Warbird Information Exchange

Almost looks like it. Beautiful photo taken around 1942/43.

Bell P-39N-1 Airacobra 42-9719 Conv to P-39N-2-BE wo 27 Apr 1944 at Cayce, SC

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“Knowing what’s right, doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.”

Ooh-la-la!

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I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw.

What is the meaning of the wing stripes? War games or testing?

I'm guessing with the star the photo dates from its earlier N-1 configuration? What did the upgrade to the N-2-BE do?

I'm thinking those are yellow stripes on the wings that seem faded. Not sure, but I'd also think this was a stateside trainer.
Below is what J Baugher states on the P-39N-2-BE:

http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p39_14.html

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“Knowing what’s right, doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.”

Yup, I saw the Baugher page too, but after looking around a few spots I was unable to find what BE denoted. Anyone know?

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He bowls overhand...He is the most interesting man in the world.
"In Peace Japan Breeds War", Eckstein, Harper and Bros., 3rd ed. 1943(1927, 1928,1942)
"Leave it to ol' Slim. I got ideas...and they're all vile, baby." South Dakota Slim
"Ahh..."The Deuce", 28,000 pounds of motherly love." quote from some Mojave Grunt
DBF

BE is the code for the manufacturer, Bell Aircraft. I have a very old web page with some of the others, just scroll down a ways here:
http://rwebs.net/avhistory/acdesig/usarmy.htm

Note that I don't maintain the site but just leave the info available. Maybe someday I'll make a new site.

Randy

Ahhh...Thanks Sir!

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He bowls overhand...He is the most interesting man in the world.
"In Peace Japan Breeds War", Eckstein, Harper and Bros., 3rd ed. 1943(1927, 1928,1942)
"Leave it to ol' Slim. I got ideas...and they're all vile, baby." South Dakota Slim
"Ahh..."The Deuce", 28,000 pounds of motherly love." quote from some Mojave Grunt
DBF

There are things about this picture that make me think it is colorized.

And there are things that don't.

However it is a great picture of a P-39!

C2j

I'm inclined to think it may be a color-shifted slide that's been digitally repaired.

Richard

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I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw.

Not 'colorized. nor altered.

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“Knowing what’s right, doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.”

Great photo! Never knew the P39 had wing guns too. Still learning.

Here's a nice shot that is a bit unusual. Anyone's willing to correct me, but it sure looks like this stateside P-39 is all Olive Drab both top and bottom.

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“Knowing what’s right, doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.”

Except for the gray underbelly.

Very clearly appears to be OD over Neutral Gray to my eyes.

Hmmm! Just doesn't look grey to me. Sure looks OD on the nose wheel well doors which should be grey as well if indeed grey. But that's me.

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“Knowing what’s right, doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.”