P-39 Airacobra – 601 Sqn RAF, Duxford 1941

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA1703: Bell P-39 Airacobra in the markings of 601 “County of London” Sqn, based at RAF Duxford in 1941. Production run of 1,800 models. Comes complete with exquisite panel detailing, optional undercarriage and canopy positions plus display stand.

Length 5 inches Wingspan 5.75 inches

The only RAF unit to use the P-39 was 601 Squadron. Based on the performance of the test model the RAF ordered 675 of these aircraft armed with 0.50-inch machine guns in the fuselage and four 0.30-inch machine guns in the wings, plus the 37 mm gun was replaced by a 20 mm Hispano Suiza. What the RAF received were aircraft without the turbo-superchargers, severely reducing its effectiveness. After only one operational sortie by 601 these aircraft were deemed unfit for use, all further orders were cancelled and the aircraft removed from service.

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 center 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.