Company pilot Robert Stanley makes the first flight of the Bell RP-63A Kingcobra, a highly unusual modification to the P-63 that allowed the aircraft to be used as a piloted target. These “Pinball” aircraft were heavily armored (even the cockpit glazing was extra thick), and gunnery students would fire “frangible” bullets made of lead and plastic at these aircraft in flight.
End the Standoff, Pay the Troops
Oct. 30, 2025
The government shutdown is putting politics ahead of the needs of the nation, and those entrusted to defend it.
