BELL P-39 AIRACOBRA Robert E. Dorr with Jerry C. Scuttsch Peace cern eee eee tae Cee Ue as Ron et ete ce ‘was an excellent gun platform for low-level work and a fine ground-attack aeroplane. ae comment, but it was fast and very heavily armed for its time. It was also able to absorb considerable punishment. Ore eee es ard Oe et ae Deu nr eee Lg ee eer) Sere Re a Cartes ISBN 1-86126-368- Ml 263483$44.95 US T. Airacobra’s lack of altitude performance caused some to pour scorn on the aeroplane, as it meant it was unsuitable for use as a bomber escort in the European theatre of operations. However, it was ideally suited to other campaigns. It saw considerable service in the Far East, where its heavy cannon could spell the end for many Japanese aircraft after just one hit. It was also a capable ground-attack aeroplane and at altitudes up to 15,000ft was able to hold its own in dogfights. Several were supplied to Britain as part of the Lend Lease arrangement, but these were soon passed, along with many others, to Russia, where they were eagerly welcomed. The Russian campaign was ideally suited to the Bell fighter: since most fighting took place at low level, the lack of a turbocharger or supercharger on the Allison engine was not a problem. The Airacobra was developed, with a laminar-flow wing and new fuselage, to become the Kingcobra and these, too, saw service in both the Far East and Russia Aviation historian Robert E Dorr tells the full story of the Bell Airacobra in this well researched and illustrated addition to the Crowood Aviation Series. He deals in detail with the many criticisms of the aeroplane and gives voice to those who are keen to sing its praises £25.00 veteran and a retired senior American diplomat. He lives in Oakton, Virginia, His Air Force duty was in Korea from 1957 to 1960 and in his government career he served in Madagascar, Korea, Japan, Liberia, Sweden, England and ‘Washington. Jan C. Scutts has spent many years in Journalism and public relations, including ‘a stint with the UK Civil Aviation Authority, and has been a fall-time writer since the early 1980s. He has written almost fifty books dealing with World ‘War Two aviation, concentrating on United States and Luftwaffe subjects. He has also written on his secondary interest, naval history. He lives in Blackheath, south London. For details of our othe aviation tiles, and a copy of our catalogue write t: ‘The Crowwod Press Ramsbury Marlborough Wiltshire SN82HR or visit our website at wucowood.com Cover design by Annet Findlay Printed in Great Britain