P-39 Airacobra
Brooklyn Bum
Manufacturer: Bell
Model: P-39 Airacobra
Name: “Brooklyn Bum”
Tail Number: N139RL
Lewis Air Legends is proud to present the lovable Brooklyn Bum, one of two combat veterans in the collection. This rare aircraft saw combat throughout the world during WWII and is one of only two flying examples in North America. The P-39 was a fighter literally built around a cannon, which fired through the propeller hub. As a low-level attack plane, the Airacobra was lethal, but was hampered at higher altitudes by its lack of a turbocharger. Like most other fighters developed before the U.S. entry into the war, the P-39 was sent to allies under the Lend/Lease program, and was first flown in combat by foreign pilots. Nearly 4,800 were delivered to the Soviet Air Force alone. The Airacobras were edged out in 1944 by the more powerful fighters, but in the meantime they made it clear to the enemy – they were no bums.
SPECIFICATIONS
Wing Span: 34'
Length: 30' 2"
Height: 11' 10"
Max Speed: 386 mph
Gross Weight: 8,400 lbs
Power Plant: Allison V-1710-83 inline piston engine
Horsepower: 1,200
ARMAMENT
Guns: 1 x 37mm T9 cannon
2 x 12.7mm (0.50 cal) machine guns
4 x 7.62mm machine gunsBombs: One 500 lb bomb