Bell P-400 Airacobra
Technical Information

Background
The Royal Air Force (RAF) model was first named "Caribou". During July 1941, the American nicname "Airacobra" was adopted. The P-400 designation had, in fact, been associated with the British Airacobras for contractual purposes as early as August 1941.

The P-400 Airabora was the export version of the Bell Aircobra, virtually identical to the American P-39D, but the 37mm cannon was replaced with a faster-firing and more reliable Hispano 20mm cannon with 60 rounds. The engine of the Model 14 was the 1150 hp Allison V-1710-E4 (-35).

RAF serial numbers assigned to the P-400 Airacobra:
AH570/AH739 (170 planes)
AP264/AP384 (121 planes)
BW100/BW183 (84 planes)
BX135/BX434 (300 planes)

Wartime History
At the start of the Pacific War, the United States found itself in desperate need of aircraft and nearly 200 of the British direct-purchase Airacobras still in the United States were requisitioned by the USAAF. Although they were similar to the P-39D Airacobra, they were not identical and were known by the USAAC under the non-standard designation P-400, retaining their original RAF serial numbers and three-color camouflage scene. Most of these planes were used for training stateside, but some of them were rushed to the Pacific and used during early 1942.

In England, 179 P-400 Airacobras sent to the United Kingdom were requisitioned by the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) then assigned to the 12th Air Force (12th AF) and sent to North Africa.

References
Joe Baugher "Airacobra I for RAF, P-400"

Technical Details (P-400)
Crew  One (pilot)
Engine  1× Allison V-1710-E4 (-35) liquid-cooled V-12 driving three bladed propeller 1150 hp for take off
Weight  5,462 lbs (empty) 7,845 lbs (normal load)
Span  34' 0"
Length  30' 2"
Height  11' 10"
Maximum Speed  326 mph at 6,000', 343 mph at 10,000', 355 mph at 13,000', 341 mph at 20,000'
Range  800 miles
Armament  (nose) 2 x .30 cal (wings) 4 x.50cal (spinner) 1 x Hispano 20mm cannon with 60 rounds