WW2 Fixed Wing Gunships

Red Air Force fighter pilots swore by the P-39. Down on the deck, max speed, someone closes on you, turn tight, fire the 37mm as they pass in front of you, and goodbye. 20mm smashed up a fighter. 37mm blew them apart. They were used as anti-tank guns after all, with a helluva lot higher rate of fire than a Stuart tank!

In fact, the t-9 37mm cannon on the Cobry was ineffective as a tank killer due to low muzzle velocity. AP ammunition could only pierce 1 inch at close range, and the Soviets didn't ask for or receive any AP rounds. The explosive round did a good job on aluminum.
 
In fact, the t-9 37mm cannon on the Cobry was ineffective as a tank killer due to low muzzle velocity. AP ammunition could only pierce 1 inch at close range, and the Soviets didn't ask for or receive any AP rounds. The explosive round did a good job on aluminum.
Except that armour on the tops was usually a lot lighter... Certainly, low velocity 37mm rounds would do nothing against frontal armour.
 
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