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763rd Air Regiment
Soviet Air Force
Kuril Islands 1945
“Operation Autumn Storm”
The restoration of the cockpit of 43-11137 was started in late July 2010, approximately 85% of rebuild so far is original. Work is still very much ongoing and faces some challenges ahead, primarily finding 2 x cabin doors will be difficult to say the least, if anyone has got any stashed in the garage we would like to hear from you! |
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| So what is the main objective? |
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| Ultimately it is to restore & display a static restored example of Bell's unique & rare P-63 King Cobra Fighter in the UK. With interest in the Air Wars of the Eastern Front & further in the East in the Kuril Islands becoming more widespread, the P-63 is a fine example of these often "forgotten air battles" of World War Two. |
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| Why start with the cockpit? The Hunt brothers have at their disposal 6 recovered airframes in various conditions, one in particular loaned itself very well to the first goal without committing or disturbing any of the other airframes. This particular P-63 cockpit was cut just in front of the cabin bulk head. Since the P-63 cabin or cockpit is constructed in a production jig the cabin sections are largely interchangible. This seemed like a sensible starting point, in fact the P-63 is one of the few warbirds where the cockpit is a separate factory assembly to the airframe. As interest & support grows it is hoped that the project can progress to the complete airframe. |
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| In the long term the project faces some challenges such as the missing propeller assembly, rear fuselage structure, tail structure & engine super charger being the main components. It is hoped that through careful budgeting & trades, that these assemblies can be sourced. The project has limited funds & thus is unable to purchase expensive assemblies that are more suited to a flying project. |
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| The project is very keen to obtain any P-39/P-63 items that can aid the project, especially those items that would assist the project in the initial stages i.e. the immediate cabin area & surrounding areas. These include port & starboard cockpit doors, any canopy parts, rudder pedals, undercarriage hand crank, lower seat brackets & fittings, instruments etc. An instrument panel is currently being produced from a specially produced CAD drawing which is formed from 3 individual panels and made of steel! |
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P-63 Cockpit on show at Cockpitfest 2011. The wooden stand is a reconstruction of the ones used at the Bell factory.
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| Below are a few photos of work in progress: |
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Making the new frame for the pilots roll-over was by far the most complex frame I have ever made! with curves in 3 dimensions working "on the bench" was very difficult. Here can be seen the formers with the corroded frame seen at the top. |
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The completed frame fitted, the next stage will be to fit the various brackets for the canopy tubes. |
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Where possible every original detail is reused, here the "Emergency Door Release" plate has been renovated See left and right. |
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The all important Bell Aircraft Factory Data Tag |
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We have 4 sets of wings in amazing condition, some of these will be traded to help with the project |
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| CAN
YOU HELP? |
| The Wings Museum is
keen to hear from any individuals with
experience in Sheet Metal .
If you would like to be involved in
this worth while project then please
contact Daniel Hunt via e-mail on info@wingsmuseum.co.uk please include a brief background on
yourself. . |
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The Pilots view of a P-63, note the red handles on the main panel used to arm the cannons |
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Bell P-63c Kingcobra 43-11137 |
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Type: Bell P-63c Kingcobra
Serial: 43-11137
Unit: ?763rd Air Regiment, Soviet Air Force
History: Delivered to the Soviet Air Force operating in the Kuril Islands late in 1945, participated in the Russian/Japan war of World War Two. Took part in the Shimshu Landings and Operation Autumn Storm (the invasion of Manchuria). Also saw service with the Soviet Air Force post war up until as late as 1951 with the Nato code name of a "Frank". Also playing an important part in the build up of the cold war. Finally abandoned by the Soviets until recovery in 2003. |
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View showing the formidable 37mm auto cannon that armed the P-63 and P-39 |
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