I don’t think I’ve ever seen a properly-sourced explanation for USAAC’s decision to delete the turbo, but it would be true to say that GE turbosuperchargers were not, at that time, the most reliable or fully developed pieces of kit.
NiallC
I believe the reasoning behind the removal of the turbo was, that the US at the time did not envisage, and given that there was no threat to the US at the time, being at war and the P-39 was purely meant for air defence and was deamed able for the role also the range was severally reduced by the addition of the self sealing fuel tanks, these two factors were critical, and lead to its limited military application.
Its performance at low level however was faster than the P-51 so I understand so maybe thats why the Russians liked them so much.
BTW It wasn’t the USAAF that asked for the Turbos to be removed, it was a recommendation to Bell from National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics’ (NACA) after they carried out tests
Merry Christmas and Have a safe and Happy New Year.
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