
BX145 to USAAF. to CL-26 Mar 19, 1942
BX146 to USAAF. condemned Sep 3, 1944
BX147 to USAAF. condemned Sep 3, 1944
BX148 to USAAF. condemned Sep 3, 1944
BX149 to USAAF. condemned Mar 23, 1943
BX150 to USAAF. wrecked Jun 8, 1942 at Tontouta AAB, New Caledonia.
BX151 to USAAF. condemned Nov 25, 1942
BX152 to USAAF. wrecked Jun 8, 1942 at New Caledonia.
BX153 to USAAF. condemned Sep 3, 1944
BX154 to USAAF. condemned Nov 25, 1942.
BX155 to USAAF. condemned Sep 3, 1944
BX156 to USAAF. condemned Nov 25, 1942
BX157 to USAAF. condemned Nov 25, 1942
BX158 to USAAF. condemned Mar 23, 1942
BX159 to USAAF. condemned Nov 25, 1942
BX160 to USAAF. condemned Nov 1, 1942
BX161 to USAAF. condemned Nov 25, 1942
BX162 to USAAF. condemned Mar 23, 1943
BX163 to USAAF. condemned Dec 28, 1942
BX164 to USAAF. surveyed Jan 24, 1944
BX165 to USAAF. With 8th Fg, 36th FS, engine cut out and crashlanded short of runway, Durand, NG May 24, 1943. Condemned May 27, 1943
BX166 to USAAF. condemned Sep 3, 1944
BX167 (c/n 14-359) to USAAF. surveyed Jul 14, 1944
BX168 to USAAF. condemned Oct 27, 1943
BX169 to USAAF. condemned Sep 3, 1944
BX170 to USAAF. condemned Aug 30, 1942
BX171 to USAAF. surveyed in USA Jul 15, 1945
BX172 to USAAF. to RFC in Cincinatti Feb 10, 1945
BX173 to USAAF. condemned Sep 3, 1944
BX174 (c/n 14-415) to USAAF. condemned Nov 23, 1942
BX187 ended up with USAAF in UK in 1942
BX192 to USAAF. to RFC at Rome, NY Aug 8, 1945
BX204 to USAAF. off inventory Feb 29, 1944
BX206 to USAAF. to RFC at Yuma AAF, AZ Mar 20, 1945
BX209 to USAAF. salvaged Aug 17, 1944
BX210 to USAAF. to RFC at Yuma AAF, AZ Feb 29, 1945
BX216 to USAAF. to RFC at Yuma AAF, AZ Apr 4, 1945
BX227 to USAAF. to RFC at Yuma AAF, Mar 16, 1945
BX245 to USAAF. to RFC at Rome, NY May 8, 1945
BX247 to USAAF. off inventory Aug 26, 1944
BX270 to USAAF. to RFC at Yuma AAF, AZ Feb 29, 1945
BX279 to USAAF. to RFC at Yuma AAF, AZ Mar 24, 1945
BX290 to USAAF. condemned Jul 8, 1944
BX302 to USAAF. Shipped overseas after Oct 1943. Returned to USA Jul 30, 1944.
To RFC at Rome, NY May 8, 1945. There is a photo of this aircraft in Soviet AF colors.
BX310 to USAAF. to Italy Feb 11, 1946
BX320 to USAAF. crashed May 27, 1944
BX323 to USAAF. surveyed in USA Mar 2, 1944
BX326 to USAAF. to RFC at Yuma AAF, AZ Mar 20, 195
BX327 to USAAF. to RFC at Yuma AAF, AZ
BX345 to USAAF. salvaged Jun 12, 1944
BX348 to USAAF. to RFC at Yuma AAF, AZ Mar 16, 1945
BX409 to USAAF. to reclamation at Luke AAF, AZ Mar 13, 1946 ''
''BX424 to USAAF. salvaged Nov 9, 1944''

=== In-game description ===
A single-engine all-metal monoplane fighter with a closed cockpit and retractable tricycle landing gear with a nose leg. The aircraft had an unusual layout, with the engine placed behind the cockpit.

The aircraft was designed by the Bell Aircraft design office under the direction of R. Woods and H. Poyer. The experimental model XP-39 took its maiden flight on 6 April 1938.

The first overseas order came from France in October 1939. The French were in urgent need of rearming their fighter forces, and bought as many fighters as they could from overseas. However, the order was not fulfilled before France's capitulation in the summer of 1940. After the capitulation, all outstanding French orders for military vehicles were redirected to Britain.

The high flight characteristics of the experimental XP-39 also drew attention from the British buying committee in the USA. Seduced by its tricycle undercarriage, powerful armament, high climbing rate and promises of high speeds of up to 640 km/h, the British ordered 675 airplanes, including the 200 from the French order.

The fighters produced for Britain had the designation model 14A and were powered by the 12-cylinder air-cooled Allison V-1710-E4 engine with a maximum output of 1,150 hp.

The model 14A's armament consisted of a 20 mm British-Hispano M1 cannon with 60 shells, two large-caliber synchronized Colt Browning M2.5 machine guns on the fuselage with 200 rounds each and four British 7.7 mm Colt-Browning Mk.II .303 machine guns on the wing surfaces with 350 rounds each.

In the RAF, the model 14A fighters received the designation Airacobra Mk.I. However, when the British received the first Airacobra Mk.Is in the summer of 1941, tests revealed that rather than the high-altitude interceptor they had expected, they had actually received an unexceptional medium-altitude fighter, albeit with a powerful engine. At the same time, the fighter's maneuverability and responsiveness received good ratings.

In December 1941, the British Air Ministry decided to remove the Airacobra Mk.I from service. By this time, 164 of the fighters had been sent to Britain.

After Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, the US requisitioned the fighters which had not yet been shipped to the British or were still in various stages of assembly.

In December 1941, 179 of the aircraft went into service in the USAAF with the designation P-400. They kept their British camouflage and organizational numbering. The majority of these planes served within US territory as training vehicles, but a number of P-400s took part in combat operations in New Guinea and North Africa.

=== Joke ===
A joke which ''may'' (or may not) have been used by the British in WW2: 

:''Why is the P-400 called the P-400?''
:''Because it's a P-40 with a Zero on its tail!''<ref name="Joke">Copied from [http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/291882-schlechte-witze-mit-war-thunder-bezug/?p=5693741#entry5693741 War Thunder Forum "Schlechte Witze mit War Thunder Bezug" - 'Bad jokes with War Thunder related content'], '''no source''' was given by the forum user. Topic is named/about "Bad jokes".</ref>

== Media ==


* [http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23p400 '''Skins''' and camouflages for the P-400 from live.warthunder]

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{USA fighters}}

P-39N-0

2019-10-27T14:06:55Z

U42580251: /* History */

{{Specs-Card
|code=p-39n
|cockpit=332101/1100862
}}
{{About
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = P-39 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The primary purpose of a P-39 is that of a low-level interceptor against low energy aircraft. It lacks the high-altitude performance needed to engage strategic bombers. The 37 mm M4's dropping trajectory and slow rate of fire make it useless in head-on passes. Therefore, prioritise low altitude objectives, like escorting attackers or low-alt bombers, or prey on the ones of the enemy.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 3,048 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
| 613 || 593 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.9 || 19.9 || 10.5 || 10.5 || 280
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 3,048 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
| 680 || 641 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.8 || 18.0 || 21.2 || 14.9 || 280
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 450 || ~12 || ~9
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 360 || < 380 || < 450 || > 312
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 2,800 m || 1,125 hp || 1,446 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 15.87 mm Steel - Propeller hub
* 15.87 mm Steel - Plate in front of the cockpit
* 7 mm Steel - Plate over instrument cluster
* 6 mm Steel - Upper pilot's seat and headrest encasement
* 6 mm Steel - Rear tail
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen
* 64 mm Bulletproof glass - Headrest of pilot's seat

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M4 (37 mm)|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 37 mm M4 cannon, nose-mounted (30 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
* 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (500 rpg outer + 1,000 rpg inner = 3,000 total)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|M8}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 6 x M8 rockets

== Usage in battles ==

Basic dogfighting skills apply. Use energy tactics and only fire the cannon under optimum conditions. A separate key for the main gun is advised. Otherwise, utilise the given machine guns at every opportunity. Especially those 7.62 mm light machine guns in the wings, with 3,000 rounds you wont run dry that fast. The center/cowling mounted .50 cals provide great long range accuracy & harassment.

"Jack of all trades, master of none" is the credo of the Airacobra. Thus the basic tactic is to analyse your opponent's weakness and then exploit it. The P-39 will always find an area in which to exceed the foe, or at least is enough of a match to allow pilot skill to dictate the outcome of the engagement. Given the P-39's sleek and rather aerodynamic form, BnZ is the preferred form of combat. However TnB is an option as well. Again, the P-39 provides all the options a pilot could want: "Jack of all traits, master of none".

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Controllable || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 7 mm
|
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 7 mm MGs
| Offensive 12 mm
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 37 mm
| New 12 mm MGs
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 37 mm cannons
| Rocket Launcher M10
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Heavy armament
* Great dive speed and acceleration
* Reasonable turn time
* Great amount of 7.62 (.306) ammo (750 rpg)

'''Cons:'''

* "Jack of all trades, but master of none"
* Three different weapon trajectories make aiming difficult, although this is less of a problem if you are a proficient P-400 pilot
* Long countdown for the 37 mm in both overheating and reload
* Easy to stall with full controls
* Cannot fire the 2 MGs separately
* Ammunition count for the M2s is low, limiting their usage time

== History ==


The P-39 Airacobra was a single engine fighter used in the Pacific and Eastern fonts. As mentioned before in the intro this aircraft is great in low attitude combat making it useful in naval battles for escorting torpedo bombers. The original idea for the Airacobra was a defensive interceptor which would protect American shores for the axis powers. Destroying low flying torpedo and normal bombers was a wet dream for this aircraft has it could easily ripe the wings and tail. The plane originally was sent to Britain but has aircraft became more powerful and dogfights where happening higher and higher in the atmosphere and it was sent back to the states. The US then gave the P-39 Airacobra to the Aussies and was used to patrol the northern shores of Australia. The aircraft later was fitted with bombs and more cannons forcing it into a ground pounding role has it could now pen some tanks of the 1939-1942 era. Today P-39 Airacobra can be found in the Air force museum and others around the world.

P 39 N Description

Up to this time, the Airacobra had been manufactured in relatively small numbers. The first Airacobra model to be produced in really large numbers was the P-39N (Bell Model 26C and F), 2095 examples being built. The first 1100 P-39Ns were part of that order for P-39Gs which had been distributed among P-39Ks, Ls, and Ms, but the remaining 995 Ns were new orders.

All P-39Ns were powered by the V-1710-85 (E19) engine rated at 1200 hp for takeoff and 1115 hp at 15,500 feet. The power rating was similar to that of the M- model's V-1710-83, but with a different propeller reduction gear ratio and an Aeroproducts propeller in place of the Curtiss Electric.

After completion of the first 166 P-39Ns, the USAAF requested that four fuel cells be removed in order to reduce the internal fuel capacity from 120 to 87 US gallons, and so to reduce the maximum permissible gross weight from 9100 lbs to 8750 lbs. This kept weight down, but unfortunately it also restricted range. Therefore, kits were provided that allowed the four fuel cells to be refitted in the field.

The first 166 P-39Ns were fitted with an Aeroproducts propeller having a dimaeter of 10 feet 4 inches. Beginning with the 167th P-39N, the Aeroproducts propeller was enlarged to 11 feet 7 inches in diameter, an increase of six inches.

The 500 P-39Ns were followed by 900 P-39N-1s (Model 26C). These differed only in some minor internal changes which altered the location of the center of gravity.

The last Ns were the 695 P-39N-5s (Model 26C-5). They differed from earlier Ns in having the total weight of armor reduced from 231 to 193 pounds. A curved armor head plate supplanted the bulletproof glass behind the pilot. An SCR-695 radio was fitted, and a new oxygen system was fitted.

There were numerous conversions to ground support, including 35 P-39Ns converted to P-39N-3-BE, 128 P-39N-1-BEs converted to P-39N-2-BE, and 84 P-39N-5-BEs to P-39N-6-BE.

An order for 205 additional P-39Ns was cancelled.

The "O" letter was never used, lest it be confused with the number zero. For some reason, the designation P-39P was also never assigned.

The serials of the P-39Ns were as follows:
42-4944/5043 Bell P-39N-BE Airacobra
originally part of P-39G order. 100 planes
42-8727/9126 Bell P-39N-BE Airacobra
originally part of P-39G order. 400 planes
8808/8842 as P-39N-3-BE
42-9127/9726 Bell P-39N-1-BE Airacobra
originally part of P-39G order. 600 planes
9141,9145, 9148,9150,9152,9211,9255,9416,9615,9677,9697/9712,
9714/9724,9726 to P-39N-2.
42-18246/18545 Bell P-39N-1-BE Airacobra
300 planes
18276/18285,18287/18296,18298/18300,18302/18305,18310,
18327,18466,18485/18546 to P-39N-2
42-18546/19240 Bell P-39N-5-BE Airacobra
695 planes
18676/18681,18712/18725,18768,18818,18829,18831,18841,
18857,18870,18876/18879,18881,18882,18884,18887,
18889/18896,18899/18907,18909/18921,18923/18925,
18927/18933,18935/18941,18947,19043 to P-39N-6.

=== In-game description ===
Bell's P-39 Airacobra was a WWII-era American fighter that was notable for its uncommon design: the engine was placed behind the cockpit, and the landing gear moved from the tail to the nose. The aircraft was adopted by five countries: USA, Britain, Soviet Union, Portugal and Australia.

The P-39N was the first variant to be mass produced, with the P-39N-0 getting a new V-1710-85(E19) engine and a 3-blade Aeroproducts propeller with a 3.15 meter diameter. Starting from aircraft #167, some fuel tanks were removed from the wings to reduce weight, and a connection for additional fuel tanks was installed under the hull. To further increase flight performance, Soviet engineers often removed the wing-mounted machine guns, leaving two nose machine guns and a cannon.

As this variant, Bell produced 2,095 aircraft. Most of these were sent to the Soviet Union on the US's Lend-Lease program. In November 1942, the USSR received the first Airacobras, and the fighters showed good results in battle maneuvers at low and moderate altitudes. Many famous Soviet aces — such as Pokrishkin Alexander Ivanovich, Rechkalov Gregory Andreevich, Gulaev Dmitry Nikolaevich and Kutakhov Pavel Stepanovich — piloted the Airacobras during WWII.

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{USA fighters}}

P-39Q-5

2019-10-27T13:32:44Z

U42580251: Added information about the different P-39 q for reference

{{Specs-Card
|code=p-39q_5
|cockpit=332098/1100858
}}
{{About
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = P-39 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The primary purpose of a P-39 is that of a low-level interceptor against low energy aircraft. It lacks the high-altitude performance needed to engage strategic bombers. The 37 mm M4's dropping trajectory and slow rate of fire make it useless in head-on passes. Therefore, prioritise low altitude objectives, like escorting attackers & low alt bombers, or preying on the ones of the enemy.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 3,048 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
| 575 || 556 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.1 || 20.0 || 10.2 || 10.2 || 280
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 3,048 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
| 635 || 602 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.7 || 18.0 || 20.4 || 14.4 || 280
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 450 || ~12 || ~9
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 360 || < 380 || < 450 || > 312
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 2,800 m || 1,125 hp || 1,446 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 15.87 mm Steel - Propeller hub
* 15.87 mm Steel - Plate in front of the cockpit
* 7 mm Steel - Plate over the instrument cluster
* 6 mm Steel - Upper pilot's seat and headrest encasement
* 6 mm Steel - Rear tail
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen
* 64 mm Bulletproof glass - Headrest of pilot's seat

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M4 (37 mm)|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 37 mm M4 cannon, nose-mounted (30 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|M8}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 6 x M8 rockets

== Usage in battles ==

Basic dogfighting skills apply. Use energy tactics and only fire the cannon under optimum conditions. It is advised to utilise separate keys for the main weapons.

Otherwise, utilise the given machine guns at every opportunity. The centre/cowling mounted .50 cals provide great long range accuracy & harassment.

"Jack of all trades, master of none" is the credo of the Airacobra. Thus the basic tactic is to analyse your opponent's weakness and then exploit it. The P-39 will always be able to find an area in which to surpass the foe, or at least is on par to let the skill decide.

Given the P-39's sleek and rather an aerodynamic form, Boom & Zoom is the preferred form of combat. However, this aircraft is capable of turn-fighting as well. Again, the P-39 provides all the options a pilot would want, a "Jack of all trades, master of none".

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Controllable || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 12 mm
|
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 12 mm MGs
|
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 37 mm
| Rocket Launcher M10
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 37 mm cannons
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Heavy armament
* Great dive speed and acceleration
* Good secondary armament of four HMG
* Reasonable turn time
* High top-end diving speed, can dive up to +800 km/h
* Good climb rate

'''Cons:'''

* "Jack of all trades, but master of none"
* Different weapon trajectories make aiming difficult
* 37 mm projectiles have extremely low accuracy and muzzle velocity
* 37 mm projectiles are incapable of defeating tank armour, even at optimal angles with AP-T rounds
* Long countdown for the 37 mm in both overheating and reload
* Easy to stall with full controls
* Low ammo count for the machine guns

== History ==

''The P-39Q was the last version of the Airacobra to roll off the production lines at Bell. It was also the version which was built in the largest numbers, 4905 P-39Qs being built before production finally ended.''

''The principal difference between the P-39Q and earlier version was in the fighter's armament--the four wing-mounted 0.30-inch machine guns were replaced by a single 0.50-inch machine gun mounted in a fairing underneath each wing. The ammunition capacity of the underwing guns was 300 rounds per gun. The two fuselage-mounted 0.50-inch machine guns with 200 rpg, plus the hub-mounted 37-mm cannon with 30 rounds, were retained. The replacement of the four wing guns was generally applauded by American pilots, most of whom thought that the 0-30-inch guns of the earlier versions were too light to be effective and it wasn't worth the extra fuel needed to carry the 4000 rounds of 0.30-inch ammunition. However, the Russians, who got most of the P-39Qs built, usually had the underwing gun pods removed.''

''The engine was the Allison V-1710-85 (E19) of 1200 hp, the same powerplant that was used in the P-39N.''

''There were several production blocks of the P-39Q:''

''P-39Q-1-BE: Retained the 72.4 Imp gallon fuel capacity of the P-39N-5 but returned to the original 231 pounds of armor of the P-39N-1.''

''P-39Q-2-BE: Five Q-1s were modified to carry cameras for photographic reconnaissance by adding K-24 and K-25 cameras in the aft fuselage. P-39Q-5-BE (Model 26Q-5): Reverted to the lighter armor fit of the P-39N-5 (193.4 pounds), as well as the use of the full wing fuel capacity (92.6 Imp gall) characteristic of the P-39M. Type A-1 bombsight adapters were added to the P-39Q-5-BEs at the Modification Center before delivery to operational units.''

''P-39Q-6-BE: 148 Q-5s were modified to carry cameras for photographic reconnaissance by adding K-24 and K-25 cameras in the aft fuselage.''

''P-39Q-10-BE (Model 26Q-10): Internal fuel capacity rose to 100 Imp gallons and armor weight went to 227.1 pounds. The throttle was linked to the propeller settings to provide automatic adjustments. There was additional winterization of the oil system, and there were rubber engine mounts installed. The first P-39Q-10-BEs were delivered to the USAAF by the end of July 1943. A total of 705 examples were built, but 995 more that were assigned serial numbers 42-21251/22245 were actually completed as P-63E-1 Kingcobras.''

''P-39Q-11-BE: Eight Q-10s were modified to carry cameras for photographic reconnaissance by adding K-24 and K-25 cameras in the aft fuselage.''

''P-39Q-15-BE (Model 26Q-15): Differed from the Q-10 in minor equipment variations. Among these was a reinforced inclined deck to prevent 0.50-inch machine gun tripod mounting cracking, bulkhead reinforcements to prevent rudder pedal wall cracking, a reinforced reduction gearbox bulkhead to prevent cowling former cracking, and repositioning of the battery solenoid. This example was delivered beginning in August of 1943. 1000 examples were built.''

''P-39Q-20-BE (Model 26Q-20): The underwing 0.50-inch machine gun pods were sometimes omitted in this version.''

''P-39Q-21-BE: Similar to P-39Q-20, but a four-bladed Aeroproducts propeller was fitted.''

''P-39Q-25-BE (Model 26Q-25): Similar to the Q-21 but with a reinforced aft-fuselage and horizontal stabilizer structure and a four-bladed Aeroproducts propeller. The wing guns were deleted from these aircraft, which were exported to the Soviet Union. 700 were built.''

''P-39Q-30-BE: Tests indicated that directional stability was materially worsened by the four-bladed propeller, and this version reverted to the three-bladed unit. This was the last production version of the P-39Q.''

''On July 25, 1944, all P-39 production ceased, with 9558 examples being produced.''

''A few P-39Qs were modified into two seaters with dual controls for use as advanced trainers under the designation RP-39Q (redesignated TP-39Q after 1944). All armament was removed. The second cockpit was sort of "grafted" in front of the original cockpit, and the pilot in this extra cockpit sat under a hinged canopy. The extra cockpit was fitted with only rudimentary controls. The original cockpit retained the same controls and instruments as the standard P-39Q. The instructor sat in front in the extra cockpit, the student in the original cockpit, and the two communicated via an intercom telephone. The tail fillet was enlarged and an additional shallow ventral fin was fitted under the rear fuselage. These modifications produced one of the most grotesque aircraft I have ever seen. :-). The first example, converted from P-39Q-5 42-20024, was rolled out for the first time on September 16, 1943. It was designated TP-39Q-5. 12 two-seater fighter trainers were converted from P-39Q-20s, and were designated RP-39Q-22. The ventral strake was somewhat different in shape from that of the ventral fin of the original TP-39Q-5. Serials were 44-3879, 3885/3887, 3889, 3895, 3897, 3905, 3906, 3908, 3917, and 3918.''

''The first P-39Qs were delivered to Eglin Field, Florida and Wright Field, Ohio for testing. The first P-39Qs were delivered to the Army Air force by the end of July of 1943.''

''Production of the P-39Q finally terminated in August of 1944. Most of the P-39Qs were delivered to the Soviet Union. Only a few ended up serving with American units. One of these was the 332nd Fighter Group which took on 75 P-39Qs in Italy in February 1944. After only two months, these Airacobras were replaced by P-47s, finally retiring the type from US service.''

''A P-39Q (serial number 44-3887) is on display at the WPAFB Museum. It is, however, marked as a P-39J serial number 41-7073, which served with the 57th FS on Adak Island.''

''P-39Q-15 serial number 44-2433 Galloping Gertie is currently in storage at the Paul Garber Storage and Restoration Facility in Suitland, Maryland.''

''Specifications of the P-39Q-5-BE:''

''One Allison V-1710-85 engine rated at 1200 hp at sea level and 1125 hp at 15,500 feet. Maximum speed 330 mph at 5000 feet, 357 mph at 10,000 feet, 376 mph at 15,000 feet. Climb to 5000 feet in 2.0 minutes. Climb to 20,000 feet in 8.5 minutes. Maximum range (clean) was 525 miles at 20,000 feet at 250 mph. With one 145.7 Imp gal drop tank, range was 1075 miles at 196 mph. Service ceiling was 35,000 feet. Weights were 5645 pounds empty, 7600 pounds normal loaded, 8300 pounds maximum loaded. Dimensions: Wingspan 34 feet 0 inches, length 30 feet 2 inches, height 12 feet 5 inches, wing area 213 square feet.''

''Serials of P-39Q Airacobra''
''42-19446/19595 Bell P-39Q-1 Airacobra
150 planes
19479/19483 to P-39Q-2-BE.
42-19596/20545 Bell P-39Q-5 Airacobra
950 planes
19608,19610,19612,19614,19616,19624,19626,19628,19636,
19640,19642,19644/19646, all even numbers 19648/19719,
all odd numbers 19697/19719,19723,19725, odd numbers
19927/19975,19977/19979, 19981,19983,19985,19987,
all odd numbers19989/20011,20013/20015,20017/20019,
odd numbers 20021/20065,20067/20069,odd numbers
20071/10092,20095/20097,20099,20101,20103,20105
converted to P-39Q-6-BE
42-20546/21250 Bell P-39Q-10 Airacobra
705 planes
44-2001/3000 Bell P-39Q-15 Airacobra
1000 planes
44-3001/3850 Bell P-39Q-20 Airacobra
850 planes
44-3851/3858 Bell P-39Q-21 Airacobra
8 planes
44-3859/3860 Bell P-39Q-20 Airacobra
2 planes
44-3861/3864 Bell P-39Q-21 Airacobra
4 planes
44-3865/3870 Bell P-39Q-20 Airacobra
6 planes
44-3871/3874 Bell P-39Q-21 Airacobra
4 planes
44-3875/3880 Bell P-39Q-20 Airacobra
6 planes
44-3881/3884 Bell P-39Q-21 Airacobra
4 planes
44-3885/3890 Bell P-39Q-20 Airacobra
6 planes
44-3891/3894 Bell P-39Q-21 Airacobra
4 planes
44-3895/3900 Bell P-39Q-20 Airacobra
6 planes
44-3901/3904 Bell P-39Q-21 Airacobra
4 planes
44-3905/3910 Bell P-39Q-20 Airacobra
6 planes
44-3911/3914 Bell P-39Q-21 Airacobra
4 planes
44-3915/3919 Bell P-39Q-20 Airacobra
5 planes
44-3920/3936 Bell P-39Q-21 Airacobra
17 planes
44-3937/3940 Bell P-39Q-20 Airacobra
4 planes
44-3941/4000 Bell P-39Q-21 Airacobra
60 planes
44/32167/32666 Bell P-39Q-25 Airacobra
500 planes
44/70905/71104 Bell P-39Q-25 Airacobra
200 planes
44/71105/71504 Bell P-39Q-30 Airacobra
400 planes''

=== In-game description ===
The Q series became the most numerous and advanced of all the Airacobra family. It was a direct successor of the N series. The whole propeller-engine group remained unchanged: the Allison V-1710-85 engine, the reduction gear, the elongated shaft and the Aeroprop type propeller. Because of this, the flight characteristics remained virtually unchanged. However, a more efficient four-bladed propeller was fitted to the series from Q-21 to Q-25. As for the alterations, they mainly concerned the armament. The inefficient wing machine guns of rifle caliber were removed and usually replaced by two 12.7 mm Brownings in pods under the wings. But these were not always fitted. Most of the aircraft sent for export to the USSR had no wing machine guns. The suspension tank of 87 gallons was replaced by the standard 120 gallon tank. A tank of 110 gallons (416 l) capacity was used in the Q-5 series.

The differences between the various Q series consisted mainly of the search for the optimum combination of armor protection and internal fuel tank capacity. Takeoff weight, range and load varied from version to version. Altogether, beginning with Q-1 and ending with Q-30, eight series of the fighter were built, to a total number of 4699 aircraft. Of these, 3291 were exported to the USSR. Furthermore, a few reconnaissance versions of this aircraft, fitted with photo-cameras, were built on the basis of the Q series.

This aircraft was not used at all in Great Britain, because the high-altitude speed characteristics of the Cobra were considered unsatisfactory. The US Army Air Corps used the aircraft mainly in the Pacific, in places in which it was impossible to use any aircraft other than the Cobra because of the condition of the airstrips, where the P-39, because of its tricycle landing gear, had no difficulties. Nevertheless, the American pilots feared and disliked the aircraft, calling it "Iron dog" because of its rear-mounted engine and rear centering. Cases were known of the aircraft being deliberately crashed to speed up re-equipment with the more popular P-38.

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{USA fighters}}