Difference between revisions of "P-51H-5-NA"

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{{Specs-Card
 
−
|code=p-51h-5_na
 
−
|cockpit=cockpit_p-51h-5_na.jpg
 
−
}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other versions
 
| usage = other versions
 
| link = P-51 (Family)
 
| link = P-51 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=p-51h-5_na
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_p-51h-5_na.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The P-51H can rightly be considered the apex of the P-51 Mustang. The P-51H was an evolution from the lightweight Mustang experiments conducted in 1944. The biggest addition to the P-51H was the Packard Merlin V-1659-9. It featured an automatic boost control system and water injection. With water injection enabled, the V-1659 could produce a whopping 2,000+ hp although only for short bursts. The P-51H also featured extensive airframe modifications like a shorter carburettor air intake and longer fuselage. In preparation for the upcoming invasion of Japan, around 2,000 P-51Hs were ordered. However, the war was nearing its end and many orders were canceled. The P-51H would never see combat in either the Pacific or European theatres.
−
{{Break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]].
 
  
−
The P-51H-5NA is the last propeller plane in the USAAF fighter line. While retaining all features the earlier versions may offer, its powerplant is upgraded.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an extremely dangerous aircraft. The combination of the powerful Merlin engine and lightweight airframe makes the P-51H a capable dogfighter. It also excels in boom and zoom tactics against enemy planes thanks to the various airframe improvements. Much like the other Mustang variants, the P-51H comes equipped with six M2 Browning machine guns and various loadouts of bombs and rockets. Players will be greatly satisfied with the P-51H's capability against enemy aircraft and ability to attack ground targets.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
−
The P-51H-5NA handles much better than its predecessors. It has a noticeably improved rate of climb that is one of the best in the game when it comes to propeller driven aircraft. It is also an extremely fast aircraft and can out run and climb almost all opponents in most situations. I's turn rate isn't as good as some other aircraft at its rank so don't get into long turning battles that take up large amounts of energy. However, it can turn well at higher speeds, but doing so is more risky considering that other aircraft can dogfight better by turning at lower speeds at a greater rate. The best way to use the advantages of the aircraft's speed and clime-rate is to use boom and zoom tactics. Handling and speed are diminished when bombs are loaded, which is the same for all aircraft. The key to winning in this aircraft is to stay fast, stay high, and pick your battles. It can be an extremely deadly aircraft if flown by an experienced pilot.  
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} handles much better than its predecessors. It has a noticeably improved rate of climb that is one of the best in the game when it comes to propeller-driven aircraft. It is also an extremely fast aircraft and can outrun and outclimb almost all opponents in most situations. Its turn rate isn't as good as some other aircraft at its rank so don't get into long turning battles that take up large amounts of energy. However, it can turn well at higher speeds, but doing so is more risky considering that other aircraft can dogfight better by turning at lower speeds at a greater rate. The best way to use the advantages of the aircraft's speed and climb-rate is to use boom and zoom tactics. Handling and speed are diminished when bombs are loaded, which is the same for all aircraft. The key to winning in this aircraft is to stay fast, stay high, and pick your battles. It can be an extremely deadly aircraft if flown by an experienced pilot.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 651 || 450 || 265 || ~11 || ~4
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 651 || 520 || 265 || ~11 || ~4
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 480 || < 400 || < 420 || > 300
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
Line 72: Line 84:
 
* 6.35 mm Steel plate between the engine and pilot.
 
* 6.35 mm Steel plate between the engine and pilot.
 
* 15.87 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
 
* 15.87 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
Line 80: Line 97:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (260 rpg outer + 260 rpg mid + 390 rpg inner = 1,820 total)
+
* 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (270 rpg outer + 270 rpg mid + 400 rpg inner = 1,880 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)}}
+
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|Mk 78 incendiary}}
 
{{main|HVAR|M8}}
 
{{main|HVAR|M8}}
  
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* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs + 6 x HVAR rockets (500 lb total)
+
* 6 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (500 lb total)
−
* 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs + 6 x HVAR rockets (200 lb total)
+
* 6 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
−
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 6 x HVAR rockets (1,000 lb total)
+
* 6 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x Mk 78 incendiary bombs
 +
* 2 x Mk 78 incendiary bombs + 6 x HVAR rockets
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
The P-51H-5-NA is a high altitude turn fighter. It has impressive performance against most props it may face and it can put a considerable fight against earlier jets. Compared to its German and British counterparts, it outperforms them by a fair amount in engine performance. The P-51H-5-NA can also be used as a strike fighter, as it can have great loadouts of combinations of bombs and rockets for this purpose.
+
The P-51H-5-NA is a high altitude energy fighter. It has impressive performance against most props it may face and it can put a considerable fight against earlier jets. Compared to its German and British counterparts, it outperforms them by a fair amount in engine performance. The P-51H-5-NA can also be used as a strike fighter, as it can have great loadouts of combinations of bombs and rockets for this purpose.
  
 
Whilst having great engine performance, the P-51H-5-NA can turn impressively as well, out-manoeuvring most of its German counterparts. It has good ordnance, capable of shooting any aircraft down with relative ease, as well as being able to dodge incoming attacks by jets. It has a good climb rate which also gives it an option to put up a fight against jet encounters, being able to perform boom and zoom attacks as its energy retention is good. It has a tendency to break its wings while zoom climbing at speeds higher than 550km/h. It also uses high octane fuel, which means it has considerable susceptibility to fire.
 
Whilst having great engine performance, the P-51H-5-NA can turn impressively as well, out-manoeuvring most of its German counterparts. It has good ordnance, capable of shooting any aircraft down with relative ease, as well as being able to dodge incoming attacks by jets. It has a good climb rate which also gives it an option to put up a fight against jet encounters, being able to perform boom and zoom attacks as its energy retention is good. It has a tendency to break its wings while zoom climbing at speeds higher than 550km/h. It also uses high octane fuel, which means it has considerable susceptibility to fire.
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|-
 
|-
 
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Not controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Not controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 12 mm
 
−
|
 
−
| FSBC mk.1
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
|
 
−
| FRC mk.2
 
−
| FSBC mk.5
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| New 12 mm MGs
 
−
|
 
−
| FMBC mk.1
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| G-suit
 
−
| Engine injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
|
 
−
| Rocket Launcher M10
 
−
| FLBC mk.1
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Great top speed for a prop-driven aircraft
+
* Great top speed for a propeller-driven aircraft
−
* Respectable armament of 6 x 12.7mm (.50 calibre) machine guns
+
* Great climb rate
−
* One of the most manoeuvrable P-51s in the game
 
−
* Good climb rate
 
−
* Good payload options
 
 
* Good acceleration
 
* Good acceleration
 +
* Good manoeuvrability
 +
* M2 Browning machine guns are accurate and have lots of ammo
 +
* Good payload options for ground attack
  
−
'''Cons:'''
+
'''Cons'''
  
−
* .50 calibre machine guns aren't nearly as powerful compared to cannons, but will still do the job
+
* M2 Browning machine guns are a bit lacking in damage output
−
* High crew training and purchase cost - the same as the F-80A-5 Shooting Star
+
* Can be uptiered to fight against early jets
−
* Can be up-tiered to fight against early jets
 
 
* Limited WEP, once it runs out the planes performance drops dramatically
 
* Limited WEP, once it runs out the planes performance drops dramatically
−
* High repair cost on both RB and SB
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
The P-51H-5-NA was the last developed and built P-51 aircraft produced by the United States. It was the culmination of all American propeller aircraft technology. Despite this, the aircraft was too late to participate in World War 2 and did not see combat in the Korean War due to the readiness and large numbers of P-51D's in the United States' arsenal. The P-51H-5-NA and propeller aircraft in general began to be replaced by early jet aircraft and would continue to be replaced as jet technology further improved during the late 1940s and 1950s.
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
 
 +
=== Development ===
 +
The US Army approved a contract with North American Aviation to design and build a lightweight P-51 Mustang in July of 1943. The project was designated as the NA-105, and the contract specified five functioning prototypes for testing.
 +
 
 +
North American's chief of design, Edgar Schmued, visited the Supermarine and Rolls-Royce factories in England in February 1943. There, he sought to discover how the Supermarine Spitfire was so much lighter than the Mustang, and also to choose a version of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine to be used in the lightweight Mustang. At the Supermarine factory, they did not have the data he was looking for so they simply weighed all the parts needed to build a Spitfire. It turned out that the British had lower design standards for the Landing gear, angle of attack and side engine design loads. At the Rolls-Royce factory, Schmued discovered the RM.14.SM - a new variant of the Merlin that improved the horsepower to 2,200. The RM.14.SM was not significantly heavier than the earlier engines, so Schmued chose it for the lightweight Mustang design.
 +
 
 +
Upon returning to the United States, Schmued initiated the design process for the lightweight Mustang. The engineers attempted to reduce the weight on every part they could, and the result was an aircraft 600 pounds lighter than the earlier Mustangs. There were several prototypes, designated as the XP-51F, XP-51G, and XP-51J, which were thoroughly tested. The production model (NA-126) was designated as the P-51H, and it most closely resembled the XP-51F. 1,000 P-51H Mustangs were ordered on 30 June 1944.
 +
 
 +
=== Design ===
 +
Despite being originally based on the earlier P-51Ds, the P-51H shared little in common with the earlier models. In fact, almost no parts used on the P-51H were compatible with the P-51D. It differed visually in having smaller landing gear, there was no leading edge kink in the wing, the airframe was longer but thinner, and the belly air scoop was square like on the early Mustang variants. Additionally, the chin scoop for the engine was smaller than on previous versions.
 +
 
 +
The wheels had new disc brakes, the oil cooler was moved from the belly scoop to in front of the oil tank, and the oil used a heat exchanger for cooling. The production version of the P-51H did not end up using the RM.14.SM engine, but instead the Rolls-Royce Merlin V-1650-9 was used. The -9 gave less takeoff power than the V-1650-7, but with a water/alcohol mixture injection the wartime emergency power could be upped to 2,000 hp at 10,200 feet. The P-51H was the last major production variant of the P-51 Mustang, and it was also the fastest; it could go 487 mph at 25,000 feet.
 +
 
 +
The propeller used was the Aeroproducts 11' 1" 4-blade Unimatic, which was much lighter than the propeller used on the P-51D despite having wider blades. The fuel amount in the fuselage tank was increased to 55 gallons. The fuselage skin was made to be thinner than on the earlier Mustangs, but also was made from a lighter alloy. The cockpit was redesigned with simpler controls, the canopy was redesigned and moved forward, and the pilot sat higher up in order to better use the gunsight.
 +
 
 +
The armament of six .50 cal machine guns remained unchanged, but the ammunition stowage was modified. Removable ammunition boxes were added, and new ammo doors were included as well. This sped up the re-arming process and also helped to improve the laminar flow of the wing, which had been impeded by the earlier ammunition door design.
 +
 
 +
=== Testing and Production ===
 +
The first P-51H flew on 3 February 1945, piloted by Bob Chilton. Only three days later, the P-51H-1-NA 44-64160 crashed after the propeller failed. P-51H-1-NA 44-64161, flown by Major J. D. Onerem, was used for extensive testing by the USAAF from the 4th of April to the 14th of April.
 +
 
 +
By VJ Day, 370 P-51H Mustangs had been delivered, and production ended in November 1945 with a total of 555 P-51Hs produced. Despite having ordered more P-51s, only the 555 were completed because of the end of World War 2; all P-51H Mustangs were built at the Inglewood plant in California.
 +
 
 +
==== Variants ====
 +
The first P-51H variant, of which 20 were built, was known as the P-51H-1-NA, and it had the same tail as the P-51D. The second version was known as the P-51H-5-NA, featuring a new, taller tail than the earlier variants; 280 were produced. The final variant was the P-51H-10-NA, of which 255 were completed.
 +
 
 +
=== Service ===
 +
Despite a large number of P-51H Mustangs being delivered before the end of the war, no P-51Hs saw combat in World War 2. During the Korean War, the P-51D was chosen for combat instead of the P-51H, despite having less performance. This was because there was a larger amount of P-51D Mustangs available. The P-51H was used heavily by the Air National Guard units after that period of time, and the last Mustang (a P-51D) was retired in 1957.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
  
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=p-51h-5_na Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-51h-5_na Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
Line 214: Line 218:
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
  
−
* Focke-Wulf [[Fw 190 D-9|Fw 190 D]]
 
−
* Focke-Wulf [[Ta 152 C-3|Ta 152]]
 
 
* Hawker [[Tempest (Family)|Tempest]]
 
* Hawker [[Tempest (Family)|Tempest]]
 
* Kawanishi [[N1K (Family)|N1K]]
 
* Kawanishi [[N1K (Family)|N1K]]
 
* Kawasaki [[Ki-61 (Family)|Ki-100]]
 
* Kawasaki [[Ki-61 (Family)|Ki-100]]
−
* Lavochkin [[La-9]]
 
 
* Messerschmitt [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109]]
 
* Messerschmitt [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109]]
 
* Nakajima [[Ki-84 (Family)|Ki-84]]
 
* Nakajima [[Ki-84 (Family)|Ki-84]]
−
* Supermarine [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfire]]
 
 
* Yakovlev [[Yak-9 (Family)|Yak-9]]
 
* Yakovlev [[Yak-9 (Family)|Yak-9]]
  
Line 228: Line 228:
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 
* [[wt:en/news/4964-development-p-51h-mustang-winged-perfection-en|[Devblog] P-51H Mustang: Winged Perfection]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/4964-development-p-51h-mustang-winged-perfection-en|[Devblog] P-51H Mustang: Winged Perfection]]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/378371-p-51h5/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
* [[Wikipedia:North_American_P-51_Mustang_variants#P-51H|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> North American P-51 Mustang variants - P-51H]]
 
* [[Wikipedia:North_American_P-51_Mustang_variants#P-51H|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> North American P-51 Mustang variants - P-51H]]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
 
{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
 
{{USA fighters}}
 
{{USA fighters}}

Latest revision as of 18:26, 8 June 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the American fighter P-51H-5-NA. For other versions, see P-51 (Family).
P-51H-5-NA
p-51h-5_na.png
GarageImage P-51H-5-NA.jpg
ArtImage P-51H-5-NA.png
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/8/80/Cockpit_p-51h-5_na.jpg
P-51H-5-NA
USA flag.png USA
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.0 6.3 6.7
Class:
Research:54 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:185 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The P-51H can rightly be considered the apex of the P-51 Mustang. The P-51H was an evolution from the lightweight Mustang experiments conducted in 1944. The biggest addition to the P-51H was the Packard Merlin V-1659-9. It featured an automatic boost control system and water injection. With water injection enabled, the V-1659 could produce a whopping 2,000+ hp although only for short bursts. The P-51H also featured extensive airframe modifications like a shorter carburettor air intake and longer fuselage. In preparation for the upcoming invasion of Japan, around 2,000 P-51Hs were ordered. However, the war was nearing its end and many orders were canceled. The P-51H would never see combat in either the Pacific or European theatres.

Introduced in Update 1.71 "New E.R.A.", the P-51H-5-NA is an extremely dangerous aircraft. The combination of the powerful Merlin engine and lightweight airframe makes the P-51H a capable dogfighter. It also excels in boom and zoom tactics against enemy planes thanks to the various airframe improvements. Much like the other Mustang variants, the P-51H comes equipped with six M2 Browning machine guns and various loadouts of bombs and rockets. Players will be greatly satisfied with the P-51H's capability against enemy aircraft and ability to attack ground targets.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 7 000 m776 km/h
Turn time19 s
Max altitude13 000 m
EnginePackard 1650-9
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight5 t

The P-51H-5-NA handles much better than its predecessors. It has a noticeably improved rate of climb that is one of the best in the game when it comes to propeller-driven aircraft. It is also an extremely fast aircraft and can outrun and outclimb almost all opponents in most situations. Its turn rate isn't as good as some other aircraft at its rank so don't get into long turning battles that take up large amounts of energy. However, it can turn well at higher speeds, but doing so is more risky considering that other aircraft can dogfight better by turning at lower speeds at a greater rate. The best way to use the advantages of the aircraft's speed and climb-rate is to use boom and zoom tactics. Handling and speed are diminished when bombs are loaded, which is the same for all aircraft. The key to winning in this aircraft is to stay fast, stay high, and pick your battles. It can be an extremely deadly aircraft if flown by an experienced pilot.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 7,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 736 717 13000 19.6 20.8 12.1 12.1 396
Upgraded 828 776 18.7 19.0 27.0 18.2

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
887 281 651 520 265 ~11 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 480 < 400 < 420 > 300

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural887 km/h
Gear281 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot.
  • 19.05 mm Steel plate in front of the engine.
  • 6.35 mm Steel plate between the engine and pilot.
  • 15.87 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 495 → 3 293 Sl icon.png
RB6 107 → 8 061 Sl icon.png
SB9 526 → 12 574 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications47 000 Rp icon.png
85 500 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 500 Ge icon.png
Crew training52 000 Sl icon.png
Experts185 000 Sl icon.png
Aces940 Ge icon.png
Research Aces480 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 220 / 530 % Sl icon.png
166 / 166 / 166 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
Mk78
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FSBC mk.1
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
FRC mk.2
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FSBC mk.5
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FMBC mk.1
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Rocket Launcher M10
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FLBC mk.1
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The P-51H-5-NA is armed with:

  • 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (270 rpg outer + 270 rpg mid + 400 rpg inner = 1,880 total)

Suspended armament

Main articles: AN-M30A1 (100 lb), AN-M57 (250 lb), AN-M64A1 (500 lb), AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb), Mk 78 incendiary
Main articles: HVAR, M8

The P-51H-5-NA can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 6 x HVAR rockets
  • 6 x M8 rockets
  • 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
  • 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (500 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 6 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (500 lb total)
  • 6 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
  • 6 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x Mk 78 incendiary bombs
  • 2 x Mk 78 incendiary bombs + 6 x HVAR rockets

Usage in battles

The P-51H-5-NA is a high altitude energy fighter. It has impressive performance against most props it may face and it can put a considerable fight against earlier jets. Compared to its German and British counterparts, it outperforms them by a fair amount in engine performance. The P-51H-5-NA can also be used as a strike fighter, as it can have great loadouts of combinations of bombs and rockets for this purpose.

Whilst having great engine performance, the P-51H-5-NA can turn impressively as well, out-manoeuvring most of its German counterparts. It has good ordnance, capable of shooting any aircraft down with relative ease, as well as being able to dodge incoming attacks by jets. It has a good climb rate which also gives it an option to put up a fight against jet encounters, being able to perform boom and zoom attacks as its energy retention is good. It has a tendency to break its wings while zoom climbing at speeds higher than 550km/h. It also uses high octane fuel, which means it has considerable susceptibility to fire.

At low altitude, fighting with a turn fighter mindset will mostly work. If jets are present, try not to drop your speeds too much, as you may need to dodge multiple shots. The P-51H-5-NA will not perform as good against jets, as it does not have comparable speeds. Boom and Zoom attacks are the most effective against jets, as this manoeuvre mostly removes the speed out of the equation.

Most enemies faced by the P-51H-5-NA will be easily taken down, but unfortunately it also faces jets from time to time. Me 262 and Ho 229 are the biggest predators of this plane. The Ho 229 will out-turn you while the Me 262 will outrun you.

Since the P-51H-5-NA has a good engine and fast climb rate, you should be higher than ALL the enemies since it's going to be hard for allied planes to turn fight with both German and Japanese planes. This is one of the main advantages of American planes: powerful engines, to out-climb and out-speed most of their German counters, because most of the time, even a 1v1 turn-fight with a Bf 109 and Fw 190 will result of you being defeated assuming the pilot knows how to fly, in order to avoid this, Boom and Zoom is the best way to get a kill with a P-51H-5-NA.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Auto control available 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Combined Not controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great top speed for a propeller-driven aircraft
  • Great climb rate
  • Good acceleration
  • Good manoeuvrability
  • M2 Browning machine guns are accurate and have lots of ammo
  • Good payload options for ground attack

Cons

  • M2 Browning machine guns are a bit lacking in damage output
  • Can be uptiered to fight against early jets
  • Limited WEP, once it runs out the planes performance drops dramatically

History

Development

The US Army approved a contract with North American Aviation to design and build a lightweight P-51 Mustang in July of 1943. The project was designated as the NA-105, and the contract specified five functioning prototypes for testing.

North American's chief of design, Edgar Schmued, visited the Supermarine and Rolls-Royce factories in England in February 1943. There, he sought to discover how the Supermarine Spitfire was so much lighter than the Mustang, and also to choose a version of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine to be used in the lightweight Mustang. At the Supermarine factory, they did not have the data he was looking for so they simply weighed all the parts needed to build a Spitfire. It turned out that the British had lower design standards for the Landing gear, angle of attack and side engine design loads. At the Rolls-Royce factory, Schmued discovered the RM.14.SM - a new variant of the Merlin that improved the horsepower to 2,200. The RM.14.SM was not significantly heavier than the earlier engines, so Schmued chose it for the lightweight Mustang design.

Upon returning to the United States, Schmued initiated the design process for the lightweight Mustang. The engineers attempted to reduce the weight on every part they could, and the result was an aircraft 600 pounds lighter than the earlier Mustangs. There were several prototypes, designated as the XP-51F, XP-51G, and XP-51J, which were thoroughly tested. The production model (NA-126) was designated as the P-51H, and it most closely resembled the XP-51F. 1,000 P-51H Mustangs were ordered on 30 June 1944.

Design

Despite being originally based on the earlier P-51Ds, the P-51H shared little in common with the earlier models. In fact, almost no parts used on the P-51H were compatible with the P-51D. It differed visually in having smaller landing gear, there was no leading edge kink in the wing, the airframe was longer but thinner, and the belly air scoop was square like on the early Mustang variants. Additionally, the chin scoop for the engine was smaller than on previous versions.

The wheels had new disc brakes, the oil cooler was moved from the belly scoop to in front of the oil tank, and the oil used a heat exchanger for cooling. The production version of the P-51H did not end up using the RM.14.SM engine, but instead the Rolls-Royce Merlin V-1650-9 was used. The -9 gave less takeoff power than the V-1650-7, but with a water/alcohol mixture injection the wartime emergency power could be upped to 2,000 hp at 10,200 feet. The P-51H was the last major production variant of the P-51 Mustang, and it was also the fastest; it could go 487 mph at 25,000 feet.

The propeller used was the Aeroproducts 11' 1" 4-blade Unimatic, which was much lighter than the propeller used on the P-51D despite having wider blades. The fuel amount in the fuselage tank was increased to 55 gallons. The fuselage skin was made to be thinner than on the earlier Mustangs, but also was made from a lighter alloy. The cockpit was redesigned with simpler controls, the canopy was redesigned and moved forward, and the pilot sat higher up in order to better use the gunsight.

The armament of six .50 cal machine guns remained unchanged, but the ammunition stowage was modified. Removable ammunition boxes were added, and new ammo doors were included as well. This sped up the re-arming process and also helped to improve the laminar flow of the wing, which had been impeded by the earlier ammunition door design.

Testing and Production

The first P-51H flew on 3 February 1945, piloted by Bob Chilton. Only three days later, the P-51H-1-NA 44-64160 crashed after the propeller failed. P-51H-1-NA 44-64161, flown by Major J. D. Onerem, was used for extensive testing by the USAAF from the 4th of April to the 14th of April.

By VJ Day, 370 P-51H Mustangs had been delivered, and production ended in November 1945 with a total of 555 P-51Hs produced. Despite having ordered more P-51s, only the 555 were completed because of the end of World War 2; all P-51H Mustangs were built at the Inglewood plant in California.

Variants

The first P-51H variant, of which 20 were built, was known as the P-51H-1-NA, and it had the same tail as the P-51D. The second version was known as the P-51H-5-NA, featuring a new, taller tail than the earlier variants; 280 were produced. The final variant was the P-51H-10-NA, of which 255 were completed.

Service

Despite a large number of P-51H Mustangs being delivered before the end of the war, no P-51Hs saw combat in World War 2. During the Korean War, the P-51D was chosen for combat instead of the P-51H, despite having less performance. This was because there was a larger amount of P-51D Mustangs available. The P-51H was used heavily by the Air National Guard units after that period of time, and the last Mustang (a P-51D) was retired in 1957.

Media

Skins
Videos
Last piston fighters discusses the P-51H-5-NA at 0:42 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Other variants in-game
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


North American Aviation
Fighters 
P-51A  P-51 · P-51A
P-51C  P-51C-10
P-51D  P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30
P-51H  P-51H-5-NA
Twin-engine fighters  F-82E
Jet fighters  F-86A-5 · F-86F-2 · F-86F-25 · F-86F-35 · F-100D
Strike aircraft  A-36 · PBJ-1H · PBJ-1J
  FJ-4B · FJ-4B VMF-232
Bombers  B-25J-1 · B-25J-20
Export/Licence  ▂B-25J-30 · ␗B-25J-30
  ▄Mustang Mk IA · F-6C-10-NA · ␗P-51C-11-NT · ␗P-51D-20 · J26 David · J26 · P-51D-20-NA · ␗P-51K
  F-86F-30 ▅ · ␗F-86F-30 · F-86F-40 ▅ · F-86F-40 JASDF▅ · ␗F-86F-40
  ◄F-86K · ▄F-86K (Italy) · ▄F-86K (France)
  ␗F-100A · ▄F-100D · ␗F-100F
Captured  ▅P-51C-11-NT
  Canadair Limited license-built the F-86 as the CL-13 for use in Canada and export to Europe.
  Fiat license-built the F-86K for the Italian Air Force though another 120 NAA built F-86Ks were also sold to the Italians.
See Also  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries · Canadair Limited · Fiat Aviation

USA fighters
P-26 Peashooter  P-26A-33 · P-26A-34 · P-26A-34 M2 · P-26B-35
P-36 Hawk  P-36A · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-36C · ○P-36C · P-36G
P-39 Airacobra  P-400 · P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
P-40  P-40C · P-40E-1 · P-40E-1 TD · P-40F-10
P-43 Lancer  P-43A-1
P-47 Thunderbolt  P-47D-22-RE · P-47D-25 · P-47D-28 · P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-47N-15
P-51 Mustang  P-51 · P-51A (Thunder League) · P-51C-10 · P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30 · P-51H-5-NA
P-63 Kingcobra  P-63A-5 · P-63A-10 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Prototypes  XP-55
F2A Buffalo  F2A-1 · Thach's F2A-1 · F2A-3
BF2C  BF2C-1
F3F  F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2
F4F Wildcat  F4F-3 · F4F-4
F4U Corsair  F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1D · F4U-1C · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214 · F2G-1
F6F Hellcat  F6F-5 · F6F-5N
F8F Bearcat  F8F-1 · F8F-1B
Other countries  ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃A6M2 · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc

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