Difference between revisions of "P-51D-5"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
  
 +
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''P-51D-5 Mustang''' is a Rank IV American fighter with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB), 4.3 (RB), and 5.0 (SB). It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.
 +
 +
The P-51D is, undoubtedly, the shining star of the USAF branch. With its sleek laminar-flow wing, classic American M2 Brownings, high-visibility cockpit, and immensely powerful engine, the P-51 is most definitely a force to be reckoned with. It is endowed with very good high-altitude traits, endurance, and speed. Use it accordingly.
 +
 +
[[File:HistoricImage P51 assembly.jpg|thumbnail|left|P-51D on the Inglewood assembly line, the fully “semi-monocoque” fuselage lowered on the one piece wing. ''From'' -> "[[Structures_of_aircraft|Structures of aircraft]]" article]]
 +
 +
As standard with the USAAF, the Mustang has six M2 Browning in the wing. It can load bombs and rockets like most other planes in the USAAF. The armament, though effective, still requires patience to master. The M2s have a great range, but the damage decreases substantially as your proximity from your opponent increases. It is best to shoot for the engines and wings of any plane, because fuselage shots will waste your ammunition.
 +
 +
The armament is pretty versatile: The 12.7 mm M2 machine guns can easily destroy most soft targets: [[:Category:Light tanks|Light tanks]], AAA, [[:Category:Anti-aircraft vehicles|SPAA]], soft ground units, artillery, etc. Against bombers and heavy fighters the incendiary rounds will effectively set them alight.
 +
 +
The ground attack capability of the Mustang is notable, as it can carry 2 heavy 1000 lb. bombs, as well as 6 rockets. Thus, the Mustang is also an effective attacker/ground attack aircraft.
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight Performance ===
 
=== Flight Performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,620 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 672 || 653 || 12,700 || 24.4 || 24.8 || 12.8 || 14.7 || 396
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,620 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 724 || 698 || 12,700 || 21.7 || 23.0 || 25.2 || 18.0 || 396
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
====Details====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flap
 +
! Take-off flap
 +
! Landing flap
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! +
 +
! -
 +
|-
 +
| 821 || 281 || 651 || ~16 || ~7
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 +
|-
 +
| < 460 || < 425 || < 440 || > 257
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 2,591 m || 1,580 hp || 1,728 hp
 +
|-
 +
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 6,401 m || 1,310 hp || 1,433 hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|- -->
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Pilot's windscreen
 +
* 19.05 mm Steel - Fore engine plate
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armor plate
 +
* 8 mm Steel - Plate behind pilot's seat
 +
* 11 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
''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|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 6 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (500 rpg inner + 270 rpg outer x2 = 2080 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
''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|Bombs|Rockets}}
  
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinances:
 +
 +
* 6 x 127 mm HVAR rockets
 +
* 6 x 114 mm 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 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 6 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
 +
* 6 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
<!--
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
 
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
 +
-->
 +
== Usage in the battles ==
 +
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).''-->
 +
Of course, unlike AB and RB, the P-51 can fully utilize its capabilities. With a BR of 4.3, it performance far better than most equivalently ranked aircraft such as the FW-190 A-4. Climb rate is impressive and the 6 MGs have a very good ammo capacity, even more with the free reloads in AB.
 +
 +
In both all battle modes side-climbing and then Boom & Zooming are by far the most effective tactics for use with the Mustang. Once at a high altitude dispatching bombers and preying fighters is quite easy, given the high endurance and weaponry of the P-51. '''ALWAYS''' maintain significant energy amounts and speed with the P-51- the Mustang relies on energy to perform. Speeds lower than 400 km/h result in extremely sluggish performance and thus destruction. Therefore, always keep the speed and altitude.
 +
 +
Especially in RB, maintaining altitude is imperative with the P-51D. Without altitude, one will most definitely fall prey to faster climbers such as the Fw 190 D. By keeping speed the P-51 is also a very effective dog fighter.
 +
 +
The P-51D has a very high stall speed. You'd be better off to not stall in this plane. Only do it when necessary and when you know  you're safe to do it. Knowing when to use flaps is important, as the aircraft lacks an airbrake.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
Never go head on/heads up/ head-to-head with this plane. Your fragile airframe will be shredded by 20 mm, 23 mm, 30 mm, 37 mm, and 45 mm cannons which is plentiful at the level it fights. Avoid such situations.
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).''
+
 
 +
Surprisingly the Mustang is a good dog fighter at speeds above 400 kph, but not good enough to beat [[Spitfire_LF._Mk_IX|Spitfires]], or [[:Category:Japan_air_forces|Japanese planes]]. Thankfully, you will rarely battle any allied planes, if not at all. However, if caught by your main opponents, such as the Bf-109 or A6M5, out-running them and employing boom-and-zoom tactics will be very effective.
 +
 
 +
The 6 M2 Browning HMGs are very effective with the P-51. When combined with the "Tracer belt" (which is composed entirely with the extremely effective M20 APIT rounds), the Mustang's weapons are a force to be reckoned with. With bombers, a good burst to the engine is enough to send it up in flames. Not only are the guns powerful they possess very high ammunition capacity- 2000 rounds total- plenty for an entire game. Even more, once you reach 480 rounds left the P-51 fires only from 2 outboard M2s, providing additional endurance for the price of lower damage and power. This can be highly advantageous in RB and SB, but extremely disadvantageous in arcade.
 +
 
 +
Cockpit visibility is very impressive in SB due to the bubble cockpit. Visibility is superior to all planes in the 4-6 BR range aside from the P-47 or Griffin Spits.
 +
 
 +
===Manual Engine Control===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" |Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil
 +
! Water
 +
! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===Modules===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
!colspan = "1"| Tier
 +
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
 +
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
 +
!colspan = "3"| Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage Reapir
 +
| 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
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 +
*The stock Mustang has fairly poor performance. Acceleration and climb rate is terrible. This can be rectified by grinding down the performance modifications. The "Offensive 12.7 mm" should be researched immediately, and stealth ammo equipped. Avoiding researching ground attack mods until you research performance mods first, that includes the very important "G-Suit", as it greatly increases high-speed g-tolerance.
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
* Outstanding Boom & Zoom capability
 +
* Great performance at altitude
 +
* Very fast at all altitudes, especially with a leveling-out dive
 +
* Very agile at high speeds
 +
* Good cockpit visibility
 +
* Plenty of ammo
 +
* High energy retention in turns
 +
* Large fuel capacity (45 minutes flight time)
 +
* Tracers consist entirely of API-T rounds, giving the 12.7 mm a significantly bigger punch than other machine guns
 +
* Fantastic top speed and acceleration when spaded
 +
* Very good sustained climb rate when spaded
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
* Relatively prone to catching fire
 +
* High stall speed
 +
* Only utilizes machines guns, no cannons
 +
* Poor performance and climb, relatively low acceleration when stock
 +
* Sluggish when carrying bombs and rockets ''(Increased weight and drag)''
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!--''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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
 +
In April of 1940 the British Purchasing Commission visited the United Sates in the hope of securing a new fighter to supplement their Spitfire and Hurricane. They approached the North American Aircraft Company with the proposal to build P-40s under license from Curtiss. Instead, North American proposed the idea of building a brand new superior fighter. The BPC accepted the proposal and the first prototype was set to be completed within 120 days. The design team was led by Lee Atwood, Raymond Rice, and Edgar Schmued (a German-born Austrian who was previously employed by Fokker). They quickly set to work on the new prototype designated NA-73X. The original prototype was assembled in 117 days and first flew on October 26, 1940. A majority of the early Mustangs produced were primarily used for testing by the USAAC. Shortly thereafter 320 NA-73s were ordered by the BPC. The first production model destined for the RAF made its maiden flight on May 1, 1941. The Lend-Lease contract was approved later that year on September 25th. These aircraft were designated Mustang I.
 +
 
 +
The Allison power-plant used on the early Mustangs was not designed for high altitude performance. In August of 1942, Major Thomas Hitchcock approached senior officers in the U.S. Army for a solution. He proposed the Mustang could be easily developed into a high altitude long-range fighter through the conversion to the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. America's World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker also endorsed the idea. Five Mustang Is were delivered to Rolls-Royce for the conversion and Merlin 65 engines were fitted to the airframe. Rolls-Royce would allow the Packard company to build the Merlin engines under license and this would be the answer to the USAAF's long-range fighter problem.
 +
 
 +
The P-51D was powered by a Packard Merlin V-1650-7 engine. The aircraft was fitted with six 12.7 mm Machine guns, a reflex gun sight, and a bubble canopy. A total of 7.956 D variant Mustangs were built. 
 +
 
 +
The P-51D saw front-line service with the Eight Air-force immediately following D-Day. It quickly excelled as a high-altitude escort fighter. 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 40: Line 285:
  
 
== Read also ==
 
== Read also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
−
''ETC.''
+
''ETC.''-->
 +
* [http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/12541-p-51d-mustang/ Official discussion topic on the WT forum]
 +
* [http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23p51 Camouflages for the P-51 on live.warthunder]
  
 
== Sources ==
 
== Sources ==
Line 50: Line 297:
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{USA fighters}}

Revision as of 00:43, 23 November 2018

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
P-51D-5
p-51d-5.png
P-51D-5
USA flag.png USA
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.0 4.0 5.0
Class:
Research:13 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:76 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage P-51D-5.jpg


The P-51D-5 Mustang is a Rank IV American fighter with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB), 4.3 (RB), and 5.0 (SB). It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.

The P-51D is, undoubtedly, the shining star of the USAF branch. With its sleek laminar-flow wing, classic American M2 Brownings, high-visibility cockpit, and immensely powerful engine, the P-51 is most definitely a force to be reckoned with. It is endowed with very good high-altitude traits, endurance, and speed. Use it accordingly.

P-51D on the Inglewood assembly line, the fully “semi-monocoque” fuselage lowered on the one piece wing. From -> "Structures of aircraft" article

As standard with the USAAF, the Mustang has six M2 Browning in the wing. It can load bombs and rockets like most other planes in the USAAF. The armament, though effective, still requires patience to master. The M2s have a great range, but the damage decreases substantially as your proximity from your opponent increases. It is best to shoot for the engines and wings of any plane, because fuselage shots will waste your ammunition.

The armament is pretty versatile: The 12.7 mm M2 machine guns can easily destroy most soft targets: Light tanks, AAA, SPAA, soft ground units, artillery, etc. Against bombers and heavy fighters the incendiary rounds will effectively set them alight.

The ground attack capability of the Mustang is notable, as it can carry 2 heavy 1000 lb. bombs, as well as 6 rockets. Thus, the Mustang is also an effective attacker/ground attack aircraft.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 7,620 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
672 653 12,700 24.4 24.8 12.8 14.7 396
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 7,620 m) 		Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
724 698 12,700 21.7 23.0 25.2 18.0 396

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flap
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
821 281 651 ~16 ~7
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 460 < 425 < 440 > 257
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
2,591 m 1,580 hp 1,728 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Pilot's windscreen
  • 19.05 mm Steel - Fore engine plate
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armor plate
  • 8 mm Steel - Plate behind pilot's seat
  • 11 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The P-51D-5 is armed with:

  • 6 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (500 rpg inner + 270 rpg outer x2 = 2080 total)

Suspended armament

Main articles: Bombs, Rockets

The P-51D-5 can be outfitted with the following ordinances:

  • 6 x 127 mm HVAR rockets
  • 6 x 114 mm 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 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 6 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
  • 6 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)

Usage in the battles

Of course, unlike AB and RB, the P-51 can fully utilize its capabilities. With a BR of 4.3, it performance far better than most equivalently ranked aircraft such as the FW-190 A-4. Climb rate is impressive and the 6 MGs have a very good ammo capacity, even more with the free reloads in AB.

In both all battle modes side-climbing and then Boom & Zooming are by far the most effective tactics for use with the Mustang. Once at a high altitude dispatching bombers and preying fighters is quite easy, given the high endurance and weaponry of the P-51. ALWAYS maintain significant energy amounts and speed with the P-51- the Mustang relies on energy to perform. Speeds lower than 400 km/h result in extremely sluggish performance and thus destruction. Therefore, always keep the speed and altitude.

Especially in RB, maintaining altitude is imperative with the P-51D. Without altitude, one will most definitely fall prey to faster climbers such as the Fw 190 D. By keeping speed the P-51 is also a very effective dog fighter.

The P-51D has a very high stall speed. You'd be better off to not stall in this plane. Only do it when necessary and when you know you're safe to do it. Knowing when to use flaps is important, as the aircraft lacks an airbrake.

Never go head on/heads up/ head-to-head with this plane. Your fragile airframe will be shredded by 20 mm, 23 mm, 30 mm, 37 mm, and 45 mm cannons which is plentiful at the level it fights. Avoid such situations.

Surprisingly the Mustang is a good dog fighter at speeds above 400 kph, but not good enough to beat Spitfires, or Japanese planes. Thankfully, you will rarely battle any allied planes, if not at all. However, if caught by your main opponents, such as the Bf-109 or A6M5, out-running them and employing boom-and-zoom tactics will be very effective.

The 6 M2 Browning HMGs are very effective with the P-51. When combined with the "Tracer belt" (which is composed entirely with the extremely effective M20 APIT rounds), the Mustang's weapons are a force to be reckoned with. With bombers, a good burst to the engine is enough to send it up in flames. Not only are the guns powerful they possess very high ammunition capacity- 2000 rounds total- plenty for an entire game. Even more, once you reach 480 rounds left the P-51 fires only from 2 outboard M2s, providing additional endurance for the price of lower damage and power. This can be highly advantageous in RB and SB, but extremely disadvantageous in arcade.

Cockpit visibility is very impressive in SB due to the bubble cockpit. Visibility is superior to all planes in the 4-6 BR range aside from the P-47 or Griffin Spits.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Not controllable Not controllable Not controllable Separate Not ontrollable Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Reapir 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
  • The stock Mustang has fairly poor performance. Acceleration and climb rate is terrible. This can be rectified by grinding down the performance modifications. The "Offensive 12.7 mm" should be researched immediately, and stealth ammo equipped. Avoiding researching ground attack mods until you research performance mods first, that includes the very important "G-Suit", as it greatly increases high-speed g-tolerance.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Outstanding Boom & Zoom capability
  • Great performance at altitude
  • Very fast at all altitudes, especially with a leveling-out dive
  • Very agile at high speeds
  • Good cockpit visibility
  • Plenty of ammo
  • High energy retention in turns
  • Large fuel capacity (45 minutes flight time)
  • Tracers consist entirely of API-T rounds, giving the 12.7 mm a significantly bigger punch than other machine guns
  • Fantastic top speed and acceleration when spaded
  • Very good sustained climb rate when spaded

Cons:

  • Relatively prone to catching fire
  • High stall speed
  • Only utilizes machines guns, no cannons
  • Poor performance and climb, relatively low acceleration when stock
  • Sluggish when carrying bombs and rockets (Increased weight and drag)

History

In April of 1940 the British Purchasing Commission visited the United Sates in the hope of securing a new fighter to supplement their Spitfire and Hurricane. They approached the North American Aircraft Company with the proposal to build P-40s under license from Curtiss. Instead, North American proposed the idea of building a brand new superior fighter. The BPC accepted the proposal and the first prototype was set to be completed within 120 days. The design team was led by Lee Atwood, Raymond Rice, and Edgar Schmued (a German-born Austrian who was previously employed by Fokker). They quickly set to work on the new prototype designated NA-73X. The original prototype was assembled in 117 days and first flew on October 26, 1940. A majority of the early Mustangs produced were primarily used for testing by the USAAC. Shortly thereafter 320 NA-73s were ordered by the BPC. The first production model destined for the RAF made its maiden flight on May 1, 1941. The Lend-Lease contract was approved later that year on September 25th. These aircraft were designated Mustang I.

The Allison power-plant used on the early Mustangs was not designed for high altitude performance. In August of 1942, Major Thomas Hitchcock approached senior officers in the U.S. Army for a solution. He proposed the Mustang could be easily developed into a high altitude long-range fighter through the conversion to the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. America's World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker also endorsed the idea. Five Mustang Is were delivered to Rolls-Royce for the conversion and Merlin 65 engines were fitted to the airframe. Rolls-Royce would allow the Packard company to build the Merlin engines under license and this would be the answer to the USAAF's long-range fighter problem.

The P-51D was powered by a Packard Merlin V-1650-7 engine. The aircraft was fitted with six 12.7 mm Machine guns, a reflex gun sight, and a bubble canopy. A total of 7.956 D variant Mustangs were built.

The P-51D saw front-line service with the Eight Air-force immediately following D-Day. It quickly excelled as a high-altitude escort fighter.

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

Read also

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • page on aircraft encyclopedia;
  • other literature.


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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