Bell P-63 Kingcobra
Bell Aircraft Corporation · United States · first flew 1942 · fighter
The Bell P-63 Kingcobra was an improved development of the P-39 Airacobra retaining the distinctive mid-fuselage engine and tricycle undercarriage layout. The majority of production went to the Soviet Union under Lend-Lease, where it was widely used.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.96 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tricycle undercarriage with Allison V-1710 engine amidships behind the pilot
- Cannon firing through the propeller hub — engine between cockpit and firewall
- Mostly supplied to USSR under Lend-Lease — rarely used by USAAF in combat
Resembles the P-39 closely but with a longer nose and a laminar-flow wing with a different profile; the mid-engine layout, hub cannon, and tricycle gear distinguish both Cobras from all contemporary fighters.
Specifications
- The Bell P-63 Kingcobra has a length of 9.96 m (33 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.68 m (38 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 660 km/h (410 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flying in 1942, the P-63 corrected many P-39 deficiencies with a laminar-flow wing and more powerful engine, but the USAAF had little interest and sent most to the USSR. The Soviets used it extensively as a ground-attack aircraft and interceptor, with over 2,400 delivered.
Variants
The P-63A was the main production variant; the P-63C introduced a ventral fin; the P-63D had a bubble canopy; the RP-63 was a special armoured version used as a manned target for gunnery practice with frangible bullets.
Where you'll see it
Soviet Air Force (primary operator), French Armée de l'Air, and small USAAF use; the RP-63 'Pinball' was a unique American training role.
Related aircraft
- Bell P-59 Airacomet
- Bell XFL-1 Airabonita
- Bell XP-77
- Bell XP-83
- Aichi E16A Zuiun
- Bereznyak-Isayev BI-1
- de Havilland Mosquito FB.VI
- Doflug D-3802
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.