The Bell P-39 Airacobra was one of the principal American fighter aircraft in service when the United States entered World War II. The P-39 was used with great success by the Soviet Air Force, which scored the highest number of kills per pilot attributed to any U.S. fighter type. Other major users of the type include the Free French, the Royal Air Force, the United States Army Air Forces, and the Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force. Designed by Bell Aircraft, it had an innovative layout, with the engine installed in the center fuselage, behind the pilot, and driving a tractor propeller via a long shaft. It was also the first fighter fitted with a tricycle undercarriage. Although its mid-engine placement was innovative, the P-39 design was handicapped by the absence of an efficient turbo-supercharger, limiting it to low-altitude work.
1. P-39Q-6, 82nd TRS/71st TRG, 1944, New Guinea, pilot Lt. Peter A. McDermott
2. P-39Q-1-BE, 72nd FS, 21th FG, p. Maj. Joseph H. Powell, USAAF, Marian Islands, 1944
3. P-39Q, cpt.G.A.Rechkalov, the 9th Guard Fighter Air Division, Poland 1944
4. P-39Q-1 of the 46th FS/15th FG, Canton Island, pilot 1Lt. Jack Garnett
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