P-39K Airacobra of the 12th Fighter Squadron in flight
The P-39G designation was initially intended for 1,800 units, but it was eventually dropped in favor of producing several different models known collectively as the “mid-series” Airacobras. These included the P-39K, P-39L, P-39M, and P-39N variants, each with specific modifications and improvements tailored to various operational needs.
P-39K
- Production: 210 units.
- Engine: Powered by the Allison V-1710-63 engine, which produced 1,325 horsepower. This engine was optimized for low-altitude operations, a common feature of mid-series P-39s.
- Exhaust Configuration: Six exhaust ports on each side.
- Armament: The ammunition capacity for the .50-caliber machine guns in the nose was increased by 15 rounds per gun.
- Reconnaissance Variant: Six P-39Ks were converted into reconnaissance aircraft, designated as P-39K-1-BE.