During the restoration of an ex RAAF P-39 Airacobra at the Classic Jets Fighter Museum, Parafield Airport.

During the restoration of an ex RAAF P-39 Airacobra at the Classic Jets Fighter Museum, Parafield Airport.

[Nikon D300 + Tokina 12-24mm/4]

'Brooklyn Bum 2nd' at the Flying Legends display

A new project underway at the Parafield Airport Classic Jets Fighter Museum - the restoration of the P-39 Airacobra, which upon completion will be painted in the 24 Sqn. RAAF colours and marked as the squadron's first Airacobra A53-1

'Brooklyn Bum 2nd'

The restoration of the P-39 Airacobra at the Parafield Airport Classic Jets Fighter Museum goes on; it should be finished, hopefully, before the next Annual Parafield Antique & Classic Aircraft Fly-In

On static display at the Parafield Fly-In 2013

This P-39 has two kills from its time stationed in the Pacific with the 5th AF. It was abandoned on Tadji airfield, PNG during July 1944 until recovered by Yesterday's AF/MARC in 1974. 'Small Fry' is now on display at the Planes of Fame Museum.

On short final for the grass at Duxford

Taxing out at Flying Legends 2005

At the 8th Parafield Antique & Classic Aircraft Fly-In. Restored at Classic Jets Museum, reportedly with parts from Airacobra A53-1. Painted in the markings of P-39D Airacobra A53-12 with code T-GR. This aircraft is restored from parts of various P-39D and P-39F Airacobra parts and wreckage recovered from Australia and the Pacific. The real A53-12 was c/n 15-283.

Cancelled as sold in the USA in January 2010. Became N139RL

Note the lack of exhaust pipes on the forward fuselage. In this shot they have been obscured by the wing.The engine is situated much further aft than in similar fighters, thus the a/c is able to have a nose wheel.

This clever cold-weather diarama at the National Museum of the USAF showcases not only the P-39 but also the versatility of PSP (pierced steel planking) and the Type F-1A Utility Heater.

US Army Air Force aircraft diverted from the Royal Air Force which it turn had taken over a French order. These aircraft were designated P-400 and like BW176, retained RAF serials and camouflage in US service. While many P-400s were used as trainers, others were rushed to the South West Pacific as emergency fighters. They fared better in ground attack than air combat. BW176 survived until June 19, 1943 when the pilot was forced to bail out over Papua New Guinea. The other two aircraft are P-39s with a standard olive drab finish. Photo from the late Frank Scott, of Griffith, NSW.