Bell's Cannon-Nosed Warrior

Air Classics, Dec 2001 by Hulett, George

Forgotten aces of World War Two

Although it fought valiantly during the dark, deadly early days after America's entry into the Second World War, the Bell P-39 Airacobra - and its pilots - has received scant publicity. This has partially been rectified with the excellent P-39 Airacobra Aces of World War 2. Authored by George Mellinger and John Stanaway, this soft-bound volume is number 36 in the Osprey Aircraft of the Aces series.

The first American fighter fitted with tricycle landing gear and mid-fuselage engine, the P-39 proved less successful in the hands of its launch customer, the US Army Air Force. Hampered by unreliability and poor engine performance at higher altitudes, the P-39 fought alongside the P-40 and P-38 in the bitter struggle to capture Guadalcanal in 1942/43 as well as seeing much action defending New Guinea. It was also used in the Mediterranean by the AAF.

The Airacobra's true success came while operating with the Soviet Air Force whose pilots rated the Airacobra as probably the best Lend-Lease fighter of the war. Well over 30 Red Airacobra pilots became aces - several scorn ing over 50 victories in the type.

Following the popular format of the series, the new volume is packed with text, rare black and white photos, and lots of color profiles, this is a recommended book for any student of WWII.