Warbird Information Exchange

Are there currently any Airacobras on display or flying in Austrailian colors?

Thanks

Shay
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Semper Fortis

The closest would probably be the Classic Jets restoration in Adelaide. When completed it will be displayed as 24 Sqn RAAF A53-12.

http://www.classicjets.com/p39.html

Walrus

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One crowded hour of glorious life
Is worth an age without a name

The P39 wasn't much used by the RAAF.
My recollection (of a Stuart Wilson book) is that only 22 were received, not all reached squadron service, they only served for 16 months and never served out of Australia.
Did any Australian P39s see combat in any form?

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Chris Mellor

Rick65

you are correct (according to offical records) that the Airacobra did not see combat service with the RAAF. There is some hearsay evidence that suggests a P-39 may have been used in an attempted intercept of a suspected Japanese Recon aircraft but I would say that would be difficult to prove.

The P-39D at CJFM is nearing completion. When I saw it several weeks ago it was about ready to stand on its wheels again for the first time since WW2. The fit out of this particular Cobra is of a very high standard and clearly a reflection on the obsession that Bob Jarrett has with the type.

I understand the aircraft will be put on display for public viewing around Xmas this year or very early in 2010. After that work on the new Corsair project will be ramped up etc.

Shelldrake