Lend Lease Aircraft

Weight: 8100lbs (3674kg).

Engine: Rolls Royce Merlin XX

Top speed: 322mph (518km/h).

Service ceiling: 32,100ft (9785m).

Range: 900 miles (1448km).

Armament: 8 x 7.69 mm Browning machine guns or 2 x 12.7mm BS machine guns and 2 x 20mm ShVAK cannons.

Almost 3000 Hurricanes were sent to Russia as part of the lend lease agreement. The first aircraft arrived in July 1941 and first flew in September. The aircraft was popular with Russian pilots because it was simple to control, easy to maintain and repair under field conditions and stable in flight. Another advantage was that all Hurricanes were fitted with radios, unlike their Russian counterparts. However it suffered from poor visibility from the cockpit and initially from engine unreliability caused by the poor quality of Russian fuel. Due to its undercarriage configeration, the aircraft was also prone to crashing on poorly surfaced runways. It was also somewhat inferior in performance to more modern German fighters. The MkII Hurricane, which entered production in September 1940 was fitted with a new Merlin XX engine, a new enlarged radiator, a larger rear view mirror and had provisions for 166 litre under wing tanks which were jettisonable.
Much later Mk IIB's received bomb racks or four to six RS-82 underwing rocket racks to enable them to fulfil a ground attack role.
In May of 1941 production of the MkIIC began. The aircraft's machine guns were replaced by four 20mm Hispano-Suiza cannon. Despite its additional armament, its poor speed and performance saw it relegated to roles such as a night fighter, fighter-bomber, short-range reconnaissance and search and rescue plane
In March of 1942 Soviet high command ordered a complete overhaul of their Hurricane fleet to bring it to modern standards. Pilot armor was increased and the Hispano-Suiza cannon were replaced by four 20mm ShVAK's. Provision was also made for the carriage of four to six RS-82 underwing rockets and two FAB-100 bombs.
Hurricanes were eliminated from VVS service in mid 1943. However they continued in service with the fleet Regiments, where they mainly flew ground attack missions, usually against Scandinavian bases.

Weight: 11,400lbs (5171kg).

Engine: Allison V-1710-39

Top speed: 378mph (609km/h).

Service ceiling: 38,000ft (11580m).

Range: 2414km

Armament: 6 x 12.7 mm MG, 3 x 227kg (500lb) bomb or 3 x 45kg bombs

The first P40's first arrived in Russia September 1941 and following training and familiarization the first combat sorties were flown in October 1941.
The P40 was considered an "average" aircraft by Russian pilots. The aircraft suffered considerable difficulties during the winter. The oil, hydraulic fluid, and antifreeze all froze in the harsh climate. Tyres cracked, batteries burst, generators frequently broke and engines seized up. To alleviate these problems, generators and tires were replaced with Russian built items and the hydraulic fluid, engine oil, and cooling systems were modified so that they could be completely drained at night. Despite its relative simplicity to fly, familiarization was complicated by the absence of technical manuals and instructions in the Russian language. Despite these shortcomings, the aircraft did however have a very durable airframe, which could absorb considerable damage, good radio communications and an excellent flight range of 1100km.
By early 1942 these regiments were being re-equipped with the P-40C. Gradually these were replaced by the P-40E and P-40K. These variants included the introduction of more powerful engines, armour protection for the pilot and self sealing fuel tanks. Following the introduction of the new engine the two guns in the engine cowling were deleted. The cockpit was modified to improve visibility and the armament was changed to six wing-mounted 0.5 caliber machine guns.
In late 1942, the P-40K and P-40M versions were introduced. The P-40M was generally similar to late-production P-40Es except for the more powerful engine. Late production P-40K and P-40M had a dorsal fin and an elongated fuselage.
Due to a lack of spares, some P40's had their engines replaced with the Soviet-built Klimov M-105 engine. In addition to the new engine, the modified P-40's also received the VISh-61P propeller.
The P-40 remained in production until December 1944.

Weight: 8200lbs (3720kg).

Engine: Allison V-1710-85.

Speed: 399mph (642km/h).

Service ceiling: 38,500ft (11,735m).

Range: 750 miles (1207km).

Armament: 1x37mm cannon (T9), 2x12.7mm MG (Browning .50 cal) and 4x7.62mm MG (Browning .303 cal): wing.

The first aircraft arrived from Great Britain in December 1941, with American deliveries beginning in early 1942. Soviet pilots preferred the AiraCobra, despite its many shortcomings, to any other aircraft received from the Allies. The Airacobra was ideally suited to the nature of combat activities on the Eastern front. Operating at low to medium altitudes over the battlefield where most Eastern Front operations took place. The aircraft had good maneuverability, was easy to handle, well armed and afforded the pilot excellent all round vision. However on arrival in Russia the aircraft suffered from the usual problems that lend lease aircraft succumbed to. The lubrication system quickly froze in the cold weather. This was quickly replaced and the addition of a heating system was made to prevent freezing of the engines working parts. Early models of the aircraft also suffered from undercarriage weakness, engine seizures and an inadequate rate of climb. The aircraft's first combat sorties were flown in June 1942
Various minor modifications resulted in the introduction of many variants. However it wasn't until the introduction of the P39N, that major changes were made. It benifitted from improved flight performance due to a reduced fuel reserve and weaker armour protection. It also saw the introduction of the new Allison V-1710-85 engine and Aero Prop propeller. The aircraft's armament consisted of a 37mm T9 cannon, two 12.7mm machine guns in the nose and four wing-mounted 7.62mm Browning machine guns.
The P-39Q saw improvements to the aft fuselage and tail. The fuselage was strengthened and the armament changed to a 37mm T9 cannon, two 12.7mm machine-guns and two 12.7mm Browning machine-guns installed in the wing.
The P39Q-10 saw the introduction of a four-blade propeller and the removal of the wing-mounted 12.7mm machine-guns. The gains in speed and maneuverability became quite considerable, even if combined with an old engine.