eBay: Bell P-39 Airacobra

warbird51 · Mar 5, 2021

P-39 Expert said:
What's the black dot on the gun bay access door?

looks like a vent pipe. This a/c does not have the forward cowl vents as on later variants

P-39 Expert · Mar 5, 2021

Right, the forward cowl vents started on the P-39L model. I have since seen the black dot/hole on other P-400s in New Guinea. Still don't know what they are. Probably a vent.

gkjl · Mar 6, 2021

Chinese Nationalist pilots take advanced training with 58th FG instructor in the US, 1943.

Wayne Little · Mar 6, 2021

Interesting..!

MIflyer · Mar 6, 2021

Here are some more RAF Airacobra 1 shots. Note the "line" between the two camo colors; these are brand new aircraft with no weathering or fading seen.

And yes, we did send P-39's to the Med. I have read a very small amount about their operations there. Also, we had some P-400's left in England when Operation Torch came up and they were suitably configured with external tanks later markings and sent there.