The BRUTAL Outcast Kingcobra P-63
In 1941, after the P-39 Airacobra had been in production for one year, Bell engineers began designing a new fighter after limitations became apparent on the P-39. The new aircraft would have roots in the design of the one that came before it, but the laminar-flow wing would be a defining characteristic. The P-51 Mustang, with its laminar design, was the most effective fighter aircraft of World war two —. Laminar-flow design uses a symmetrical airfoil that minimizes drag— and less drag means more speed.
The new airplane that finally materialized was designated the P-63 Kingcobra. As far as we know, it was the first American fighter to enter manufacture and see action following the outbreak of World war 2. The Grumman F7F Tigercat and F8F Bearcat were both manufactured after the war had already begun; however, neither aircraft ever saw active service. The P-63 may have looked like the P-39, but it was a much bigger and heavier aircraft. Unlike its earlier cousin, which was originally envisioned as a fighter/interceptor, the P-63 was designed as a ground-support/fighter bomber from the start.
The P-63 was based on the experimental P-39 E1 prototype and kept Bell’s trademark tricycle landing gear, automobile-style cockpit doors, and an engine behind the cockpit. The 37 mm cannon that fired through the propeller hub was kept, as well as the two synchronized .50 caliber machine guns in the nose and two additional .50 caliber guns located in under-wing pods, similar to the P-39Q.
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