P-39Q-5

P-39Q-5

P-39N-0

P-63A-5

P-39Q-5

P-39N-0

P-63A-5

USA

II Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
3.7	2.7	3.3

Class:

Fighter

Research:6 900

Purchase:32 000

This page is about the American fighter P-39Q-5. For other versions, see P-39 (Family).

Description

The P-39Q-5 Airacobra is a rank II American fighter with a battle rating of 3.7 (AB), 2.7 (RB), and 3.3 (SB). 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.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed (km/h at 3,048 m)		Max altitude (meters)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (meters/second)		Take-off run (meters)
AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
575	556	9700	19.1	20.0	10.2	10.2	280
Upgraded
Max Speed (km/h at 3,048 m)		Max altitude (meters)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (meters/second)		Take-off run (meters)
AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
635	602	9700	17.7	18.0	20.4	14.4	280

Details

Features
Combat flaps	Take-off flaps	Landing flaps	Air brakes	Arrestor gear
✓	✓	✓	X	X

Limits
Wing-break speed (km/h)	Gear limit (km/h)	Combat flaps (km/h)	Max Static G
			+	-
		450	~12	~9

Optimal velocities
Ailerons (km/h)	Rudder (km/h)	Elevators (km/h)	Radiator (km/h)
< 360	< 380	< 450	> 312

Compressor (RB/SB)
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

The P-39Q-5 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

The P-39Q-5 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

MEC elements
Mixer	Pitch	Radiator			Supercharger	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

Tier	Flight performance		Survivability	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.