Placing the Bell P39 Aircobra.

[Franek Grabowski]

P-400 ordered by French? I understand this was a purely British order. Also, it is worth to note the reason behind rejecting by the RAF. Hardly pressed by Soviet demands for Hurricanes and Spitfires,the latter being in short supply, the RAF decided to send Hurricanes to North Africa and then to supply Soviets with American aircraft available. There was a substantial fear of sending new types to North Africa because of critical situation there and a rather poor maintenance and recovery there. Otherwise P-400 would likely see a more active service.