Can be built with landing gear up or down. Molded in olive drab.This kit is upgraded with new box art by Don Greer and includes decals for the Original version and the new shark mouth version which really grabs ya! Also comes with the famous Atlantis swivel stand, pilot and crewman, engraved markings, landing gear and belly tank, artwork suitable for framing. The P-39 Airacobra was developed in 1939 and was an aircraft that became famous for its engineering innovations. The Allison engine, which cranked out 1150 horsepower at 3000 RPM, was mounted behind the Pilot, driving the propeller by means of a lengthened drive shaft through a reduction gear box mounted in the forward section of the fuselage. The Airacobra was the principal American fighter aircraft when the US entered World War II. It was produced in large numbers, and was used by both the US Air Force and the Royal Air Force. It was also used very successfully by the Russians as a tank destroyer. Its top speed was rated at 400 miles per hour. With a combat ceiling listed at 36,000 feet, the P-39 had to carry full oxygen equipment. The Airacobra was one of the outstanding aircraft of World War II, and saw service in almost all theatres. Its versatility made it an important factor in the early stages of the war.