BELL P-63 "KING COBRA" - Plane + Pilot

1942’45

Plane & Pilot

Saturday, August 01, 2009 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: Omar Filipović

Key Takeaways:

The Bell P-39 Aircobra, developed in 1937, featured a radical design for its time with tricycle gear, an engine mounted behind the pilot, and a nose-mounted 37mm cannon for significant firepower.
Despite nearly 10,000 units built, the P-39 was an unspectacular fighter, ultimately finding its primary role as a tank-buster on the Russian front.
The P-63 King Cobra, a modified P-39 designed in 1942, also met with an unenthusiastic reception, leading many to be lend-leased to Russia or converted into target planes.
A few King Cobras have been modified for racing, and several examples remain in flying condition today.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Bell began development of the P-39 Aircobra in 1937 to meet the need for a fighter with great firepower. The design was quite radical for its time, featuring tricycle gear and an engine that was mounted behind the pilot. The propeller was driven by a drive shaft that ran between the pilot’s legs. Mounted in the nose was a 37mm cannon. Though nearly 10,000 of this type were built, it was unspectacular as a fighter and eventually found a role as a tank-buster on the Russian front. A greatly modified development of the P-39, the P-63 King Cobra, was designed in 1942. Easily recognized by its larger tail surface and more prominent airscoop, the King Cobra also met with an unenthusiastic reception. Of those that weren’t lend-leased to Russia, many were converted into target planes for use with dummy bullets. A few King Cobras have been altered for racing. Several exist in flying condition.