Bell P-39Q Airacobra – Quanto Costa 100th FS 332nd FG, Tuskegee Airmen, USAAF, Samuel Curtis, Capodichino, Italy, 1944 DISPLAYED

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA1712: Bell P-39Q Airacobra Quanto Costa of 100th FS, 332nd FG, Tuskegee Airmen, USAAF, Samuel Curtis, Capodichino, Italy, 1944

Length 5 inches Wingspan 5.75 inches

PLEASE NOTE: This is an imperfect ex display model. Comes with all original parts. Paintwork has the odd imperfection which has been touched in but not in A1 condition. Photos of actual model.

The 100th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group was a Tuskegee Airmen squadron during WWII. They arrived in Italy in February 1944 and assigned to the 12th Air Force. The 100th was equipped with P-39s and P-47s and tasked with less demanding roles such as harbor patrol. In May 1944 they were re-assigned to the 15th Air Force and flew escort for bombers targeting oil and industrial sites. P-39 “Quanto Costa” (How much is it?) was flown by 1st Lt. Samuel Curtis. In June 1944 the 100th received P-51s.

Designed as a single-engine high-altitude interceptor aircraft, the P-39 was first flown on April 6th, 1938. The main purpose of the engine configuration-placed behind the cockpit-was to free up space for the heavy main armament, a 37 mm cannon firing through the centre of the propeller hub for optimum accuracy and stability. Unfortunately the Airacobra was vulnerable to any enemy fighter with decent high altitude performance, but its rear-mounted engine made it ideal for ground attack since return fire was less likely to hit the engine. The Airacobra saw combat throughout the world, particularly in the Pacific, Mediterranean and Russian theatrEs.