Bell Airacobra I in RAF service
The Bell Airacobra fighters delivered to the Royal Air Force were essentially the same as P-39D aircraft, with the 37 mm cannon replaced by a 20 mm and the addition of armour plating, bulletproof glass and self sealing fuel tanks. This additional weight caused a reduction in speed of 30 mph, making it inferior to most existing RAF and Luftwaffe fighters.
As a result of the poor performance most of the ordered was passed on to Russia or used by USAAF as the P-400. Only 601 Squadron operated the type in the RAF. This squadron only flew one operational mission, against coastal barges along the French coast on 9 October 1941.
More photos here.














