The Bell P-39N-0 Airacobra was an American single-engine fighter used during World War II. Following the P-39K, L, and M variants, which were produced in limited quantities, the N became the first mass-produced version of the Airacobra. It was equipped with a new Allison V-1710-85/E19 engine and a 3.15-meter Aeroproducts three-bladed propeller. Beginning with the 167th aircraft produced, several wing fuel tanks were removed to reduce weight, and a mounting point for an external drop tank was added to the fuselage.
Between 1942 and 1943, a total of 2,095 P-39N aircraft were produced. A significant number of Airacobras were supplied to the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease program, where they were highly successful as frontline fighters. In Allied service, however, the P-39 was more commonly used for ground attacks. This was largely due to its poor high-altitude performance, decent pilot protection, and relatively powerful offensive armament. Pilots also praised the aircraft’s tricycle landing gear configuration, which made taxiing easier and simplified takeoffs and landings.
The P-39N-0 has been in the game since the beginning of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. The Airacobra is a responsive fighter with well-rounded performance characteristics. Its strengths include good speed, responsive controls, and an excellent climb rate. While the aircraft is reasonably maneuverable, it loses energy quickly during sustained turns. Its drawbacks include severe engine overheating and poor high-altitude performance. Additionally, the 37 mm cannon has poor ballistics, a low rate of fire, and limited ammunition.
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| Belt | Belt filling | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
| HEFI-T/AP-T | 37 | 34 | 25 | 18 | 12 | 9 | |
| HEFI-T/HEFI-T/AP-T | 37 | 34 | 25 | 18 | 12 | 9 | |
| AP-T | 37 | 34 | 25 | 18 | 12 | 9 | |
| HEFI-T | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
| Belt | Belt filling | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
| T/Ball/I/AP | 30 | 27 | 20 | 13 | 9 | 6 | |
| AP/AP/AP/T/I | 30 | 27 | 20 | 13 | 9 | 6 | |
| T/AP/AP/AP | 30 | 27 | 20 | 13 | 9 | 6 | |
| T/T/T/AP | 30 | 27 | 20 | 13 | 9 | 6 | |
| AP/I/AP | 30 | 27 | 20 | 13 | 9 | 6 | |
| Belt | Belt filling | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
| T/Ball/Ball/Ball/AP/I | 13 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | |
| T/AP/I | 13 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | |
| AP/T/T/T/T | 13 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | |
| AP/AP/AP/I/I | 13 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | |
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Weaponry | ||
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