Restoration work continues on two rare Bell Aircraft P-39 Airacobra Second World War fighter planes at the Alberta Aviation Museum. This project is in partnership with the Reynolds Alberta Museum Foundation.
Specifications
- Wingspan: 10.36 m
- Length: 9.19 m
- Powerplant: 1 x Alison V-1710 V-12 engine (890 kW)
- Maximum Speed: 620 km/h
- Cruise Speed: 402 km/h
- Range: 1,046 km
- Crew: 1
Excerpt from Alberta Aviation Museum – 30 Years of Progress
It’s a little-known story of Edmonton’s role in the Second World War. Thousands of front-line U.S. warplanes passed through Blatchford Field, far from the site of any conflict. Bell’s P-39 Airacobra was the most plentiful of those making this most arduous fight.
Our P-39 Airacobra restoration will incorporate parts from a Lend-Lease P-39 that crashed near Wetaskiwin. Stan Reynolds salvaged the wreckage, adding it to his enormous collection of airplanes, vehicles, and farming equipment. The completed P-39 will be displayed in the original Soviet markings carried by the Wetaskiwin example when it crashed in December 1942.
You can learn more about this aircraft by purchasing a copy of our 30th Anniversary Souvenir Book or by visiting the museum! Restoration tours take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays (depending on volunteer availability).
