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Click
on the photo to hear the wav sound.
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.
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Specifications
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Primary Function:
Crew:
Engine:
Power:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Machine Guns:
Cannons:
Bombs:
Length:
Wingspan:
Max. Speed:
Climb Rate:
Combat Range:
Ceiling:
First Flight:
Year
Deployed: |
fighter/bomber
one
Allison V1710-93
1,325 h.p.
6,800
lbs.
10,700 lbs.
4- .50 cal.
1- 37 mm.
1,500 lbs.
32'
8"
38' 4"
410 mph
2,500 fpm
450 miles
43,000 feet
12/7/42
1943 |
P-63 Air Intake
Scoops
Radio Control Airplane
 American
Eagle rc P-63 Kingcobra.
Radio Control
Airplanes
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.
Radio Control
Airplane
A rc
P-63 Kingcobra in Soviet markings.
Radio Control
Airplane
A rc P-63 Kingcobra
from Leading Edge.
Radio Control
Airplane
A
rc P-63 Kingcobra built by Dave Garwood.
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Bell P-63 Kingcobra
