This P-63A-10-BE (s/n 42-70609) is one of a group that were engaged against Japanese forces at the end of World War II in the Soviet Far East territory. Several were found there after 60 years of open storage. Although the Museum has located the rare Allison engine for this aircraft, no restoration is currently planned, as it has significant internal corrosion and would need to be completely rebuilt.
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Bell P-63A-10-BE
Kingcobra
The Bell P-63 Kingcobra is a U.S. fighter developed by Bell Aircraft from the Bell P-39 Airacobra in an attempt to correct that aircraft's deficiencies. Although the P-63 was not accepted for combat use by the United States Army Air Forces, it was adopted by the Soviet Air Force. A total of 2,397 P-63s were delivered to the USSR out of the total production of 3,303 aircraft. Bell P-39s and P-63s were successful fighter aircraft in Soviet service and well liked by their pilots.