P-39, P-63, P-400

[angelsandair]

What was the difference of these 3 planes? Wasnt the P-400 the army version or something?
Oh and I heard the P-63 was a far superior plane compared to the Late models of the P-39 is this true?
I'm not asking for anything right now, just would like to know, it's been bugging me 

[Bronk]

If one considers 420 mph at 21,000 feet poor performance. Let's face it, 95% of all engagements in AH2 are below 20,000 feet.

The answer to the La-7 is the P-63A Kingcobra. Similar climb and low-level speed, but the P-63 is nearly as maneuverable as the FM-2. Add four .50 cal MGs and a 37mm cannon.

These two fighters would be very equal except that the La-7 could not afford to turn-fight with the P-63, and the P-63 has a big range advantage, plus the ability to haul a 500 pound bomb (or a drop tank).

So, how fast does the P-63A climb? Well, for comparison, let's look at the F6F-5. It requires 7.7 minutes to climb to 15,000 feet. In contrast, the P-63A can get to 25,000 feet in 7.3 minutes! The P-51D requires near twice as long (13 minutes) to reach 30,000 feet.

When the Soviets first began flying the P-63, they found the tail to be weaker than that of the P-39. Bell developed a kit for strengthening the tail and Bell technicians made field modifications to those planes in service. That change was immediately incorporated into the production line as well.

Pilots who flew the P-63, and had time in the other major U.S. types, generally agreed that the P-63 was far and away the best performer at low to medium altitudes. Not surprising, the pilots flying it at the Joint Fighter Conference differed from rave reviews to outright dislike (the only thing the JFC ever proved was that every monkey prefers his own banana).

Since more than 3,300 P-63s were built, and it saw combat (with the Free French and Soviets) in far greater numbers than the F4U-1C or Ta 152H, I think it would be an excellent candidate for inclusion in the AH2 plane-set someday.

My regards,

Widewing

Go ahead angel, start the chant for the P-63.

[Captain Virgil Hilts]

The P-400 was originally intended to be an export version of the P-39. I had hoped the P-400 would be included with the P-39's we got.

[Bronk]

The P-400 was originally intended to be an export version of the P-39. I had hoped the P-400 would be included with the P-39's we got.

We did, the D utilities the hizooka, only P-39 to  use it.

[Widewing]

It has been stated tongue in cheek that the P-400 is a P-40 with a Zero on its tail...

In reality, the P-400 was a P-39C/D delivered to the requirements of the RAF.

The P-39Q was a fully evolved P-39, with a more powerful engine and detail airframe and system upgrades. Beginning with the P-39Q-1, the four .30 caliber machine guns were replaced with two .50 caliber guns in under-wing pods. The Soviets, who flew the bulk of the P-39Ns and Qs built, removed the gun pods to increase over-all performance. Some P-39Qs were delivered with 4-blade propellers.

On the other hand, the P-63, although similar in appearance, was a completely new design. It was powered by a two stage, variable speed supercharger that produced a speed of at least 410 mph at 25,000 feet. It was larger in every respect, including a new laminar flow wing of much greater area. The Soviets deployed a small number of them against the Luftwaffe to gain knowledge of its combat capability. German reports indicate that those who had encounters with these "new Airacobras" were very much surprised at their performance, especially their ability to climb with late model 109s. The P-63 never saw combat with the USAAF. This was directly the result of it not having adequate range to be useful as an escort, and insufficient ordnance capability (compared to the P-47 and P-38) for use as a tactical fighter. Thus, the vast bulk went to the Soviets, who horded most of them for the anticipated upcoming battle with Japan. Some saw service with the Free French air force, but not until after Germany surrendered. These French Kingcobras did see extensive combat (ground support) in South East Asia against the Viet Min.

My regards,

Widewing

[BaDkaRmA158Th]

WW what version of the D model do we have?

And IS this info correct?

The first operational variant differed from it's predecessor in a number of ways:

    * armament was changed to 1 × 37 mm and 2 × 0.50 in (12 mm) guns in the nose, plus 4 × 0.3 in (7.62 mm) in the wings (no "aiming" 0.3 in gun anymore)
    * armor to protect the pilot
    * self-sealing fuel tanks
    * Changes to the vertical tail (dorsal fin fillet added)
    * Hardpoint added to be able to carry a 500 lb (227 kg) bomb or a drop tank

Two different sub variants were built:

    * P-39D-1: Built for the RAF, and fitted with a 20 mm cannon in stead of the 37 mm one. (519 built)
    * P-39D-2: Powered with 1 × Alison V-1710-63 , rated at 1,325 hp (988 kW)

The British aircraft were declared unfit for the Western European theatre, and shipped to Russia to aid them. A couple of the originals were held back by the USAAF, and the were refitted and redesigned to:

    * P-39D-3: Additional armor protection under the fuselage (26 converted)
    * P-39D-4: Adopted for photo-reconnaissance, and fitted with a K24 and K-25 camera (11 converted)


Number built: 923

From http://www.xs4all.nl/~fbonne/warbirds/ww2htmls/bellp39.html

[Airscrew]

It has been stated tongue in cheek that the P-400 is a P-40 with a Zero on its tail...
My regards,

Widewing

I did not know that...    it fits though..

[angelsandair]

Well I will make a post for the P-63 Kingcobra in the wishlist if I get some support. (especailly Widewing, he is my source of info  , as long as I have someone smart on my side, WE WIN!)

[SgtPappy]

As stated the P-400 was the P-39 meeting requirements for the RAF.

When the RAF realized the inadequate performance, they sent about 200 back to the USAAF in '42 who duly re-designated the plane the P-400.

[Wingnutt]

Well I will make a post for the P-63 Kingcobra in the wishlist

post it, just do so wearing asbestos gloves, and dont subscribe to, or ever view the thread again... 

Better off that way.

[angelsandair]