The Bell P-63 Kingcobra was an American single-engine fighter that Bell Aircraft developed during World War II from the P-39 Airacobra, incorporating suggestions from P-39 pilots and proving superior to its predecessor in virtually all respects. It followed the experimental XP-39E, and the first XP-63 prototype flew on 7 December 1942 with an Allison V-1710 engine. The United States Army Air Forces did not accept it for combat use, but the Soviet Air Force, the most prolific user of the P-39, received 2,397 of the 3,303 production aircraft under Lend-Lease and found it a successful fighter. Many served in the United States as RP-63 Pinball manned target aircraft, and surviving examples were later redesignated QF-63.
Facts
Engine Class Top Speed (km/h) Maximum Mass (kg) EngineAllison V-1710-117 V-12 liquid-cooled 1 Comparison
Body StyleAircraft (no road body style) 1 Connections
Of Make
Source Bell P-63 Kingcobra (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Bell P-63 Kingcobra (Wikipedia)
Design and development, XP-63 first flight
The first prototype, 41-19511, flew for the first time on 7 December 1942.
Specifications, empty weight
Empty weight: 6,800 lb (3,084 kg)
Specifications, maximum takeoff weight
Max takeoff weight: 10,700 lb (4,853 kg)
Specifications, maximum speed
Maximum speed: 410 mph (660 km/h, 360 kn) at 25,000 ft (7,600 m)
Operational service, Soviet Union
aircraft were delivered to the USSR, 72.6% of the overall 3,303 production aircraft
Specifications, powerplant
Powerplant: 1 × Allison V-1710-117 V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 1,800 hp (1,300 kW)
Lead, aircraft description
The Bell P-63 Kingcobra is an American fighter aircraft that was developed by Bell Aircraft during World War II.
Lead, builder
The Bell P-63 Kingcobra is an American fighter aircraft that was developed by Bell Aircraft during World War II.
Lead, country
The Bell P-63 Kingcobra is an American fighter aircraft that was developed by Bell Aircraft during World War II.
In Group: Propeller-Driven Fighters, Lead, role of the aircraft
The Bell P-63 Kingcobra is an American fighter aircraft that was developed by Bell Aircraft during World War II.
View the SourceReader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.