Difference between revisions of "P-39N-0"
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{{About | {{About | ||
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | | about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
− | | usage = other | + | | usage = other versions |
| link = P-39 (Family) | | link = P-39 (Family) | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{Specs-Card | ||
+ | |code=p-39n | ||
+ | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}} | ||
+ | |cockpit=cockpit_p-39n.jpg | ||
}} | }} | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> | <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> | ||
− | |||
− | |||
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. | ||
− | The primary purpose of a P-39 is that of a low-level interceptor | + | The primary purpose of a P-39 is that of a low-level interceptor. It lacks the high-altitude performance required to engage strategic bombers or high-flying fighters, but is extremely competitive under 4,000 m and easily one of the best planes at its BR. |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
=== Flight performance === | === Flight performance === | ||
− | ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' | + | {{Specs-Avia-Flight}} |
+ | <!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | ||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%" |
− | + | ! rowspan="2" | Characteristics | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | ! | ||
− | |||
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,048 m) | ! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,048 m) | ||
− | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>( | + | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres) |
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ||
− | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>( | + | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second) |
− | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>( | + | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres) |
|- | |- | ||
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB | ! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | 613 || 593 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.9 || 19.9 || 10.5 || 10.5 || 280 | + | ! Stock |
+ | | 613 || 593 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.9 || 19.9 || 10.5 || 10.5 || rowspan="2" | 280 | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Upgraded |
− | + | | 680 || 641 || 17.8 || 18.0 || 21.2 || 14.9 | |
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− | | 680 || 641 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
==== Details ==== | ==== Details ==== | ||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="5" | Features | ! colspan="5" | Features | ||
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|} | |} | ||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="7" | Limits |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! rowspan="2" | | + | ! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h) |
− | ! rowspan="2" | Gear | + | ! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h) |
− | ! | + | ! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h) |
! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! + !! - | + | ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - |
|- | |- | ||
− | | {{Specs|destruction| | + | | 886<!--{{Specs|destruction|body}}--> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 426 || 396 || 241 || ~13 || ~9 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities | + | ! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h) |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Ailerons | + | ! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator |
− | ! Rudder | ||
− | ! Elevators | ||
− | ! Radiator | ||
|- | |- | ||
| < 360 || < 380 || < 450 || > 312 | | < 360 || < 380 || < 450 || > 312 | ||
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=== Survivability and armour === | === Survivability and armour === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Avia-Armour}} | ||
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' --> | <!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' --> | ||
Line 114: | Line 100: | ||
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen | * 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen | ||
* 64 mm Bulletproof glass - Headrest of pilot's seat | * 64 mm Bulletproof glass - Headrest of pilot's seat | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Modifications and economy === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Economy}} | ||
== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
+ | {{Specs-Avia-Armaments}} | ||
=== Offensive armament === | === Offensive armament === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Avia-Offensive}} | ||
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' --> | ||
− | {{main|M4 (37 mm)|Browning | + | {{main|M4 (37 mm)|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}} |
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | ||
* 1 x 37 mm M4 cannon, nose-mounted (30 rpg) | * 1 x 37 mm M4 cannon, nose-mounted (30 rpg) | ||
− | * 2 x 12.7 mm Browning | + | * 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total) |
− | * 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted ( | + | * 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 1,200 total) |
=== Suspended armament === | === Suspended armament === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Avia-Suspended}} | ||
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | ||
− | {{main|M8}} | + | {{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|M8}} |
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | ||
Line 134: | Line 126: | ||
* Without load | * Without load | ||
* 6 x M8 rockets | * 6 x M8 rockets | ||
+ | * 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (500 lb total) | ||
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
− | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in | + | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' --> |
− | + | The P-39N-0 can best be described as a "Jack-of-all-Trades, Master-of-None" when it comes to flight performance. This is because the aircraft has middling performance depending on which aircraft you face at that battle rating or above, however, the P-39N-0 is a very potent aircraft in downtiers. | |
+ | |||
+ | '''Stock Grind''' | ||
+ | |||
+ | The P-39 has a relatively easy stock grind as it's easy to fly and doesn't require "ace" skills to master it. You should prioritize performance modifications first, as you have enough firepower and ammo, so shooting down planes shouldn't be an issue. M8 rockets are useless; only equip them if you have no other CAS options. They can be effective at destroying bombers in a diving attack though, albeit the 37 mm should be enough. | ||
+ | |||
+ | '''Tactics: Air Realistic''' | ||
− | + | For usage in Air Realistic Battles, the P-39 does its best as a multirole fighter in terms of how you engage. for instance, if you're fighting enemies such as Bf 109Es, Fw 109As, La-5s or the occasional Typhoon Mk.1, use your superior energy retention to trap them into an easy target. However, if it is a manoeuvrable enemy such as the Spitfire Mk.IIb or A6M2, it is best to extend out and make repeated Boom-and-Zoom passes on them. Also, ''do not'' take out the M8 rockets, they are terrible for taking out AI targets and needlessly weigh your plane down. Prioritize attacking the enemy with the .50 cal machine Guns over the 37 mm, as while the 37 mm carries insane destructive potential with each hit, it is artificially inaccurate. | |
+ | |||
+ | '''Tactics: Ground Realistic''' | ||
+ | |||
+ | You are only able to carry a very limited amount of ordnance. You can attack a tank with the 500 lbs bomb or get rid of light armoured vehicles with the rockets and strafe targets so the friendlies can see them. After the ordnance is expended, your role should be air superiority. Deal with other fighters challenging your dominance and try to deal with bombers. Always try to keep the element of surprise on your side. However, overall, the A-36 is preferable over the P-39 in mixed battles for ground attack. | ||
+ | |||
+ | '''Enemies worth noting''' | ||
+ | |||
+ | * '''Germany''' - You will commonly see Bf 109 E and F models, as well as Fw 190 A models. While E models are not as serious of a threat, the Bf 109 F models are a real threat with their more powerful engines. Wait until they dive or you are at a higher energy state to engage them. As for Fw 190s, their engines are rather underwhelming so doing vertical turns will easily stall them out. In an uptier however, Bf 109 F-4s will be dangerous. However, a dive could allow you to temporarily put space between you and your foe, allowing you to counterattack. | ||
+ | * '''Japan''' - You will see A6M2s most often in the P-39. While they possess great manoeuvrability and firepower, they are very slow planes and the P-39 will easily outrun them as well as outclimb them. Other Japanese aircraft to take note of in the P-39N-0 fall into two categories: Fast energy fighters (Ki-61s and Ki-100s) and slow turn fighters (Ki-43 II/III, A6M3, and A6M3 mod. 22). The Ki-100s, while rarely played, are the most dangerous of these that the P-39N can potentially face, as they match the Airacobra in almost all performance metrics | ||
+ | * '''Great Britain''' - Spitfires are very hard to deal with if inexperienced. Your best option is to bait them into vertical turns, where they will easily stall out, making them easy prey. Make sure not to stall out in front of their guns, and plan your ascent with that in mind. Early Typhoons are not much of a threat and can be dealt with easily. | ||
+ | * '''Soviet Union''' - Your scariest opponents are the Lavochkin aircraft. They turn relatively well and have good energy retention. It is best to fight them only when you have a decisive energy advantage. You will fight early Yak-9s as well, but they have anaemic engine performance above 2 km and poor armament. A dive will always put you above them energy-wise, as Soviet planes generally can't exceed 650 km/h. | ||
=== Manual Engine Control === | === Manual Engine Control === | ||
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|- | |- | ||
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable | | Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable | ||
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'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
− | * Heavy armament | + | * Heavy armament & lots of ammo for MGs |
* Great dive speed and acceleration | * Great dive speed and acceleration | ||
− | * | + | * Accelerates very well |
− | * Great | + | * Good roll rate |
+ | * Decent climb rate | ||
+ | * Multiple flap options which deploy/retract quickly | ||
+ | * Great energy retention | ||
+ | * Great stall control | ||
+ | * Very short takeoff run | ||
+ | * Separate weapon controls help save ammo | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
− | * | + | * Lacks a turbocharged engine |
− | * Three different weapon trajectories make aiming difficult | + | * Three different weapon trajectories make aiming difficult |
− | + | * Compresses above 550 km/h | |
− | * | ||
* Cannot fire the 2 MGs separately | * Cannot fire the 2 MGs separately | ||
− | * | + | * Compresses quite a lot, advisable to reduce throttle in a dive |
== History == | == History == | ||
− | <!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''--> | + | <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> |
− | + | The P-39 Airacobra was a single-engine fighter used on the Pacific and Eastern fronts. The aircraft was produced from 1940 to May 1944 by Bell Aircraft, and its first flight was on 6 April 1938. This aircraft was great in low-altitude combat, making it useful in naval battles for escorting torpedo bombers. The original idea for the Airacobra was a defensive interceptor that would protect American shores from the Axis powers. Destroying low-flying torpedoes and normal bombers was not a challenge for this aircraft as it could easily rip the wings and tail. The plane was originally sent to Britain but with technological developments, aircraft became more powerful and engagements were happening higher and higher in the atmosphere, so it was later sent back to the United States. The US then gave the P-39 Airacobra to the Australians, where it was used to patrol the northern shores of Australia. The aircraft was later fitted with bombs and more cannons, forcing it into a ground attack role, meaning it could now penetrate some tanks of the 1939-1942 era. Today, the P-39 Airacobra can be found in the National Museum of the US Air Force and numerous other museums around the world. | |
− | + | {{break}} | |
+ | {{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}} | ||
+ | {{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}} | ||
+ | Bell's P-39 Airacobra was a WWII-era American fighter that was notable for its uncommon design: the engine was placed behind the cockpit, and the landing gear moved from the tail to the nose. The aircraft was adopted by five countries: USA, Britain, the Soviet Union, Portugal, and Australia. | ||
− | + | The P-39N was the first variant to be mass produced, with the P-39N-0 getting a new V-1710-85(E19) engine and a 3-blade Aeroproducts propeller with a 3.15-meter diameter. Starting from aircraft #167, some fuel tanks were removed from the wings to reduce weight, and a connection for additional fuel tanks was installed under the hull. To further increase flight performance, Soviet engineers often removed the wing-mounted machine guns, leaving two nose machine guns and a cannon. | |
− | + | In this variant, Bell produced 2,095 aircraft. Most of these were sent to the Soviet Union on the US's Lend-Lease program. In November 1942, the USSR received the first Airacobras, and the fighters showed good results in battle manoeuvres at low and moderate altitudes. Many famous Soviet aces — such as Pokrishkin Alexander Ivanovich, Rechkalov Gregory Andreevich, Gulaev Dmitry Nikolaevich, and Kutakhov Pavel Stepanovich — piloted the Airacobras during WWII. | |
+ | {{Navigation-End}} | ||
− | + | == Media == | |
− | + | <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --> | |
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− | == | ||
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− | + | ;Skins | |
− | = | + | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-39n Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] |
− | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
− | ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | + | <!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' |
+ | * ''reference to the series of the aircraft;'' | ||
+ | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> | ||
− | * | + | * [[P-63 (Family)]] |
− | |||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
− | ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | + | <!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' |
+ | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
+ | * ''other literature.''--> | ||
− | * | + | * [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/314746-bell-p-39n-0/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance] |
− | |||
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+ | {{AirManufacturer Bell}} | ||
{{USA fighters}} | {{USA fighters}} |
Revision as of 20:19, 13 April 2024
This page is about the American fighter P-39N-0. For other versions, see P-39 (Family). |
Contents
Description
The P-39N-0 Airacobra is a rank II American fighter with a battle rating of 3.3 (AB), 2.7 (RB), and 3.0 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
The primary purpose of a P-39 is that of a low-level interceptor. It lacks the high-altitude performance required to engage strategic bombers or high-flying fighters, but is extremely competitive under 4,000 m and easily one of the best planes at its BR.
General info
Flight performance
Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 3,048 m) |
Max altitude (metres) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (metres/second) |
Take-off run (metres) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | |||
Stock | 613 | 593 | 9700 | 18.9 | 19.9 | 10.5 | 10.5 | 280 |
Upgraded | 680 | 641 | 17.8 | 18.0 | 21.2 | 14.9 |
Details
Features | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Combat flaps | Take-off flaps | Landing flaps | Air brakes | Arrestor gear |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | X |
Limits | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wings (km/h) | Gear (km/h) | Flaps (km/h) | Max Static G | |||
Combat | Take-off | Landing | + | - | ||
886 | 322 | 426 | 396 | 241 | ~13 | ~9 |
Optimal velocities (km/h) | |||
---|---|---|---|
Ailerons | Rudder | Elevators | Radiator |
< 360 | < 380 | < 450 | > 312 |
Compressor (RB/SB) | ||
---|---|---|
Setting 1 | ||
Optimal altitude | 100% Engine power | WEP Engine power |
2,800 m | 1,125 hp | 1,446 hp |
Survivability and armour
- 15.87 mm Steel - Propeller hub
- 15.87 mm Steel - Plate in front of the cockpit
- 7 mm Steel - Plate over instrument cluster
- 6 mm Steel - Upper pilot's seat and headrest encasement
- 6 mm Steel - Rear tail
- 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen
- 64 mm Bulletproof glass - Headrest of pilot's seat
Modifications and economy
Armaments
Offensive armament
The P-39N-0 is armed with:
- 1 x 37 mm M4 cannon, nose-mounted (30 rpg)
- 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
- 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
Suspended armament
The P-39N-0 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- Without load
- 6 x M8 rockets
- 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (500 lb total)
Usage in battles
The P-39N-0 can best be described as a "Jack-of-all-Trades, Master-of-None" when it comes to flight performance. This is because the aircraft has middling performance depending on which aircraft you face at that battle rating or above, however, the P-39N-0 is a very potent aircraft in downtiers.
Stock Grind
The P-39 has a relatively easy stock grind as it's easy to fly and doesn't require "ace" skills to master it. You should prioritize performance modifications first, as you have enough firepower and ammo, so shooting down planes shouldn't be an issue. M8 rockets are useless; only equip them if you have no other CAS options. They can be effective at destroying bombers in a diving attack though, albeit the 37 mm should be enough.
Tactics: Air Realistic
For usage in Air Realistic Battles, the P-39 does its best as a multirole fighter in terms of how you engage. for instance, if you're fighting enemies such as Bf 109Es, Fw 109As, La-5s or the occasional Typhoon Mk.1, use your superior energy retention to trap them into an easy target. However, if it is a manoeuvrable enemy such as the Spitfire Mk.IIb or A6M2, it is best to extend out and make repeated Boom-and-Zoom passes on them. Also, do not take out the M8 rockets, they are terrible for taking out AI targets and needlessly weigh your plane down. Prioritize attacking the enemy with the .50 cal machine Guns over the 37 mm, as while the 37 mm carries insane destructive potential with each hit, it is artificially inaccurate.
Tactics: Ground Realistic
You are only able to carry a very limited amount of ordnance. You can attack a tank with the 500 lbs bomb or get rid of light armoured vehicles with the rockets and strafe targets so the friendlies can see them. After the ordnance is expended, your role should be air superiority. Deal with other fighters challenging your dominance and try to deal with bombers. Always try to keep the element of surprise on your side. However, overall, the A-36 is preferable over the P-39 in mixed battles for ground attack.
Enemies worth noting
- Germany - You will commonly see Bf 109 E and F models, as well as Fw 190 A models. While E models are not as serious of a threat, the Bf 109 F models are a real threat with their more powerful engines. Wait until they dive or you are at a higher energy state to engage them. As for Fw 190s, their engines are rather underwhelming so doing vertical turns will easily stall them out. In an uptier however, Bf 109 F-4s will be dangerous. However, a dive could allow you to temporarily put space between you and your foe, allowing you to counterattack.
- Japan - You will see A6M2s most often in the P-39. While they possess great manoeuvrability and firepower, they are very slow planes and the P-39 will easily outrun them as well as outclimb them. Other Japanese aircraft to take note of in the P-39N-0 fall into two categories: Fast energy fighters (Ki-61s and Ki-100s) and slow turn fighters (Ki-43 II/III, A6M3, and A6M3 mod. 22). The Ki-100s, while rarely played, are the most dangerous of these that the P-39N can potentially face, as they match the Airacobra in almost all performance metrics
- Great Britain - Spitfires are very hard to deal with if inexperienced. Your best option is to bait them into vertical turns, where they will easily stall out, making them easy prey. Make sure not to stall out in front of their guns, and plan your ascent with that in mind. Early Typhoons are not much of a threat and can be dealt with easily.
- Soviet Union - Your scariest opponents are the Lavochkin aircraft. They turn relatively well and have good energy retention. It is best to fight them only when you have a decisive energy advantage. You will fight early Yak-9s as well, but they have anaemic engine performance above 2 km and poor armament. A dive will always put you above them energy-wise, as Soviet planes generally can't exceed 650 km/h.
Manual Engine Control
MEC elements | ||||||
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Mixer | Pitch | Radiator | Supercharger | Turbocharger | ||
Oil | Water | Type | ||||
Controllable | Controllable Not auto controlled |
Controllable Not auto controlled |
Controllable Not auto controlled |
Separate | Not controllable 1 gear |
Not controllable |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Heavy armament & lots of ammo for MGs
- Great dive speed and acceleration
- Accelerates very well
- Good roll rate
- Decent climb rate
- Multiple flap options which deploy/retract quickly
- Great energy retention
- Great stall control
- Very short takeoff run
- Separate weapon controls help save ammo
Cons:
- Lacks a turbocharged engine
- Three different weapon trajectories make aiming difficult
- Compresses above 550 km/h
- Cannot fire the 2 MGs separately
- Compresses quite a lot, advisable to reduce throttle in a dive
History
The P-39 Airacobra was a single-engine fighter used on the Pacific and Eastern fronts. The aircraft was produced from 1940 to May 1944 by Bell Aircraft, and its first flight was on 6 April 1938. This aircraft was great in low-altitude combat, making it useful in naval battles for escorting torpedo bombers. The original idea for the Airacobra was a defensive interceptor that would protect American shores from the Axis powers. Destroying low-flying torpedoes and normal bombers was not a challenge for this aircraft as it could easily rip the wings and tail. The plane was originally sent to Britain but with technological developments, aircraft became more powerful and engagements were happening higher and higher in the atmosphere, so it was later sent back to the United States. The US then gave the P-39 Airacobra to the Australians, where it was used to patrol the northern shores of Australia. The aircraft was later fitted with bombs and more cannons, forcing it into a ground attack role, meaning it could now penetrate some tanks of the 1939-1942 era. Today, the P-39 Airacobra can be found in the National Museum of the US Air Force and numerous other museums around the world.
Archive of the in-game description | |
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Bell's P-39 Airacobra was a WWII-era American fighter that was notable for its uncommon design: the engine was placed behind the cockpit, and the landing gear moved from the tail to the nose. The aircraft was adopted by five countries: USA, Britain, the Soviet Union, Portugal, and Australia. The P-39N was the first variant to be mass produced, with the P-39N-0 getting a new V-1710-85(E19) engine and a 3-blade Aeroproducts propeller with a 3.15-meter diameter. Starting from aircraft #167, some fuel tanks were removed from the wings to reduce weight, and a connection for additional fuel tanks was installed under the hull. To further increase flight performance, Soviet engineers often removed the wing-mounted machine guns, leaving two nose machine guns and a cannon. In this variant, Bell produced 2,095 aircraft. Most of these were sent to the Soviet Union on the US's Lend-Lease program. In November 1942, the USSR received the first Airacobras, and the fighters showed good results in battle manoeuvres at low and moderate altitudes. Many famous Soviet aces — such as Pokrishkin Alexander Ivanovich, Rechkalov Gregory Andreevich, Gulaev Dmitry Nikolaevich, and Kutakhov Pavel Stepanovich — piloted the Airacobras during WWII. |
Media
- Skins
See also
External links
Bell Aircraft Corporation | |
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Aircraft | |
Fighters | P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5 |
P-400 | |
P-63A-10 · P-63A-5 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra | |
Jet Fighters | P-59A |
Export | ▂P-39K-1 · ▂Pokryshkin's P-39N-0 · ▂P-39Q-15 · ▄P-39Q-25 |
▂P-63A-5 · ▂P-63A-10 · ▂P-63C-5 · ▄P-63C-5 | |
Helicopters | |
Attack | AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z · AH-1W |
OH-58D | |
Utility | UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30 |
Export/Licensed | ▅UH-1B · ◄UH-1D |
Tzefa A · Tzefa B · Tzefa D/E · ▅AH-1S early · ▅AH-1S · ▅AH-1S Kisarazu · ␗AH-1W | |
␗OH-58D | |
See Also | Fuji Heavy Industries · Agusta |
USA fighters | |
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P-26 Peashooter | P-26A-33 · P-26A-34 · P-26A-34 M2 · P-26B-35 |
P-36 Hawk | P-36A · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-36C · ○P-36C · P-36G |
P-39 Airacobra | P-400 · P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5 |
P-40 | P-40C · P-40E-1 · P-40E-1 TD · P-40F-10 |
P-43 Lancer | P-43A-1 |
P-47 Thunderbolt | P-47D-22-RE · P-47D-25 · P-47D-28 · P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-47N-15 |
P-51 Mustang | P-51 · P-51A (Thunder League) · P-51C-10 · P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30 · P-51H-5-NA |
P-63 Kingcobra | P-63A-5 · P-63A-10 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra |
Prototypes | XP-55 |
F2A Buffalo | F2A-1 · Thach's F2A-1 · F2A-3 |
BF2C | BF2C-1 |
F3F | F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2 |
F4F Wildcat | F4F-3 · F4F-4 |
F4U Corsair | F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1D · F4U-1C · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214 · F2G-1 |
F6F Hellcat | F6F-5 · F6F-5N |
F8F Bearcat | F8F-1 · F8F-1B |
Other countries | ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃A6M2 · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc |