Bell P-63F-1 Kingcobra - The Sharp-Tailed Cobra

[Nostalgistic]

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Bell P-63F-1 Kingcobra

   Hello everybody. I’d like to introduce and suggest the Bell P-63F-1 Kingcobra for the US aviation tech tree. The P-63F-1 (Bell Model 41) was the final variant in the Kingcobra series, following the P-63D and P-63E-1. It was distinguished from previous models by its enlarged vertical tail, which improved directional stability and control, and by its 1,425 hp Allison V-1710-135 engine, a variant of the same power class as the V-1710-109 used in earlier versions.

   Unfortunately, technical documentation on the P-63F-1 is scarce, and much of its development history remains difficult to trace through publicly available sources. For that reason, I encourage you to share reliable, additional sources, manuals, photos, or flight data in the comments to help build a more complete profile of this rare aircraft.

Key Characteristics

• Final late-war prototype of the P-63 Kingcobra family
• Equipped with a 1,425 hp Allison V-1710-135 engine
• Featured a taller vertical tail for improved flight stability

History

The Bell P-63F-1 Kingcobra was developed as the final variant in Bell’s Kingcobra line, following the P-63D and P-63E, with several distinct modifications introduced before the end of World War II.

The P-63F served as an experimental development platform during 1944-1945 as part of Bell’s ongoing efforts to secure a continued contract with the US Army Air Forces for further improvements to the Kingcobra. It was powered by the Allison V-1710-135 engine, rated at 1,425 horsepower, similar in performance to the engines used in the earlier P-63D and E variants.

The most noticeable change was the adoption of a taller vertical stabilizer and rudder, designed to improve longitudinal stability at high speeds, especially during diving or high-angle maneuvers. This feature was paired with a ventral fin extension and retained the standard 37mm M10 cannon, larger wing, and traditional car-door canopy used on the P-63E.

Only two P-63Fs were built, with serial numbers of 43-11719 and 43-11722, respectively. The first aircraft (43-11719) took its maiden flight in April 1945. The second aircraft (43-11722) was either scrapped or destroyed during late- or postwar flight testing, though I found no further information on this second P-63F-1. It is uncertain whether the P-63F was built as a production or demonstrator.

The primary purpose of the P-63F was to evaluate the tall vertical tail design, which was intended for use in the planned P-63E-5 production model. The E-5 variant was to be produced in large numbers, many likely destined for the Soviet Union under Lend-Lease, had the war continued beyond May 1945. However, with the end of hostilities in Europe, the P-63E-5 was canceled, along with all further Kingcobra development.

The first P-63F (43-11719) survived the war and passed through several civilian owners, receiving several US civil registration numbers over the decades. It was used in airshows and air racing for years, eventually being acquired by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) in 1981.

Tragically, this only surviving P-63F was destroyed on November 12, 2022, in a mid-air collision with the B-17G Flying Fortress “Texas Raiders” during a CAF airshow in Dallas, Texas. All five crew aboard the B-17 and the pilot of the P-63F were killed in the accident.

Specifications

Bell P-63F-1 Kingcobra

General Characteristics

• Crew: 1 (Pilot)
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 32 ft 8 in (9.96 m)
  • Height: 14 ft 2.4 in (4.3 m)
  • Wingspan: 39 ft 2 in (11.9 m)
  • Wing Area: 255 sq ft (23.69 sq m)
• Propeller: 4-blade constant-speed Aeroproducts
• Powerplant: Allison V-1710-135 V12
  • Power: 1,425 hp (1,048 kW) @ 3,000 RPM
• Weight:
  • Empty: ~7,300 lb (3,311 kg)
  • Gross: ~9,400 lb (4,264 kg)
  • Max. Takeoff: ~11,200 lb (5,080 kg)

Performance

• Power-to-Weight Ratio: ~0.15 (0.25 kW/kg)
• Speed @ Critical Altitude: ~410 mph @ 25,000 ft (660 km/h @ 7,620 m)
• Wing Loading: ~36.86 lb/sq ft (180 kg/sq m)
• Time to Altitude: ~7.6 minutes to 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
• Service Ceiling: ~39,000 ft (11,887 m)
• Range:
  • Combat: ~725 miles (1,167 km)
  • Ferry: ~2,150 miles (3,460 km) with external tanks

Armament

• Guns:
  • 1 x 37mm M10 cannon (58 rounds)
  • 4 x .50 cal M2 Browning machine guns (900 rounds)
• Bomb: 3 x 500-lb M64 bombs

Images

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-63F-1 would make an excellent premium aircraft in War Thunder, as it represents the final variant of the Kingcobra series. In terms of performance, the P-63F-1 offered notable improvements over earlier Kingcobra models. It was not only faster but also benefited from a refined powerplant and an enlarged vertical stabilizer, which likely improved maneuverability and climb performance compared to the P-63E-1, thanks to increased rudder authority and stability. Given its experimental status and improved handling characteristics, the P-63F-1 would be a fitting addition as a premium, event, or squadron vehicle, especially appealing to dedicated completionists and enthusiasts of piston-engine fighters.

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Bell P-63E-1 Kingcobra - The Last Production Kingcobra

poll [image] Bell P-63E-1 Kingcobra    Hello everybody. I’d like to introduce and suggest the Bell P-63E-1 Kingcobra for the US aviation tech tree. The P-63E-1 (Bell Model 41) was an improved, late-war production variant developed after the prototype P-63D. While it retained many similarities with the earlier P-63C, the P-63E-1 was upgraded with the powerful 1,425-hp Allison V-1710-109 engine and a larger wingspan inherited from the P-63D. Unlike the P-63D, it restored the ventral fin extens…

Sources

• P-39 Airacobra in Action (1980)
• P-39 Airacobra In Detail & Scale 63 (1999)
• Crowood Aviation Series Bell P-39 Airacobra (2000)
• Bell P-63F Kingcobra
• Aerial Visuals - Airframe Dossier - Bell P-63F-1-BE Kingcobra, s/n 43-11719 USAAF, c/n 296E-11, c/r N6763
• https://mississippitoday.org/2019/03/05/a-rare-bird-p-63f-kingcobra/
• CAF Bell P-63F Kingcobra Re-emerges in Fresh Livery
• Bell P-63 Kingcobra
• Bell P-39 Airacobra & P-63 Kingcobra
• Bell P-63 Kingcobra - Wikipedia

Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestion! 😃

[Bonrath]

A massive plus one, wish the 2k22 accident didn’t happen at all and am sorry that the aircraft is gone ( as well as wishing peace to the pilot and the B-17 crew). Hope we see this beauty in the game ASAP

[HolmanTheHorror]

+1 from me, would be an excellent capstone for the airacobra series.