Arma Hobby – 70058 – P-39 Airacobra Reconnaissance

Description:

Unassembled plastic model kit in 1/72 scale of a U.S. Bell P-39 Airacobra WWII fighter aircraft.

The Bell P-39 Airacobra was a unique fighter of World War II, distinguished by its mid-engine layout and tricycle landing gear. While primarily used as a low-altitude interceptor and ground-attack aircraft, it also served in the photoreconnaissance role, particularly in modified variants like the P-39Q-6 and P-39N-2.

The P-39Q-6 was a reconnaissance adaptation of the standard P-39Q, equipped with an oblique K-24 camera mounted in the fuselage. This modification allowed it to conduct tactical reconnaissance missions while retaining its armament, making it capable of defending itself during operations. Similarly, the P-39N-2 was based on the P-39N model and also featured a reconnaissance camera installation. These aircraft were primarily used by the U.S. Army Air Forces in the Pacific and Mediterranean theaters, gathering intelligence and battlefield imagery while maintaining the speed and agility of a frontline fighter. However, as dedicated reconnaissance aircraft like the F-5 (a variant of the P-38 Lightning) became more available, the need for modified P-39s in this role diminished.

Variant of kit Arma Hobby – 70055 – P-39Q Airacobra tooled in 2022 and updated with new 3D printed parts for the photo-reconnaissance cameras, as well as a 3D printed part to be used as template and allow to cut the under fuselage part and fit the new cameras, an step that we wouldn’t recommend for beginners and this is something we don’t like of this kit. Otherwise the Arma Hobby P-39 Airacobra proved to be a nice kit to built when released. Additionally the kit includes a promo code to free download a 3D file for self print, including some enhanced parts such seat, guns and others (see list below). As usual in the brand kit include also a self-adhesive paint mask. Decal sheet include three markings for the U.S. Air Force, dated 1943 and 1944.

Markings:

• P-39Q-6 Airacobra 42-19622. 4th Recconnaisance Squadron, 6th Air Force, Puerto Rico, October 1943
• P-39Q-6 Airacobra, 82nd TRS, 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group, pilot: Lt. William A. Shomo, New Guinea, 1944
• P-39N-2 Airacobra, “Alan S”, 118th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, pilot Ltn. Earl J. Davis Jr, US East Coast, early 1943

3D File Content:

• seat with harness,
• cockpit levers,
• machine gun locks,
• barrels,
• exhaust stacks suitable for both P-39N and Q