[CougarGA7]

They sure seem pretty high on the new P-39. The Air Corps wont take delivery of any P-39s until they start receiving the C model in January of 1941. Many of the first production units were designated for Britain to help stave off the threat of a German invasion. It will be the Russians the best use the Aeracobra though where they will be used as dive bombers against German tanks. The Soviets second leading ace Alexander Pokryshkin will be considered the most successful P-39 pilot raking up 59 air victories. (Source: All the U.S. Air Force Airplanes, 1907-1983 - Andrew W. Waters)

Alexander Pokryshkin (far right) talks with other Soviet airmen; his P-39 heavily decorated with kills is in the background

[magslinger]

The Aeracobra was used by the Russians as an airborne can opener. That IIRC 30 mm cannon mounted in the propeller hub was serious tank medicine in it's day. The design wasn't much as dog fighter when compared to other fighters of the day, but in close air support it could deliver hate in car load lots.

I wouldn't be surprised if that cannon was a bit of a maintenance headache though.