Warbird Information Exchange

Actually, it doesn't. It has the standard P-39 "ferry insignia," a red star on a white circle (some have speculated that the insignia is a result of Bell misinterpreting "Red Star with White Border" as "Red Star with White Surround.") The white was overpainted with green in the field, but most of that has weathered away.

Many books and decal sheets for Russian P-39s show the red star on a blue circle, under the assumption (from looking at B&W photos) that they originally had US insignia, and the star was simply painted red. That might have been the case for a few "used" birds sent to Russia, but aircraft built for lend-lease had red stars from the get-go.

Obviously, I need to get out more...


SN