| It is an interesting question. One which will probably remain unanswered, so then the question is, would more power alone addressed its shortcomings? |
The P-39 had a bad reputation with American and British pilots for various real and imaginary vices. Providing more power at higher altitudes may or may not have helped. Chuck Yeager considered it one of the best fighters he ever flew and would have been happy to take it to war. But then he was an excellent pilot who appreciated the P-39s performance and handling and wasn't afraid of it. Below 15,000 feet where the Allison was putting out good power, it was an excellent fighter - look at all the Russians who made ace in it!