Donald Nijboer reflects on the history of Bell’s innovative but often overlooked P-39 Airacobra
Bell P-39 Airacobra
Spotlight
Much has been written about the Spitfire, Mustang, Hellcat, Corsair, Thunderbolt, and Lightning, the truly remarkable fighters of World War Two. One might even conclude these types won the war by themselves. In terms of performance these aircraft were certainly thoroughbreds, but other, less famous, machines also played a hugely significant part.
After aircraft such as the Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire were ‘blooded’ in combat during the early stages of the conflict, US manufacturers were able to take advantage of the lessons learned. But for those flying earlier American designs such as the Grumman Wildcat, Curtiss P-40 and the much-maligned Bell P-39 Airacobra – the so-called ‘Iron Dog’ – pilots were forced into combat with what they had. The P-39, in fairness, was a much better fighter than the inadequate design usually described by historians.
Its contribution to the war in the Pacific and Mediterranean was insignificant in terms of enemy aircraft shot down (around 300 victories), but it still managed to hold its own. More importantly, the P-39 along with the P-40…
