P-63A-5 42-68924
The P-63A Kingcobra was the first production variant of the Bell P-63 series, designed to improve upon the P-39 Airacobra’s shortcomings, especially in high-altitude performance. The P-63A featured several advancements in design, armament, and performance, making it a more formidable fighter, particularly in the hands of the Soviet Air Force, which received the majority of these aircraft under the Lend-Lease program.
Key Features and Modifications of the P-63A:
Engine and Propulsion:
- The P-63A was powered by the Allison V-1710-95 engine, which included a two-stage supercharger. This engine delivered 1,325 horsepower and provided a significant boost in performance compared to the earlier P-39 models.
- The early production blocks (-1, -5, -6, and -7) used an 11′ 7″ diameter Aeroproducts propeller, one inch larger than that used on the XP-63 prototype.
Armament:
- P-63A-1-BE: The initial block had a primary armament of an M4 37-mm cannon with 30 rounds in the nose, complemented by two .50-caliber machine guns with 270 rounds each in the nose and two additional .50-caliber machine guns in pods under the wings, each with 250 rounds.
- P-63A-10-BE: The final production block replaced the M4 37-mm cannon with the M10 37-mm cannon, doubling the ammunition capacity to 58 rounds. The gun sight was upgraded to the N-9 electrical sight.
Production Blocks and Variants:
- P-63A-1-BE: 50 units were built with standard armament and features.
- P-63A-5-BE: Only 20 units, delivered to the Soviet Union without the .50-caliber machine gun pods under the wings, featured additional armor and upgraded radios.
- P-63A-6-BE: 130 units were built, featuring underwing racks for external fuel tanks (up to 75 gallons) and bombs (up to 500 pounds). These were in addition to the standard centerline rack.
- P-63A-7-BE: 150 units with increased horizontal tail span and elevator chord, along with the option for a natural metal finish for USAAF aircraft, while Soviet-bound aircraft retained the Olive Drab over Neutral Gray scheme.
- P-63A-8-BE: 200 units with water injection and a new 11-foot diameter Aeroproducts propeller.
- P-63A-9-BE: Similar to the A-8 but with additional armor for pilot protection.
- P-63A-10-BE: The largest block with 730 units, featured the upgraded M10 37-mm cannon, increased ammunition capacity, and the N-9 electrical gun sight. These were mainly supplied to the Soviet Union.
Manned Target Variants:
- RP-63A-11-BE: Five aircraft from the P-63A-9-BE block were converted into manned target aircraft. These featured a thicker skin, revised armor, a redundant pitot system, and no armament or external fuel tank provisions. Painted bright yellow-orange for visibility.
- RP-63A-12-BE: Ninety-five similar aircraft produced from the P-63A-10-BE block, also serving as manned target aircraft.
Performance:
- Maximum Speed: 410 mph at 25,000 feet, making it faster than its predecessors.
- Rate of Climb: 7.3 minutes to 25,000 feet, showcasing improved climb performance.
- Ceiling: A service ceiling of 43,000 feet, significantly higher than earlier models.
- Range: A maximum range of 2,200 miles and a combat range of 450 miles, with internal fuel capacity at 126 gallons and up to 325 gallons with external tanks.
Dimensions and Weight:
- Wingspan: 38 feet 4 inches
- Length: 32 feet 8 inches
- Height: 10 feet 6.25 inches
- Weight: Empty weight of 6,375 pounds, gross weight of 8,800 pounds, and maximum take-off weight of 10,500 pounds.
The P-63A Kingcobra was a significant upgrade from the P-39 Airacobra, with enhanced performance, firepower, and versatility. It was highly valued by the Soviet Air Force, which utilized the majority of the P-63As in combat on the Eastern Front. Despite its advanced features, the P-63A arrived too late to see widespread service with the USAAF, which was transitioning to jet-powered fighters. However, its legacy remains as a powerful and capable fighter that contributed to the Allied victory in World War II.