The Bell P-63 Kingcobra is an American fighter aircraft that was developed by Bell Aircraft during World War II. Based on the preceding Bell P-39 Airacobra, the P-63's design incorporated suggestions from P-39 pilots and was superior to its predecessor in virtually all respects.

The P-63A had an internal fuel capacity of 100 gallons and was powered by an Allison V-1710-93 engine. Armament consisted of a 37 mm cannon that fired through the nose spinner, two .50 caliber nose mounted machine guns and two .50 caliber …

When the Soviet Union did finally move against Japan in the waning days of WWII, their Kingcobras served in bomber escort, close air support and ground attack roles. The Museum’s P-63A (s/n 42-70609) is known to have flown in Soviets attacks against Japanese forces …

Constructed as a P-63A-6-BE. Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Army Air Force with s/n 42-68941. Transferred to Bell Aircraft. Used for flight testing modifications. Transferred to NACA, Ames Research Centre, Moffett Field, CA. Certificate of airworthiness for NX75488 issued. Withdrawn from use.

On September 29, 1942, the US Army ordered full-scale production of the Kingcobra. The first production version of the Kingcobra was the P-63A (Bell Model 33). Deliveries of production P-63As began in October of 1943.

Designed as a follow-on to the P-39 Airacobra, the P-63 was more powerful and excelled in performance over the P-39. The P-63 became the most produced fighter plane of World War Two to never see combat with the US Army Air Corps.

P-63 Kingcobra, P-63A Cockpit Details: This photo set provides a detailed look at the cockpit of the P-63A Kingcobra which was beautifully and meticulously restored by Square One Aviation in Chino, California, for former astronaut, Frank Borman.

Feb 18, 2017 · Bell P-63A Kingcobra Our P-63 in 1945 operated by NACA (predecessor of NASA) at Moffett Field, CA. Of the nine new fighter designs tested by the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) in 1942-43, only one was produced in quantity – the Bell P-63.

Outperformed at high altitude by the P-51 Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt, the P-63 King Cobra was relegated to training duty by the AAF. Over 300 P-63s were used by the AAF as manned targets. All armament was removed and duralumin alloy …

Oct 26, 2017 · The Bell P-63 Kingcobra closely resembled the P-39 Airacobra, but was actually a new aircraft and not simply a modified P-39. Very few were used by the US, but a large number did serve in the Soviet Union.