It soon became clear a larger and more powerful aircraft was needed for a close support fighter bomber. Experimental XP- 63’s used the P-39 fuselage and added aerodynamic improvements.
The P-63 King Cobra was produced and supplied in great numbers to the USSR and France. 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 was added to the fuselage and tail for protection. Bulletproof glass, steel plate and a special hollow blade prop allowed the plane to withstand impact from the training programs infrangible bullets.
The P-63 seen here “Fatal Fang” was acquired from the Bob Bean Collection in 1978 and restored.
| DISPLAY STATUS | COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | CURRENT LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Own | United States | Legends Hangar |
| PURPOSE & TYPE | MATERIALS | ERA & DATE RANGE |
| Fighter, Bomber | Steel | World War II 1939 – 1945 |
| PRODUCTION & ACQUISITION |
SPECIFICATIONS | SERVICE HISTORY |
| MFG: Bell First Produced: 1943 Number Built: 3.300 total; 1,003 A Models Armament: (1) 37mm hub canon, (2) .50 caliber machine guns through prop, (1) .50 caliber machine gun starboard wing, (1) 500 lbs bomb The P-63 seen here “Fatal Fang” was acquired from the Bob Bean Collection in 1978 and restored. |
Wingspan: 38’4” Wing Area: 248 sq ft Length: 32’8” Height: 12’7” Empty Weight: 6,800 lbs Gross Weight: 10,700 lbs Powerplant: Allison V1710-117 Thrust: Cruise Speed: 356 mph Maximum Speed: 410 mph Range: 2,000 miles |
Delivered: May 8, 1944 |