The unorthodox design features of the P-39 Airacobra were conceived as early as 1936 by Bell Aircraft Company's engineers.  By locating the Allison V-1710 12 cylinder, liquid cooled engine behind the cockpit and driving the propeller through an eight-foot extension shaft and reduction gearbox, the nose section was made avilable for the installation of heavy armament.  Also, somewhat unique for an aircraft of this era was the use of a tricycle landing gear, large cockpit glass area and a side opening entry door.  The P-39 Airacobra had a wingspan of 34 feet and a length of just over 29 feet.  The P-39 had top speed of 368 m.p.h. at around 14,000 and an effective combat range of 600 miles.  The P-39's armament consisted of two .30 caliber machine guns mounted in the wings, as well as two .50 caliber machine guns and one 37 mm cannon located in the nose section of the aircraft.  The manufactuer of this older, highly detailed kit is unknown but the model includes the following features: 1) Authentic markings for an aircraft operated early in World War II by the United States Army Air Corps; 2) Clear multi-piece plastic canopy; 3) Detailed cockpit; 4) Detailed engine area; 5) Detailed machine guns; 6) Detailed nose compartment that can be built in either the open or closed position; 7) Engine compartment hatch that can be built in either the open or closed position; 8) External drop tank; 9) Pilot figure and 10) Illustrated assembly instructions.  This model package also includes a second after market vac-u-form canopy from Squadron.  This model does not come with a box.  Never started and 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions inventoried.