P-39C Airacobra of the 31st PG, yellow 22
The initial production order by the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) for the Bell P-39 Airacobra included eighty aircraft. Originally designated as P-45s, this designation was later changed to P-39C for political reasons. The P-39C was one of the early production models of the Airacobra, with the first batch produced in 1940. However, only twenty P-39Cs were delivered before production shifted to the improved P-39D model.
Key Details of the P-39C:
First Flight and Usage:
- The first P-39C flew in January 1941.
- The majority of the twenty P-39Cs were assigned to the 40th Pursuit Squadron of the 31st Pursuit Group at Selfridge Field, Michigan. These aircraft were primarily used for service testing rather than combat operations.
Design and Features:
- Engine: The P-39C was powered by an Allison V-1710-35 engine, capable of producing 1,150 horsepower. This engine had six exhaust stubs on each side.
- Armament: Like its prototype predecessors, the P-39C was armed with a 37-mm cannon, two .50-caliber machine guns, and two .30-caliber machine guns, all located in the nose.
- Protection: The P-39C included armored glass behind the windshield, enhancing pilot protection.
- Color Scheme: The P-39C was the first Airacobra delivered in the standard Olive Drab over Neutral Gray paint scheme. It featured national insignias on both fuselage sides and the upper left and lower right wing positions. “U.S. ARMY” was stenciled under the wings in large black letters. Initially, the aircraft had yellow-painted numbers on the nose and tail, along with the “31P” marking to indicate the pursuit group. This was later changed to flat black before the end of 1941.
Operational Status:
- Non-Combat Designation: The P-39Cs did not see combat and were subsequently redesignated as RP-39Cs to indicate their restricted, non-combat status.
Performance Data for the P-39C:
- Maximum Speed: 379 mph at 13,000 feet
- Climb Rate: 3.9 minutes to reach 12,000 feet
- Service Ceiling: 33,200 feet
- Range:
- Maximum Range: 730 miles
- Combat Range: 450 miles
- Dimensions:
- Wingspan: 34 feet
- Length: 30 feet, 2 inches
- Height: 12 feet, 10 inches
- Weight:
- Empty Weight: 5,070 pounds
- Gross Weight: 7,180 pounds
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 7,300 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 170 gallons
The P-39C, although part of the initial production run of the Airacobra, was quickly surpassed by the P-39D due to its limitations. The P-39C was used primarily for testing and training, and its non-combat status reflects its role as a transitional model in the evolution of the P-39 series. Despite its brief service, the P-39C played a crucial role in refining the design and operational capabilities of the later models.