Bell P-39 Airacobra. An American fighter for Soviet aces

The book of the leading historian of aviation is a detailed story about one of the best fighters of the Great Patriotic War, about the creation, design, modifications and combat use of the Bell R-39 “Aerocobra” on all fronts of World War II, from the Pacific Ocean and North Africa to the Arctic, but before In total-on the Soviet-German front.
This American fighter, which was distinguished by an unusual design for that time (the engine on the Bell P-39 was located behind the pilot’s cab), became one of the symbols of our victory. Half of all the released AeroCobr (almost 4600 aircraft) were delivered to the USSR on Lend-Lease, which saved the Belli company from financial collapse.
Three of the five best aces of the Air Force of the Red Army flew on overseas cars - three times Hero of the Soviet Union Alexander Pokryshkin, twice heroes Grigory Rechkalov and Nikolai Gulaev. Soviet pilots appreciated the AeroCobra for high speed, excellent maneuverability at medium and low altitudes, a powerful 37-mm gun, a reliable radio station, survivability and good protection (pilots on the Cobra did not burn, as the plane was made of metal and the tanks are located Far in the wings)-they said that they felt “like in a safe” on the R-39. “Aerocobra” became not only the most massive, but also the most beloved of the aircraft supplied along the Lend-Lease and in popularity in the troops is comparable to the legendary “Studebekker” and “Dodge Three quarters”.

The publication is illustrated by unique photographs and exclusive projections of AeroCobra