RS Models 92308 - 1:72 P-400 Airacobra

1:72 scale plastic model kit of the P-400 Airacobra fighter

The P-400 Airacobra was an export variant of the American Bell P-39 fighter, originally ordered by the Royal Air Force. The designation “P-400” referred to the expected top speed of 400 mph. Many of these aircraft were later taken over by the US Army Air Forces and saw combat service in the early stages of the Pacific War. This 1:72 scale kit from RS Models allows you to recreate this distinctive aircraft with its engine mounted behind the pilot and the propeller driven by a long shaft running beneath the cockpit floor.

• Scale: 1:72
• Model length: approx. 12.7 cm
• Wingspan: approx. 14.5 cm
• Manufacturer: RS Models
• Version: P-400 Airacobra

Model technical data:

• Scale: 1:72
• Model length: approx. 12.7 cm
• Manufacturer: RS Models
• Skill level: intermediate

Warning: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. Assembly required.

Assembly

The kit enables building a detailed replica of this unusual fighter with tricycle landing gear and side-opening cockpit doors. Careful assembly of the fuselage, wings and armament is required. Decals are included for selected historical marking options reflecting the operational use of the P-400.

Required tools:

• Hobby knife or sprue cutters
• Files and sanding paper
• Paint brushes
• Plastic cement
• Paint set in colours typical for Allied aircraft of World War II

About the P-400 Airacobra:

The P-400 was a variant of the Bell P-39 adapted to British requirements. Unlike most US versions armed with a 37 mm cannon, the P-400 carried a 20 mm cannon. The aircraft featured an unusual layout with the engine mounted behind the cockpit and a tricycle landing gear configuration, which was rare among early World War II fighters. P-400 aircraft saw combat in the Pacific, including operations over New Guinea and Guadalcanal, where they were used for ground support and air combat missions.

Technical data of the original aircraft:

• Length: 9.19 m
• Wingspan: 10.36 m
• Powerplant: 1 × Allison V-1710 engine
• Maximum speed: approx. 600 km/h
• Armament: 20 mm cannon and machine guns

About the manufacturer:

RS Models is a Czech manufacturer specialising in historically interesting and less common aircraft subjects. The company offers kits in popular scales aimed at modellers interested in diverse versions and variants of historical aircraft.