Difference between revisions of "P-39N-0"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=p-39n
 
|code=p-39n
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
|cockpit=cockpit_p-39n.jpg
 
|cockpit=cockpit_p-39n.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
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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. It lacks the high-altitude performance needed 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.
+
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 ==
Line 32: Line 32:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| 613 || 593 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.9 || 19.9 || 10.5 || 10.5 || rowspan="2" | 280
+
| 612 || 592 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.1 || 19.9 || 10.6 || 10.6 || rowspan="2" | 280
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| 680 || 641 || 17.8 || 18.0 || 21.2 || 14.9
+
| 675 || 641 || 16.9 || 18.0 || 21.1 || 14.9
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 426 || 396 || 241 || ~13 || ~9
+
| 886<!--{{Specs|destruction|body}}--> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 426 || 396 || 241 || ~13 || ~9
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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-39 Airacobra is an exceptional aircraft, American planes are known to be heavy, sluggish, slow turning aircraft with mediocre climb rates. Not this one though. With a short turn time and a good climb rate, this is a formidable opponent to even the most agile of aircraft. With a deadly arsenal consisting of 4 x 7.62 machine guns, 2 x 12.7 Brownings, and a 37 mm M1 cannon, firepower is not a reason to worry. With 3,000 rounds for your six machine guns, and 30 rounds for the 37 mm, ammo shouldn't be a problem.
+
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'''
 
'''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. Your first priority should be performance modifcations, as you have enough firepower and ammo, so shooting down planes should not be an issue. M8 rockets are relatively 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.
+
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'''
 
'''Tactics: Air Realistic'''
  
−
Air realistic is where the Airacobra shines. It performs best as a Boom n Zoom fighter, due to its relatively solid rate of climb & energy retention. It doesn't turn the best, but can dance around lower-energy targets with flaps. Its engine power significantly decreases above 4 km, but it is fine to climb higher at the start of the match-just try not to fight people there, especially if they do perform well at altitude.
+
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'''
 
'''Tactics: Ground Realistic'''
  
−
Since you are unable to carry any serious ordnance, your role is air superiority. Get rid of light armoured vehicles with the rockets and strafe targets so the friendlies can see them. 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 ground battles.
+
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'''
 
'''Enemies worth noting'''
  
−
* '''Germany''' - You will commonly see Bf 109 E and F models, as well as 190 As. While Es are not as serious of a threat, the 109 F are due to 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, you can do little against Bf 109 F-4s.
+
* '''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
−
* '''Japan''' - You will see A6M2s most often in the P-39. While they posses great manoeuvrability and firepower, they are very slow planes and the P-39 will easily outrun them as well as outclimb them.
 
−
 
 
 
* '''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.
 
* '''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.
−
* '''Soviet Union''' - Yours scariest opponents are the La-series of 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.
 
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 176: Line 173:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Heavy armament & lots of ammo for MGs
+
* Heavy armament & lots of ammo for MGs
 
* Great dive speed and acceleration
 
* Great dive speed and acceleration
 +
* Accelerates very well
 
* Good roll rate
 
* Good roll rate
−
* Responsive
+
* Decent climb rate
−
* Climbs well
+
* Multiple flap options which deploy/retract quickly
−
* 3 flap options & the flaps deploy/retract quickly
 
 
* Great energy retention
 
* Great energy retention
 
* Great stall control
 
* Great stall control
 +
* Very short takeoff run
 +
* Separate weapon controls help save ammo
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Three different weapon trajectories make aiming difficult, although this is less of a problem if you are a proficient P-400 pilot
+
* Lacks a turbocharged engine
 +
* 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
 
* Compresses quite a lot, advisable to reduce throttle in a dive
−
* Cannot outturn many opponents
 
  
 
== 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 in 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 which would protect American shores for the Axis powers. Destroying low flying torpedo 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.
+
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.
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
−
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, Soviet Union, Portugal and Australia.
+
{{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.
+
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.
  
−
As 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 maneuvers 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.
+
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 ==
 
== Media ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
 +
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-39n Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-39n Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  

Latest revision as of 00:56, 1 September 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the American fighter P-39N-0. For other versions, see P-39 (Family).
P-39N-0
p-39n.png
GarageImage P-39N-0.jpg
ArtImage P-39N-0.png
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/0/08/Cockpit_p-39n.jpg
P-39N-0
USA flag.png USA
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.3 2.7 3.0
Class:
Research:11 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

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

Max speed
at 3 048 m641 km/h
Turn time18 s
Max altitude9 700 m
EngineAllison V-1710-85
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight5 t
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 612 592 9700 19.1 19.9 10.6 10.6 280
Upgraded 675 641 16.9 18.0 21.1 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

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear322 km/h
  • 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

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB616 → 803 Sl icon.png
RB1 250 → 1 630 Sl icon.png
SB1 781 → 2 322 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications10 300 Rp icon.png
13 790 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost750 Ge icon.png
Crew training6 300 Sl icon.png
Experts22 000 Sl icon.png
Aces250 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 100 / 200 % Sl icon.png
124 / 124 / 124 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg30_belt_pack
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Rocket Launcher M10
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg30_new_gun
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
m4_belt_pack
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FMBC mk.1
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
m4_new_gun
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 137 mm M4 cannon
Ammunition30 rounds
Fire rate150 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition400 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Weapon 34 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition1 200 rounds
Fire rate1 000 shots/min
Main articles: M4 (37 mm), M2 Browning (12.7 mm), Browning (7.62 mm)

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

List of setups (2)
Setup 16 x M8 rocket
Setup 21 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb
Main articles: AN-M64A1 (500 lb), M8

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
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

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
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
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

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