Home > North America > United States of America > Texas > San Antonio
Bell QF-63G-1-BE Kingcobra Pinball 45-57295
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Bell QF-63G-1-BE Kingcobra Pinball 45-57295
(United States Air Force - )Bell QF-63G-1-BE Kingcobra Pinball , on display at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio in Texas, in the USAF History and Traditions Museum collection. Built as an RP-63G-1-BE Kingcobra and re-designated QF-63G-1-BE in 1948 The RP - QF-63Gs were manned live-fire targets for Bomber gunners, firing frangible bullets. From 1943, the P-63 was used as a manned live-fire target for bomber gunners, fitted with specially reinforced surfaces, against which frangible bullets (made of lead and plastic) could be fired. In August 1944, under contract No.AC29318, Bell converted five P-63As. All armament and internal armour was removed. All skinning was replaced by thicker metal sheet, the upper fuselage air-intake was replaced by a clam-shell intake and the canopy was armoured (38mm windshield and 25mm side-screens). Not less than 110 microphones were buried under the skin. A light hidden in the propeller hub flashed each time a bullet hit the aircraft and each hit was recorded on an automatic counter located on the instrument panel. Date: circa 1960
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 21132205
© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1943 1944 1948 Antonio Armament Armour Armoured Automatic Bell Bullet Bullets Buried Canopy Contract Converted Counter Fired Firing Fitted From Fuselage Gunners Hidden Instrument Intake Internal Kingcobra Lackland Lead Located Manned Microphones Panel Pinball Plastic Propeller Re Designated Recorded Reinforced Removed Replaced Sheet Skin Skinning Specially Surfaces Target Targets Texas Traditions Usaf 25mm Air Intake Base Bomber Clam Shell Flashed Made Thicker Upper Windshield
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> Peter Butt Transport Collection
> North America
> United States of America
> Texas
> San Antonio
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Bell QF-63G-1-BE Kingcobra: A Veteran Manned Live-Fire Target at Lackland Air Force Base" 2.. The Bell QF-63G-1-BE Kingcobra with the serial number 45-57295, proudly stands on display at the USAF History and Traditions Museum located near San Antonio, Texas. This historic aircraft was originally built as an RP-63G-1-BE Kingcobra for the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1943. Its primary role was as a manned live-fire target for bomber gunners, enabling them to hone their skills against a moving, realistic target. In August 1944, under contract No.AC29318, Bell Aircraft Corporation converted five P-63As into QF-63G-1-BEs. These aircraft underwent extensive modifications to withstand the impact of frangible bullets, which were made of lead and plastic. The skinning was replaced with thicker metal sheets, the upper fuselage air intake was replaced by a clam-shell intake, and the canopy was armored with 38mm windshield and 25mm side-screens. Over 110 microphones were embedded in the aircraft's skin to record each bullet impact. A light in the propeller hub flashed every time a bullet hit the aircraft, and the hits were recorded on an automatic counter located on the instrument panel. This Bell QF-63G-1-BE Kingcobra, dating back to circa 1960, is a testament to the innovative measures taken during World War II to enhance the training of USAF personnel. Its presence in the museum serves as a reminder of the vital role these aircraft played in preparing bomber gunners for combat missions.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
