Zvon P-63E KingCobra | |
|---|---|
| Země | SPOJENÉ STÁTY |
| Typ | Hunter |
Fotogalerie Bell P-63E KingCobra, Zvon P-63 Kingcobra (Model 24) byl americký stíhací letoun vyvinutý během druhé světové války. Jedná se o evoluci letounu P-39 Airacobra, jehož cílem je napravit jeho nedostatky. Ačkoli nebyl přijat USAAF do operační služby, úspěšně sloužil pod rondelem sovětského letectva.
| Bell P-63E KingCobra – WalkAround | |
|---|---|
| Fotograf | Neznámé |
| Lokalizace | Neznámé |
| Fotografie | 36 |
Viz také:
The Bell P-63 Kingcobra was an American fighter aircraft developed from the earlier P-39 Airacobra to improve its high-altitude performance, incorporating an advanced laminar flow wing and a powerful two-stage supercharged engine. The P-63E was the final production variant, featuring the latest engine and aerodynamic improvements.
Although the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) deemed the P-63 surplus to requirements due to the superiority of the P-51 Mustang, over 3,300 Kingcobras were built, with the vast majority (around 2,400) being shipped to the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease program, where they saw extensive combat use, particularly in the ground attack role.
Key Specifications (P-63E)
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Roli | Fighter / Ground Attack |
| Výrobce | Bell Aircraft Corporation |
| motor | Allison V-1710-109 V-12 liquid-cooled engine |
| Horsepower | 1,425 hp (with improved supercharging) |
| Max Speed | Approx. 410 mph (660 km/h) at 25,000 ft |
| Service Ceiling | Approx. 39,000 ft |
| Armament (Standard) | 1 x 37 mm M10 Cannon (firing through propeller hub, 58 rounds) 4 x 0.50 cal M2 Browning Machine Guns (2 nose, 2 wing) |
| External Stores | Up to 1,500 lbs (bombs or drop tanks on centerline and underwing pylons) |
| Distinguishing Feature | Standard “Car-Door” Canopy (unlike the P-63D prototype’s bubble canopy) |
Design and Service Notes
- Mid-Engine Design: Like the P-39, the Kingcobra featured its engine behind the pilot, driving a 4-bladed propeller via a long driveshaft, allowing for the heavy cannon to be mounted in the nose.
- Laminar Flow Wing: The P-63 was significantly larger than the P-39 and introduced a laminar flow wing design, similar to the P-51, which improved high-speed characteristics.
- The “Pinball” Variant: An unusual variant, the RP-63 (modified from A and C models, not E), was a manned target aircraft used for gunnery practice. It was heavily armored and fitted with external lights that illuminated when struck by frangible (disintegrating) bullets.
- Lend-Lease Success: The Kingcobra was a highly valued fighter on the Eastern Front, appreciated by Soviet pilots for its heavy armament (the 37 mm cannon was particularly effective), ruggedness, and relatively good performance at medium altitudes.
- Limited Production: Pouze 13 units of the P-63E-1 were produced before the end of the war led to the immediate cancellation of the remaining large contract.
Zobrazení : 2465
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