Project Bunsen- Jet P-39 *refresh*

sandiego89 · January 10, 2019, 12:25:27 PM

Getting the mojo back!

In 1943 a secret delegation brought several jet engines from the U.K. to the United States to show US manufactures the latest turbojets. Bell and G.E. were selected to investigate a new fighter to demonstrate this jet technology.

As a secret side project codenamed BUNSEN, several manufacturers were asked to see what existing fighters could be adapted for jet power. The specification called for the minimal amount of modifications possible with the hope that overseas depots could make the switch from piston to jet power.

Bell, Lockheed and others responded with prototypes. The jet P-38 was covered here: http://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php/topic,38594.msg632566.html#msg632566

Bell had an inside track and took a close look at the P-39, which was deemed light enough for a single engine....

Hobbes · January 10, 2019, 12:57:50 PM

Was there a companion project named BEAKER?

Leading Observer · January 10, 2019, 01:39:17 PM

Quote from: Hobbes on January 10, 2019, 12:57:50 PM
Was there a companion project named BEAKER?

You Muppet

sandiego89 · January 11, 2019, 06:13:04 AM

Out with the V-12

The Welland engine from the Dragon Meteor Kit is really superb.

nighthunter · January 11, 2019, 06:23:20 AM

It would be cool if someone get a Bell P-63 Kingcobra with the Meteor's engines, as it was currently under development during 1943.

Jesse220 · January 11, 2019, 01:33:04 PM

This aught to be good.

Tophe · January 11, 2019, 09:34:28 PM

Great project and good start! Congratulations!

sandiego89 · January 17, 2019, 12:22:53 PM

Complete. The Bell P-39 outfitted with a Welland engine for testing under project Bunsen, summer 1944.

1/72 Heller.

nighthunter · January 17, 2019, 01:48:57 PM

Very unique!

The Rat · January 17, 2019, 05:16:54 PM

Nicely done!

Old Wombat · January 17, 2019, 05:56:11 PM

Tophe · January 17, 2019, 07:47:27 PM

Nice model.

As the Welland engine is a turbojet, not rocket engine, I suppose there is an air intake under the belly, yes?

Quote from: nighthunter on January 11, 2019, 06:23:20 AM
It would be cool if someone get a Bell P-63 Kingcobra with the Meteor's engines, as it was currently under development during 1943.

I think the P-39 jet and P-63 jet are described (in the sad world) here:
https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,2380.msg19958.html#msg19958

Dizzyfugu · January 18, 2019, 12:55:14 AM

Quote from: Tophe on January 17, 2019, 07:47:27 PM
Nice model.
As the Welland engine is a turbojet, not rocket engine, I suppose there is an air intake under the belly, yes?

Something I wondered about, too?

Old Wombat · January 18, 2019, 01:48:49 AM

I'm figuring the little red-lipped lumps (sounds like some kind of fish

) on the fuselage just aft of the cockpit are the (somewhat undersized) jet intakes.

zenrat · January 18, 2019, 03:41:20 AM

just another Airacobra...

...oh, hang on...

Very good.