RAWTAG #21: SOVIET LEND-LEASE BELL P-39.

Description

The Bell P-39 Airacobra is a fighter produced by Bell Aircraft for the United States Army Air Forces during World War 2. It was one of the principal American fighters in service when the United States entered combat. The most successful and numerous of the P-39 was by the Soviet Air Forces. They received the considerably improved N and Q models via the Alaska-Siberia ferry route. The tactical environment of the Eastern Front did not demand the high-altitude performance the RAF and AAF did. The comparatively low-speed, low-altitude nature of most air combat on the Eastern Front suited the P-39s strengths: sturdy construction, reliable radio gear and good firepower enabled Soviet pilots to score the highest number of kills attributed to any U.S fighter type flown by any air force in any conflict. The panel used for these tags was recovered from one of the 4,719 P-39s sent to the Soviet Union under the lend-lease program. The panels were discovered in the Murmansk region of Russia and are in remarkable condition. All paint is original and authentic. Truly a special release for RAWTAG!