RON DUPAS COLLECTION
No. 2676. Bell 14 Airacobra Mk.I (AH571) Royal Air Force
Photographed at Buffalo, New York, USA, February 1941
APS No. 145

Brewster XA-32A

04/30/2006. Remarks by Johan Visschedijk: "Bell began test-flying the Model 14 Airacobra I for the RAF in April 1941, the first few aircraft sporting a somewhat unorthodox version of the approved RAF camouflage scheme. As seen in the photo, the second British aircraft AH571, was tested with a revised rudder of more angular shape and less area, but although this aircraft was delivered to Britain in this form, the modification was not adopted. A very small dorsal fin did become a standard feature of the RAF aircraft, and was also a distinguishing feature of the P-39D and subsequent versions. A fairing around the exhaust stubs can also be seen."


Created June 5, 2003