BELL P-63 KINGCOBRA

Although the Bell P-63 Kingcobra looked like the Bell P-39 Airacobra, the two aircraft were, in fact, two entirely different designs. The Kingcobra was larger, utilized a laminar flow wing, and had a more powerful engine.The Kingcobra was not lacking in aerial performance, however, by the time it entered into U.S. Army service in late 1943, the P-38s, P-47s, and P-51s had the fighter plane assignments filled. Of the 3,308 Kingcobras built, 2,421 were destined for delivery to the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease program. While in service with the Russians, the P-63 won great acclaim as a ground support aircraft. Its heavy armament and ability to absorb punishment and still come home made the plane a favorite among the Russian pilots. This scene shows a Kingcobra down low strafing a German armored column.

Note: like all Valiant Clan prints, the actual print has a white border with text at the bottom displaying the aircraft name and a description of the action portrayed. (See the P-51B Mustang as an example.)  The above scan only shows the image (and not the surrounding border or text), and is merely meant to give you an idea of the image content.

 

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