A P-39C of the 31st Pursuit Group. The C variant differed from all other versions of the Airacobra, as the aircraft was called, in having its 37mm T-9 cannon and two 0-50in and two 0-30in machine-guns all installed in the nose, with no wing-mounted weapons. The variant was not considered combat-ready on its introduction and only 20 saw service with the USAAC.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell P-39 Airacobra - СШАUSA - 1939

Had the “ramfighter” concept been adopted by the USAAC, later variants, like the P-39D seen here, would have been modified accordingly. The non-turbo-supercharged Airacobra’s performance at high altitude was poor, however, and the added weight of the armour would have further compromised its ability to reach enemy bombers.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell P-39 Airacobra - СШАUSA - 1939

The other prospective ramfighter was Bell’s unusual P-39, with its mid-fuselage-mounted Allison V-1710 engine and tricycle undercarriage. Here P-39Ds of the 31st Pursuit Group await their next mission at Selfridge Field, Michigan, in 1941.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell P-39 Airacobra - СШАUSA - 1939

The Commanding Officer of No 601 (County of London) Sqn of the RAF, Sqn Ldr E.J. Grade, demonstrates the “car-door” of the P-39 during the unit’s tenure with the type from August 1941 until March 1942.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell P-39 Airacobra - СШАUSA - 1939

The modifications proposed for the P-39C “ramfighter”, based on official project report, EXP-M-51/P744, dated 2-6-41.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell P-39 Airacobra - СШАUSA - 1939

Although often considered as something of an “also-ran”, the P-40 was built in ten main production variants, including the Packard Merlin-powered P-40F as seen here. By the time production ceased in 1944 a total of 13,738 had been built, the third highest American wartime fighter production run after the P-51 and P-47.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-40D Kittyhawk / Warhawk - СШАUSA - 1941

One of two types explored as “ramfighters” by the US Army Air Corps during 1940-41, the Curtiss P-40 was an inline-engined development of the P-36 radial-engined fighter of 1935.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-40D Kittyhawk / Warhawk - СШАUSA - 1941

The P-40D variant introduced a number of modifications to the type, including a shorter fuselage and undercarriage, a deeper nose radiator cowling and the removal of the fuselage guns. The calibre of the wing-mounted machine-guns was also increased from 0-30in to 0-50in. Only 22 were delivered to the US Army Air Forces, the remaining 560 produced going to the RAF to serve as Kittyhawk Mk Is.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-40D Kittyhawk / Warhawk - СШАUSA - 1941

The locations and thickness of the armour plate proposed for the P-40D “ramfighter”. How the pilot was supposed to see past the sides of the armoured “head-box” during combat manoeuvres, or bale out, were not addressed by the study.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-40D Kittyhawk / Warhawk - СШАUSA - 1941

The Lockheed P-38L Lightning with the final standard rocket-cluster installation in use when the war ended.
Had the Lockheed P-38 Lightning been combat-ready when the ramfighter project was discussed during 1940-41, it may have also been included in the proposals. The P-47 was deemed impractical for the ramfighter role, but in truth the entire concept was unworkable

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-38 Lightning - СШАUSA - 1939