P-39

[Wildr1]

More from my collection, various auctions and trades with other collectors

 

[Wurger]

 

[Gnomey]

Good shots!

 

[Wildr1]

 

[Wurger]

 

[wuzak]

View attachment 500812

Isn't the last one a P-63?

 

[GreenKnight121]

Isn't the last one a P-63?

Yes.

Bell proposed a 10-week, $100,000 modification of two surplus Army Air Force P-63As; Grumman, an ugly modification of an F4F Wildcat, including a nose landing gear, and a more expensive, all-new design that included a second seat for a test engineer and the capability to be configured with both swept and straight wings.
.....
Bell had referred internally to the aircraft as the XP-63N but the Navy formally designated it L-39 on 19 April 1946. This was consistent with the Navy's practice for research aircraft, with the L being the letter assigned to Bell by the Navy and 39 being the Bell design number, as opposed to a model number. However, the number of at least one of Bell's L-39 flight test reports began with 33, which was the model number of the early P-63s. L-39-1 was assigned BuNo 90060 and L-39-2, BuNo 90061.

U.S. Navy Aircraft History: Bell L-39 Wing Sweep Evaluation

 

[MIflyer]

Here is a more attractive way of adding a 2nd seat to a P-63.

Never been airsick, but I just know that riding in that rear seat would make me sicker than a dog. Quite a view, though.

 

[vikingBerserker]

Now that's an interesting one.

 

[Wildr1]

 

[Wurger]

 

[Gnomey]

Nice shots!

 

[Wildr1]

Bell Factory P-39s Niagara Falls Winter 43

 

[Wurger]

 

[fubar57]

 

[Wildr1]

 

[Wurger]

 

[MIflyer]

Here is a nice shot, Crew chief and pilot, I assume. I am guessing New Guinea in late 1942. And they can't send a kid like that up in that crate!