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  P-39Q-20-BE Airacobra Serial Number 44-3887  
USAAF

B-29 Bockscar
Justin Taylan 2000

Aircraft History
Built by Bell in Buffalo, New York. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-39Q Airacobra serial number 44-3887. Converted to a RP-39Q-22-BE two-seat trainer version.

Postwar
During 1946, sold as war surplus. In storage at Hardwick Aircraft Co, El Monte, CA.

Restoration
In 1966, acquired by the U.S. Air Force Museum Foundation and restored and returned to a single seat configuration and donated to the USAF Museum.

Display
This Airacobra is displayed at the USAF Museum, in a diorama depicting operations from Alaska. Painted in the markings of P-39J Airacobra 41-7073 flown by Lt. Leslie Spoonts of the 54th Fighter Group, 57th Fighter Squadron, with fuselage number 31 operating at Kodiak and Adak in 1942 during the Aleutian Campaign.

References
USAF Serial Number Search Results - P-39Q-20-BE Airacobra 44-3887
"3887 converted to RP-39Q-22-BE two-seat trainer. became derelict hulk stored at Hardwick Aircraft Co, El Monte, CA. Sold as surplus in 1946. Restored to single-seat configuration and donated to US Air Force Museum at WPAFB, Ohio in 1966. Now on display there marked as P-39J 41-7073 of 57th FS."

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Last Updated
December 23, 2021

 

Tech Info
P-39
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