Bell P-63E Folks:
Good day!
Among the findings/whereabouts of the 13 Bell P-63E samples is this rare double-cabin sample. Poss AAF 43-11734. Two samples P-63s were known to have gone to the former USSR as trainers c 1944 but no photos have emerged so far.
Pictured below is one of two Bell P-63E Dual conversion cabin, used according to the Cobra Book as a slow chase aircraft with an observer at the back during the early stages of the Bell X-1 program c. 1945. This sample is now under long restoration/storage in N. Calif.The second sample is on display at the AF Museum in Dayton, Ohio. AAF 43-11728. Photo via AEC. Palmdale, Calif c. 1950s
p.s Would like to get in touch with Mr Chris O. Piper, of Wembley, Middlesex, UK since he discovered the missing air scoop of Bell 43-11728 or other P-63/P-39 Folks for some notes comparisons on landing gear struts removal & installation. Tks in advance.
By: fah619 - 21st April 2014 at 23:22
TBYGUY:
Good day!
Yesss! that’s it! Tks.
Kind of awkward bird if you ask me. Your sample was prob taken still at the Bell factory. Some other folks mention some CG issues with the TP-39/TP-63 samples & some structural problems afterwards. If you see other samples at the former USSR Air Museums plz post.
By: tbyguy - 21st April 2014 at 05:25
Are these pics you seek of the Russian P-63 trainer?
http://mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/lendlease/p-39/tp-39/p63utif1.jpg
http://mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/lendlease/p-39/tp-39/p63utif2.jpg
Located here:
http://mig3.sovietwarplanes.com/lendlease/p-39/tp-39/twoseaterp-39.htm
By: Flying-A - 21st April 2014 at 00:07
In contrast, the two-seat P-39 conversion had the new seat up front:
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April 20, 2014 at 1:54 pm