벨 P-63E 킹코브라 | |
|---|---|
| 국가 | 미국 |
| 형식 | 사냥꾼 |
Galerie photo d’un Bell P-63E KingCobra, Le 벨 P-63 킹코브라 (Model 24) est un avion de chasse américain développé durant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Il est une évolution du P-39 Airacobra destiné à corriger les déficiences de ce dernier. Bien qu’il ne fut pas accepté par la USAAF pour le service opérationnel, il servira avec succès sous la cocarde de l’Armée de l’air soviétique.
| Bell P-63E KingCobra – WalkAround | |
|---|---|
| 사진 작가 | Unknow |
| 로컬라이제이션 | Unknow |
| 사진 | 36 |
참고 항목:
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 |
|---|---|
| 역할 | Fighter / Ground Attack |
| 제조업체 | Bell Aircraft Corporation |
| 엔진 | 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: 오직 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.
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