Hello everybody. I’d like to introduce and suggest the Bell P-63D Kingcobra for the US aviation tech tree. The P-63D (Bell Model 41) was a subsequent development of the Kingcobra series. While it was largely based on the P-63A-10, it incorporated several important upgrades, including a new high-performance engine and a better cannon. As only a single example of the P-63D was ever built, I believe this aircraft is a great candidate for inclusion as a premium, squadron, or event vehicle.
Key Characteristics
High-altitude fighter design
1,425-hp Allison V-1710-109 with improved supercharger
Rearward-sliding bubble canopy
37 mm M9E1 high-velocity cannon with 48 rounds
Increased wingspan and deletion of ventral tail fin
Conclusion | Why it should be in the game
This suggestion is part of my broader effort to promote more World War II content in War Thunder. I believe the P-63D was a remarkably unique and advanced evolution of the Kingcobra line that featured a more powerful engine, a redesigned bubble canopy, and a high-velocity cannon, which significantly enhanced its firepower. Thanks to its uprated V-1710-109 engine with an improved supercharger, the P-63D outperformed earlier American Kingcobra variants in speed and overall flight performance. Given its rarity and distinctive characteristics, the P-63D would make an excellent addition to War Thunder as a premium, event, or squadron vehicle, providing a good opportunity for dedicated completionists and enthusiasts of piston-engine fighters.
Related Suggestions
Sources
P-39 Airacobra in Action (1980)
Crowood Aviation Series Bell P-39 Airacobra (2000)
I’ve been waiting for this one for a long time. Not the final Kingcobra, but it is the definitive version.
While being a one-off it would be justified to have it as an event/premium/squadron vehicle, given it’s the best P-63 (in both performance and armament) I’d kinda like to stick it in the tech tree. Right before the F-82E, which is currently by itself in USA’s 1st line of Rank IV.
Not a bad idea. Actually, I support this as I’d like to see it in the tech tree. Furthermore, the new 37-mm M9E1 cannon is definitely a game-changer and a fresh change for the P-63 series. Even, if it has to be an event/premium/squadron vehicle, so be it. I prefer this over copy-and-paste vehicles, in my opinion.