The Allison V-1710-41 engines, though relatively trouble-free in other types, had insufficient cooling systems installed. Like many pusher designs, they were prone to overheating while on the ground, since there is no propwash blowing over the engines to cool them. On the ground, the aircraft had to be towed to and from the runway and could only be started when the Airacuda was able to take off immediately. Even in the air it was not uncommon to experience overheating problems. Although designed for turbo-supercharging, the first flights were made with V-1710-9 single-stage supercharged engines that only delivered each. Despite the -long shaft extensions, there were no problems with this feature. When the turbos were fitted to the later YFM-1, they were plagued by cranky turbo regulators that backfired continuously. An explosion during a September 1939 test flight made it apparent that the teething engine troubles would not be solved easily.