P-39M (Model 26D)
The Bell P-39M Airacobra designation was given to 240 aircraft powered by the Allison V-1710-67 (E8) engine, a lowered powered model than was then standard in the Airacobra, but one that gave more power at 15,000ft than the -63 used in the P-39K and P-39L. As a result the P-39M was slower at low altitudes, but ten mph quicker at 15,000ft, with a top speed of 370mph. A number of these aircraft were later given the Allison V-1710-83 (E18) engine. Eight were converted to act as photo-reconnaissance aircraft and given the designation P-39M-2.
Bell P-39 Airacobra, Robert F. Dorr with Jerry C. Scutts (Crowood Aviation). A detailed looked at the development and service history of this controversial American fighter aircraft. The P-39 had a poor reputation amongst British and American pilots, and Dorr examines the reasons why, as well as looking at why the same aircraft was so much more popular in Soviet Service. Scutts provides a chapter on the P-63 Kingcobra, and the book also covers the numerous Bell fighter projects that failed to enter production.
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How to cite this article:
Rickard, J (8 July 2008), P-39M (Model 26D) , http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_P-39M.html
