Of all the fighter planes that flew during World War II, the P-39 Airacobra was unique in having its engine placed behind the pilot. This design allowed for greater maneuverability. The P-39 was the first single-engine fighter plane to have a tricycle undercarriage and to have a more powerful armament than any other single-engine fighter of the time.

The Airacobra was designed in 1937, and first flew on 6 April 1939. Nearly 9,588 P-39 series were built, and flown by U.S. Army Air Force squadrons in the Pacific, Alaska, Europe, Africa, and South America.

The British, Free French, Italian, Portuguese, and Australian air forces also operated P-39s. But it was the Soviet Union which put the Airacobra to use in the greatest numbers. More than 5,000 of P-39s were shipped to the Soviets who used the aircraft to attack German units on the eastern front throughout the war.

• Fully engraved panel lines and rivet detail.
• Highly detailed cockpit interior and landing gear bay.
• Optional position cockpit entry door.