Military Aircraft

Beautiful Bell P-39 Airacobra

A beautiful-looking and innovative US WWII fighter which despite design issues was highly successful with the Soviet air force in Europe and the Allies in SE Asia

The Bell P-39 Airacobra was one of the primary American fighter aircraft in service at the start of World War II. The P-39 was widely used by the Soviet Air Force, and saw action in a number of other theatres as well, including use by the RAF.

The first time I saw one

It was on a beach in Australia, September 2022. An oyster-encrusted wreck, discovered when I was researching Australia’s role in WWII and ended up in the bomb bay of a B52.

Author pic. One of the camshafts is clearly visible, along with half a propeller blade. The cockpit was between the engine and the propeller

The wreck was reportedly the result of a below bingo fuel episode as the plane made its way back to base at Lockhart River, Queensland.

Author pic of nautical chart where he has marked the plane wreck location

During World War II, Lockhart River Airport was…