Bell P-39 N Airacobra Fighter
Zvezda 7231

Bell P-39N Airacobra

Bell P-39 N Airacobra Fighter from Zvezda is a model of the American fighter aircraft whose unusual design featured the engine mounted behind the cockpit and driving the propeller through a shaft running beneath the cockpit. This arrangement allowed the main armament to be mounted along the aircraft's centreline and gave the Airacobra its distinctive appearance.

Contents of the Set

• Bell P-39N Airacobra model,
• decals,
• assembly instructions.

Bell P-39 Airacobra

The Bell P-39 Airacobra was an American fighter aircraft developed in the late 1930s. The aircraft featured an all-metal construction, retractable landing gear and distinctive cockpit doors resembling those found on automobiles.

One of the most unusual features of the design was the positioning of the Allison V-1710 engine behind the pilot's cockpit. A long driveshaft transmitted power to the propeller at the front of the fuselage. This arrangement allowed the armament to be concentrated in the forward section of the aircraft.

Armament

The Airacobra was armed with a cannon firing through the propeller hub and machine guns mounted in the forward fuselage. Depending on the version and configuration, the aircraft could also carry external stores.

P-39N in Service

The P-39N was one of the development variants of the Airacobra equipped with an Allison V-1710 engine. Aircraft of this type were operated by the United States Army Air Forces, while large numbers of Airacobras were also supplied to the Soviet Union as part of American military aid.

On the Eastern Front, P-39s were used primarily at lower altitudes, where their armament and good manoeuvrability were particularly useful. The Airacobra became one of the most important American combat aircraft operated by Soviet forces during the Second World War.

The model is intended for assembly and painting. Plastic model cement and suitable modelling paints are required to complete the model.