P-39 Airacobra

With a midengined configuration, sturdy tricycle landing gear, and nose-mounted 37 mm cannon, the Bell P-39 was a thoughtful and innovativedesign. However, the plane lacked the all-out performance of some otherkey fighters available to Allied flyers (e.g., Spitfire, Hellcat, Mustang),particularly at altitude. Largely rejected by British and American combatsquadrons, the Airacobra was much better received in the Soviet Union,where the Red Air Force successfully deployed large quantities of the typeagainst the Luftwaffe. This new entry in the Legends of Warfare seriesfeatures detailed photographic coverage of all variants of the Airacobra,including prototypes, trainer versions, production models C through Q,and the P-400.