Claringbould, Michael Pacific Profiles. Volume 6: Allied Fighters: Bell P-39 & P-400 Airacobra South & Southwest Pacific 1942-1944

The "Pacific Profiles" series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of aircraft which served in the South Pacific theatre.
Volume Six covers a dozen USAAF Fifth and Thirteenth Air Force squadrons which operated the Bell P-39 and P-400 Airacobra from April 1942 until March 1944. They were used in a variety of roles including as fighters, dive-bombers and strafers. The wide-ranging colourful heraldry and nose art of Fifth Air Force Airacobras is partly explained by the frequent trading of particular airframes between units. Until now there has been a paucity of information about the markings of Thirteenth Air Force Airacobras, and this volume fills much of this wide gap. The first and last Airacobras lost in the theatre are illustrated, along with rare markings of a night fighter and a P-39 used by Fifth Fighter Command.
This volume includes the early P-400s through to the P-39D/F/Ks and then the late model P-39N/Qs. The development of markings for each squadron is explained, together with brief squadron histories accompanied with supporting photos. A wide range of reference material was consulted including many rare photos, colour movies, official records, diaries and photos from wreck sites.
The author, Michael Claringbould, is world-renown for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before have such meticulous colour profiles been illustrated with a full explanation of their markings.

Until now, there has been a dearth of information on the markings of the "Airacobras" of the 13th USAAF, and this volume fills much of that gap. The first and last Airacobras lost in this theatre of war are documented, along with rare markings of a night fighter and a P-39 used by the 5th Fighter Command.
This volume covers the early P-400 versions through to the P-39D, F and K and the later P-39N and Q. The development of the markings for each squadron is explained along with brief squadron histories with accompanying photographs. A wide range of reference material has been used, including many rare photographs, footage from contemporary colour films, official records, diaries and photographs of aircraft wrecks.
Author Michael Claringbould is world-renowned for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before have colour profiles of aircraft been based on such intensive research.