NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The Bell P-63 Kingcobra addressed the major shortcoming of its predecessor by having a more powerful, supercharged engine. Its design was proposed in February of 1941 and the first prototype flew on December 7, 1942.
Although at first glance the P-63 appears virtually identical to the P-39, they are, in fact, two entirely different airplanes. They do not have any parts in common.
The first Kingcobra design started out with its predecessors fuselage. A new laminar flow wing and new engine were added. Although speed and ceiling were improved, the design was considered inferior overall.
Based on the original prototype, Bell decided to build an aircraft that was larger in all dimensions. The wings were lengthened by 52 inches. The fuselage was made 6 inches longer, the vertical and the horizontal stabilizers were enlarged accordingly.
Armament accessibility, a sore point with the predecessor, was addressed. Although the armament remained the same, larger access panels allowed the replacement and arming of all machine guns in less than 20 minutes. This was a two hour plus job in the prior model.
The new aircraft was faster in both climb and top speed, had a higher ceiling, and greater range.
The United States used 263 P-63 Kingcobras as flying targets. The aircraft had all of their guns removed. Their fuselages were covered with a second layer of heavy metal. Some were painted with a zebra stripe pattern. Instead of the cannon projecting through the middle of the propeller, there was a bright light.
In some aircraft, lights were installed on each side of the fuselage.
The standard motor air intake, behind the cockpit, was considered a vulnerable point on these aircraft. On some flying target aircraft this was removed and the intake was made flush with the aircraft. The best type of intake was deemed to be a "clam shell" design.
It wasn't as prominent as the standard intake, and therefore more difficult to hit. And, it did provide better engine cooling than the flush intake. See the illustrations below.
Bomber aircraft fired special bullets at the P-63 flying target aircraft for gunnery practice. The special bullets could not pierce the aircraft armor. When a hit was scored, the lights would be illuminated. The aircraft were nick named “pin balls” because of this.
A total of over 3,300 P-63 Kingcobra aircraft of all types were produced. However, none were used in combat by the United States. The Soviet Union acquired over 1,450 of the aircraft and the French some 300. Six P-63 Kingcobras survive to date, including the one pictured above. It can be seen at the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, California.
In the pictures immediately above and below are the rc P-63 Kingcobra giant scale airplanes that American Eagle will soon have for sale. Wingspan is 93", length 83", and weight about 30 lbs. Zenoah 62, and Sachs 4.2 and larger engines are recommended.
Uncle Willies has plans for a rc P-63 Kingcobra. It has a wingspan of 69" and a length of 50". You can use a K&B .45 for power.
If you are looking for plans for a larger rc P-63 Kingcobra check out the 96" wingspan giant scale model at Uncle Willies Plans. It has a length of 70".
The AMA Plans Service will sell you plans for a rc P-63 Kingcobra for gas power. It is from Sterling Models and has a wingspan of 70". You can find it under plan no. 28938.
The last two pictures on this page are of rc P-63 Kingcobra slope soarers from Leading Edge Gliders. They are available in wingspans of 48", 60" and 72". All are made from
EPP foam. The two smaller models use elevator and aileron controls. The 70" wingspan slope soarer has optional flaps and rudder.
If you want to expand your rc P-63 Kingcobra radio control airplane choices, check out some of the P-39 kits and plans. They can easily be modified to look just like a rc P-63 Kingcobra.
Do you have a favorite rc P-63 Kingcobra? If so, please email us about it.
Bell P-63 Kingcobra
