P-63 "The King Cobra" - Lackland AFB - San Antonio, Texas
Posted by: BruceS
N 29° 23.577 W 098° 37.212
14R E 536851 N 3251582
World War II fighter plane mostly sent to Russia in the Lend-Lease Program, displayed adjacent to parade field at Lackland Air Force Base.
Waymark Code: WM3CT4
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 03/16/2008
Views: 75
P-63
"The King Cobra"
Bell Aircraft developed the P-63 from the P-39 "Airacobra."
The P-63 resembles the P-39 in appearance: The P-63 is over two feet
longer, has two feet more wing span, and is higher, faster and heavier than the
P-39. Most P-63's were sent to Russia and the Free French as lend-lease
material. This particular version, nicknamed "Pinball," is heavily armored
to protect the pilot. It was used, in the United States, as a piloted
air-to-air gunnery target. Gunners in other aircraft fired at the RP-63's
with frangible bullets, if hits were scored, red lights in the wing tips of the
RP-63 would blink. A total of 227 RP-63 series aircraft were built.
Manufacturer: Bell Aircraft |
Quantity Produced (All Models): 3303 |
Wing Span: 39' 2" |
Speed: 400+ mph |
Length: 32' 8" |
Range: 320 miles |
Height: 12'7" |
Altitude: 38,600' |
Empty Weight: 6,375 lbs |
Power Plant: Allison V-1710-135, 1325 hp |
Information from sign in front of aircraft.