Description:
Atlantis Models H222 P-39 Bell Airacobra WWII Fighter 1/46 Scale Model Kit
The Bell P-39 Airacobra is one of the more discussed fighters of WW2. This is in part because of its’ many different iterations and that it was one of the first to see actual combat use. There were many changes from the P-39C to the P-39Q, most of them were actual improvements. Employment by the USAAF was early in the war, before we had learned how to deal with the hard demands of Aerial combat, and before we had many well trained or experienced pilots. Our early efforts in the Pacific cost us dearly in lives and machines. Our P-39 units only managed about a 1:1 kill ratio against the Japanese. P-39 was a unique design, it was fairly fast, around 360 mph, and quite maneuverable. It could not reach 400 mph or extreme altitudes, but it did not tumble or fall out of the sky. The key element of its armament was its Cannon firing through the propeller hub. The key airframe element was the centrally mounted engine, sitting on the center of gravity. This allowed the airplane to maneuver in any direction without a huge mass of engine in the nose that had to be pointed and followed by the airplane. This made the airplane “twitchy”, meaning it would depart from straight and level at the slightest urging of the pilot. A good pilot who understood the airplane could dogfight with anything.
Features:
• 1/46 scale
• This kit comes molded in Olive Drab
• 39 parts
• Decals included for original release and shark mouth version
• Measures 8 inches long with wing span of 9 inches
• Includes swivel stand
• Features engraved original markings
• Skill level 2
• Paint and glue not included
