+1
The P-39 is different and fun. But it cant compete in the Melee because it climbs too slow (2.5K/Min) and is too slow (~350mph) at fight alts.
The P-63 is the same quirky gun pack and cockpit, with more wing and more HP resulting in more climb (3.5K/,in) and top speed of ~410. Just enough to make it competitive in Melee.
This plane has historic and engineering merit as the best All American single engine V-12 powered dog fighter of the war.
P-51 had a British Engine (Not All American even though Packard made them in America)
P-40 was a dog in all variants compared to axis competition.
P-39 was under powered and under winged.
P-38 had two engines.
It would be nice to have the best All American dog fighter in the Melee arena because we do so much dog fighter there. The Air Force wasn't looking for a dog Fighter June of 1944 when the plane came on line. It need more Long range escort planes like the P-51. The Russians were already familiar with Bell and P-39 so it made sense these planes went to them. But it was not because they weren't capable.
Lastly, the Melee is not historical. Corsairs didn't fight 109s or Mustangs, or Yaks. So talking about combat time might be over blown, as most of the High use aircraft are already in the inventory, and many very low use planes are in the plane set.
Thanks