Bell P-63 Kingcobra

Superior American fighter aircraft utilized by the Soviet Air Force in WW2

Overview

Bell United States ICAO: P63 1943–1945 Active $65,000 (1945)

The P-63 was designed to replace the aging P-39 Airacobra. It was an aircraft that didn’t have much success, but it’s still a very interesting plane to study. With its four Browing machine guns and one 37 mm M4 cannon, this is not your average World War II fighter.

Live Fleet Activity (P63)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Allison V-1710-117
Engine type
Piston
Power
1,800 hp · 1,342 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
32 ft 8 in  ·  9.96 m
Tail height
12 ft 7 in  ·  3.84 m
Fuselage diameter
2 ft 11 in  ·  0.90 m
Wing span
38 ft 4 in  ·  11.68 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
10,700 lb  ·  4,850 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
1,650 lb  ·  750 kg
Fuel capacity
140 gal · 500 L · 400 kg (AvGas)
Max cruise speed
360 kt  ·  414 mph  ·  667 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
91 kt  ·  105 mph  ·  169 km/h
Range
390 nm  ·  450 mi  ·  720 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
43,000 ft  ·  13,100 m
Rate of climb
2,500 ft/min  ·  13 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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1946 BELL P-63F Kingcobra

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Operational Context

Bell P-63 Kingcobra was developed by Bell Aircraft when World War II arose. This fighter aircraft was developed by America but used during the 2nd World War by the Soviet Air Force. The whole design of p-63 Kingcobra was based on its predecessor, Bell p-39 Kingcobra. 

Development and Design

Before the development of P-63 Kingcobra, there were some other designs that were developed, and these include XP-39E, XP-63, and Swept-wing L-39. XP-39E was said to be faster compared to standard Airacobra since it can even reach an optimum speed of 621 km per hr. at 21680 feet during tests. But this model is also noted as inferior to stock P-39 Airacobra when it comes to all aspects. Because of this reason, there was no order for its massive production. 

Another version or design that was developed during the time is the XP-63. The innovative design was provided designation as XP-63, and the serials are 41-19511 & 41-19512. Then, there’s a 3rd prototype which was ordered – the 42-78015When it comes to overall dimensions, P-63 Kingcobra is quite larger compared to Airacobra. 

After a few years, Bell modified its design under the contract of the Navy.  For testing of flight with low-speed and stand attributes of the high-speed new wing design. Thus, the aircraft had new wings containing adjustable edge slats, edge flaps, plus a pronounced sweep around 35 degrees. 

Variants of the Aircraft

P-63 Kingcobra of Bell Company has lots of variants, with numerous exceptional designs, features, and attributes. Some of the variants of this aircraft are the following:

  • RP-63G/C – This is an aircraft containing 5 modified designs from 95 and P-63As. Then, in 1948, the surviving RP-63A was redesignated as QF-63Cs. The majority of these target aircraft were generally utilized as “mark tugs.”
  • XP-63 – There were 2 prototypes with the serial numbers 41-19511 & 41-19512. 
  • P-63E – This is essentially the same with P-63D but with the exception of the adaxial fin extension, including the utilization of a regular cockpit with cab style. 

There are still some other variants aside from those that were mentioned above. Some of them include L-39, XP-63A, P-63B, P-63C, P-63D, P-63F, and RP-63G Pinball. 

Operational History

There are lots of operators from different countries who operate this Bell P-63 Kingcobra. Some of them are the French Air Force (France), Air Forces of the US Army, Royal Aircraft Establishment (United Kingdom), Air Force of the Soviet Union, and the Air Force of Honduras.