Hello everybody. The PD-2 was the second subversion developed from the P Please pardon my short writeup story since the information about this PD-2 is very limited and difficult to find online. I request your assistance in finding additional sources, and I encourage you to discuss and share your knowledge and findings in the comments on this topic. PD-2 was the second of two batches specifically ordered for the United Kingdom and its allies.
The PD-2 was introduced with the new Allison V engine, rated for 1, hp, with a different reduction gear gear ratio was 1. It had the retrofitting capability to use the 37mm cannon and could carry the larger drop tank underneath the fuselage. Sources indicated other minor changes were incorporated into the PD-2, but no specific details were given.
A source indicated the rd Fighter Squadron with the PD-2s was stationed in Canton Island, and the PD-2s were ordered to remain on the island away from the combat zone in Guadalcanal. One of the known kills marked by the PD-2s occurred on April 12, , when Lt. By late , the PD-2 and other Ps in the South Pacific had been restricted from combat duties and allowed to perform secondary duties, such as transport escort, convoy cover, or short-range ground attack strafe.
I feel the PD-2 could be a good candidate to add as a premium aircraft since the D-2 model was rare and had limited service in the US Army Air Forces, along with the ability to switch weapon configuration to a mm or mm cannon. Thus, this PD-2 would make a welcoming addition to the P Airacobra family for US aviation, providing an opportunity for dedicated completionists. I made additional suggestions for other P variants.
I find this odd that the improved PD-2 was ordered 10 days before the first PD-1 order. Edit: Profile The Bell P Airacobra states the following order dates which makes sense looking at the serial blocks:. Maximum oil capacity is I assume these are the same for the PD-1? I am interested in getting more accurate specs for other variants.
