The Bell P-39 Airacobra is a fighter produced by Bell Aircraft for the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. It was one of the principal American fighters in service when the United States entered combat.

Jul 9, 2020 · "Cobra II” at the 1946 Thompson Trophy Race: The P-39 known as “Cobra II,” was a Bell P-39Q-10BE, AAF 42-20869, assigned to the 430th Army Air Force Base Unit, Ephrata AAB, Washington, a Combat Crew Training Station, in April 1944, assigned to …

Sep 1, 2024 · Jack Woolams, Chief Test Pilot for Bell Aircraft Corporation, Experimental Test Pilot Tex Johnston, and Bell’s Chief Engineer, Robert Morris Stanley, had determined that a properly prepared Bell P-39 Airacobra could outrun and outfly a North American Aviation P-51 Mustang in the Thompson race.

Feb 18, 2013 · The model is a replica of the Bell P-39 aircraft modified into the Thompson Trophy racer Cobra II which won the 1946 race flown by Alvin "Tex" Johnston. Cobra II won the 1946 Thompson Trophy Race going away. It was able to achieve a true airspeed of 420 MPH at sea level, and was unbeatable that day.

The "Cobra II" (Race #84) flown by test pilot "Tex" Johnston, beat racing-modified P-51s, as well as other P-39 racers (which were the favorites), to win the 1946 Thompson Trophy race. Cobra II competed again in the 1947 Thompson Trophy, finishing 3rd.

After the war Bell Aircraft Co test pilots Alvin *Tex* Johnston and Jack Woolams recognized the potential for high speed in the P-39 modified for pylon racing. With much assistance from Bell engineers this was one of two P-39s modified for racing.

Nov 13, 2011 · Rare color film of the Bell Aircraft P-39 Cobra I & II Air Racers. Includes shots to Bell Test Pilots Jack Woolams & Alvin "Tex" Johnston and the Cleveland ...

This registry documents all Bell P-39 Airacobras that survived military service.

Advanced Fighter Training in Bell’s P-39 Airacobra – After Pilots Mastered It, They Were Ready for Anything! By Merle C. Olmsted . Aesthetically, Bell Aircraft Corporation’s P-39 was a triumph.

Tex Johnston lifts Cobra II from the runway at Niagara Falls, N. Y. Municipal Airport beginning his flight to Cleveland, Ohio for the 1946 National Air Races. (Photo—Bell Aerosystems Co. 70318)