P-39Q

P-39Q: The P-39 was an innovative project designed by Bell Aircraft, the engine installed in the center fuselage, sat behind the pilot, and a long shaft delivered power to the propeller. The P-39 comes equipped with one 37mm cannon and four 12.7mm machine guns. Because the pilot was above the extension shaft, he was placed higher in the fuselage than in most contemporary fighters, which, in turn, gave the pilot a good field of view. Access to the cockpit was via sideways opening "car doors", one on either side. Both had wind-down windows. As only the right-hand door had a handle both inside and outside this was used as the normal means of access and egress. The left-hand door could be opened only from the outside and was for emergency use, although both doors could be jettisoned. In operational use, as the roof was fixed, the cockpit design made escape difficult in an emergency.

Because of the unconventional layout, there was no space in the fuselage to place a fuel tank. Although drop tanks were implemented to extend its range, the standard fuel load was carried in the wings, with the result that the P-39 was limited to short-range tactical strikes.