P-39 Airacobra

With a midengined configuration, sturdy tricycle landing gear, and nose-mounted 37 mm cannon, the Bell P-39 was a thoughtful and innovative design. However, the plane lacked the all-out performance of some other key fighters available to Allied flyers (e.g., Spitfire, Hellcat, Mustang), particularly at altitude. Largely rejected by British and American combat squadrons, the Airacobra was much better received in the Soviet Union, where the Red Air Force successfully deployed large quantities of the type against the Luftwaffe. This new entry in the Legends of Warfare series features detailed photographic coverage of all variants of the Airacobra, including prototypes, trainer versions, production models C through Q, and the P-400.[AuthorName]By David Doyle[/AuthorName][AuthorBio]David Doyle is the author of over 200 books, and his military vehicle books are noted for their thorough coverage of historic equipment and his celebrated ability to locate scarce vintage imagery.[/AuthorBio][NumIllustration]240 color and b/w photos[/NumIllustration][CoAuthor][/CoAuthor][SubTitle]Bell Fighter in World War II[/SubTitle][ColorPattern]240 color and b/w photos[/ColorPattern]