Difference between revisions of "P-51"

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(Added basic information and tables.)
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{{Specs-Card|code=p-51_mk1a_usaaf}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=p-51_mk1a_usaaf}}
 +
{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For other uses, see [[P-51_(Disambiguation)|P-51 (Disambiguation)]]''}}
 +
== 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.''-->
  
== Description ==
+
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
''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.''
+
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{BR2}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"]].
 +
 
 +
The P-51 Mustang retains a lot of the traits that you may find in its later variants. The main difference comes from the limited Allison power plant and its formidable armament of 4 x [[Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.II 20 mm cannons]]. The plane may not climb very well but does retain the traits of an energy fighter. Even with is limited climb rate the aircraft's dive-speed is excellent. The aircraft's maneuverability is average at best. The armament is the true advantage of this aircraft. The best way to use the P-51 is for Boom & Zoom. Your 20 mm cannons are powerful but with only 500 rounds do not try to bite off more than you can chew.  
  
 +
The P-51, when fully upgraded, is an extremely deadly opponent, especially as a Rank II. The engine will have a hard time hitting the "overheated" mark, even when using WEP. Use caution though, as the engine will retain its heat when constantly on 100% power, so it takes a bit to cool down. Also be sure to utilize your flaps: they are a major asset to the plane's overall turn-fighting ability and sometimes allow it to survive a Russian turn-fight. This is an awesome plane for those just starting out in Realistic Battles, as the 20 mm cannons are good at scoring quick kills.
 
== 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 5,200 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
 +
|-
 +
| 591 || 580 || 8,839 || 21.6 || 22.2 || 6.4 || 8.5 || 491
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,200 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
 +
|-
 +
| 677 || 631 || 8,839 || 19.6 || 20.0 || 23.4 || 13.1|| 491
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
====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
 +
|-
 +
! +
 +
! -
 +
|-
 +
| 845 || 295 || 652 || ~15 || ~8
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| 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)
 +
|-
 +
| < 600 || < 425 || < 440 || > 210
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 3,597 m || 1,150 hp || 1,599 hp
 +
|-
 +
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? 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.''-->
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armor plate
 +
* 15.87 mm Steel - Armor plate behind pilot's seat
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armored windscreen
  
 
== 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|Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)}}
  
=== Suspended armament ===
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (125 rpg = 500 total)
 +
 
 +
<!--=== 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.''
 +
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Main article:&nbsp;'''[[:Category:Suspended armaments|Bombs]]'''''
  
 
=== 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).''-->
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
===Manual Engine Control===
''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).''
+
{| 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 = "1"| Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage Repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 20 mm
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
| New 20 mm Cannons
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings Repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| Mk.II year 1942
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
|
 +
| Engine Injection
 +
| Cover
 +
| MK.II year 1943
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
* The P-51 Mustang can seem a very underwhelming aircraft at first. The Primary module to focus on for early success is the 20 mm Ammo Belts. Ground attack belts will give you more consistent results as an attacker and the Air Target belts can be devastating against your opponent. After you have armed your aircraft began focusing on performance upgrades.
  
 
=== 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:'''
*
+
* Powerful armament
 +
* Can easily tackle higher BR foes (AB)
 +
* Great dive-speed and acceleration
 +
* High energy retention- Good performance at high speeds
 +
* Gains access to British belt load-outs, including the devastating air-targets belt
 +
* Air target belts are stealth (AB)
 +
* Very efficient at killing bombers
 +
* Good roll rate
 +
* Can be very deadly in the hands of a skilled pilot, especially in AB
 +
* Very good choice for beginners to practice the 20 mm Hispano ballistics
 +
* 20 mm guns on the Mustang are mounted in close proximity, dealing a deadly double punch when hitting
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
+
* Air target belts are stealth (RB/SB)
 +
* No separate gun control
 +
* No payload options available
 +
* Firing guns slows the plane down
 +
* Mediocre climb rate
 +
* Low maximum altitude
 +
* Poor visibility in simulator mode
 +
* Hispano cannons overheat extremely quickly and are inaccurate unless upgraded
 +
* Low ammo capacity compared to machine gun-armed variants
 +
* Air target belts will have difficulties when hitting armored parts of enemy planes
 +
* Priority target when you are playing AB due to it's reputation of scoring kills with relative ease, smart players will try to eliminate you first.
 +
* Minimal elevator authority without the engine producing net thrust as the plane heavily relies heavily on streamline effect along the tail for elevator authority. Aircraft Should not be landed with flaps down without an engine.
  
 
== 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.''-->
 +
The North American P-51 was born when the British Government showed interest in purchasing the Curtiss P-40C. Curtiss was at max production capacity. The British inquired to North American Aviation if they would build it under license for them. North American agreed, but they wanted to build a better aircraft. A condition of the sale from North American to the British was to supply the U.S. Army with two samples free of charge. The original prototypes were designated XP-51. The U.S. Army was given fourth and tenth aircraft. One of them can still be found at the EAA Museum in OshKosh, Wisconsin. Testing of the two prototypes started in October of 1941. The new aircraft received high marks and was clearly superior to other U.S. fighters at that time. Although, the U.S. Army decided to not immediately place orders.
 +
 
 +
The first order of Mustangs to the British were designated Mustang I. The RAF received these aircraft behind schedule in October of 1941. Problems showed up immediately including the Allison power-plant and other design flaws. It is also important to note the Mustang Mk I's armament consisting of four .30 Cal machine guns mounted in the wings. A set of two .50 Cal mounted in the wings as well and two .50 Cal machine guns mounted in the nose.
 +
 
 +
The next evolution of this aircraft was designated [[Mustang Mk IA]]. Due to the recently signed Lend Lease Act the U.S. Army was able to place an order for 150 more Mustangs on behalf of the British. These aircraft were equipped with Four 20 mm [[Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.II]] cannons and were mounted in the wings. Only 93 of the New Mustang made it to the RAF. The U.S. Army pulled 55 for themselves and they immediately saw service. Two were kept by North American Aviation for internal use.
 +
 
 +
These P-51 Mustangs first saw service in April 9th of 1943 and the first combat loss came shortly afterwards on April 23rd. Mustangs saw action against the Japanese in the Aleutian Islands but a majority of them found their way to the Mediterranean theater. The Mustang saw combat early on in the country of Algeria. Over time these P-51 Mustangs were converted to Reconnaissance planes. A K-24 camera was placed in the left window behind the pilot. The camera faced towards the back and down and took pictures providing battlefield reconnaissance. These aircraft saw continued service until the later part of 1944 continuing to fill the Attacker and Recon role.
 +
 
 +
=== In-game description ===
 +
The North American P-51 Mustang was a single seat fighter which was designed, developed and entered service all during the course of the Second World War. The origins of the aircraft came about in April 1940, when the British Purchasing Commission approached the North American aviation company to design a fighter to augment those already in service with RAF Fighter Command. The prototype first flew on October 26th 1940 and, after a highly successful test and evaluation period, 320 aircraft were ordered and the first production aircraft flew on May 1st 1941. Delivered to No.26 Squadron at Gatwick, the new American fighter was designated the Mustang Mk.I by the RAF. It was considered to be superior to any other American fighter at the time, particularly at low level. However, the 1100 hp Allison V-1710 engine had a poorer performance at high altitude, particularly above 15,000 feet which was above where the engine supercharger was optimized for.
 +
 
 +
For this reason, the Mustangs were used in support of ground operations rather than in their intended original role as a fighter. The Mustang was very successful in this role and an additional order for a further 300 aircraft was placed. The new batch was modified by fitting self sealing fuel tanks and replacing the earlier Mustangs’ eight machine guns with a new armament of four 20 mm cannon, to create the Mustang Mk.IA. The RAF’s successes with the Mustang led to a good deal of attention from the United States Army Air Force; after highlighting the fighter’s only serious shortcoming as its high altitude performance, inquiries were made into fitting the aircraft with a different engine. The British Rolls-Royce Merlin was selected for testing in five converted Mustangs, and the performance of the fighter increased dramatically. The airframe and wings were strengthened to harness the power of the Merlin engine, which also resulted in the fitting of under wing stores now being an option. Mustangs could now carry bombs, rockets or long range drop tanks. Now more than capable of competing across all altitude bands and boasting a particularly long range for a single engine fighter, the Mustang was rapidly evolving into one of the most capable air assets of the entire war. However, with British and American interest in the fighter still growing, future variants of the Mustang would show yet more improvements.
 +
 
 +
Generally regarded as the greatest American fighter of the Second World War, Mustang pilots were to claim nearly 5,000 air-to-air kills by the end of the conflict. The Mustang would go on to serve the USAF in the Korean War, and was exported to over 50 foreign air forces.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!--''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''-->
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|MyG9jeV2cgA|'''WHA''' review}}
  
 
== Read also ==
 
== Read also ==
Line 43: Line 261:
 
* ''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.''-->
  
 
== Sources ==
 
== Sources ==
Line 50: Line 268:
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{USA fighters}}

Revision as of 03:39, 1 December 2018

Rank 6 USA
F-5C Pack
p-51_mk1a_usaaf.png
P-51
AB RB SB
4.0 3.7 4.0
Class:
Research:18 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:47 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
Msg-info.png This page is about the aircraft P-51. For other uses, see P-51 (Disambiguation)

Description

GarageImage P-51.jpg


The P-51 Mustang is a Rank III American fighter Template:BR2. It was introduced in Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory".

The P-51 Mustang retains a lot of the traits that you may find in its later variants. The main difference comes from the limited Allison power plant and its formidable armament of 4 x Hispano Mk.II 20 mm cannons. The plane may not climb very well but does retain the traits of an energy fighter. Even with is limited climb rate the aircraft's dive-speed is excellent. The aircraft's maneuverability is average at best. The armament is the true advantage of this aircraft. The best way to use the P-51 is for Boom & Zoom. Your 20 mm cannons are powerful but with only 500 rounds do not try to bite off more than you can chew.

The P-51, when fully upgraded, is an extremely deadly opponent, especially as a Rank II. The engine will have a hard time hitting the "overheated" mark, even when using WEP. Use caution though, as the engine will retain its heat when constantly on 100% power, so it takes a bit to cool down. Also be sure to utilize your flaps: they are a major asset to the plane's overall turn-fighting ability and sometimes allow it to survive a Russian turn-fight. This is an awesome plane for those just starting out in Realistic Battles, as the 20 mm cannons are good at scoring quick kills.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 5,200 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
591 580 8,839 21.6 22.2 6.4 8.5 491
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 5,200 m)
Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
677 631 8,839 19.6 20.0 23.4 13.1 491

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
+ -
845 295 652 ~15 ~8
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< 600 < 425 < 440 > 210
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
3,597 m 1,150 hp 1,599 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 6.35 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armor plate
  • 15.87 mm Steel - Armor plate behind pilot's seat
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armored windscreen

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)

The P-51 is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (125 rpg = 500 total)

Usage in the battles

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 Repair Radiator Offensive 20 mm
II Compressor Airframe New 20 mm Cannons
III Wings Repair Engine Mk.II year 1942
IV Engine Injection Cover MK.II year 1943
  • The P-51 Mustang can seem a very underwhelming aircraft at first. The Primary module to focus on for early success is the 20 mm Ammo Belts. Ground attack belts will give you more consistent results as an attacker and the Air Target belts can be devastating against your opponent. After you have armed your aircraft began focusing on performance upgrades.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful armament
  • Can easily tackle higher BR foes (AB)
  • Great dive-speed and acceleration
  • High energy retention- Good performance at high speeds
  • Gains access to British belt load-outs, including the devastating air-targets belt
  • Air target belts are stealth (AB)
  • Very efficient at killing bombers
  • Good roll rate
  • Can be very deadly in the hands of a skilled pilot, especially in AB
  • Very good choice for beginners to practice the 20 mm Hispano ballistics
  • 20 mm guns on the Mustang are mounted in close proximity, dealing a deadly double punch when hitting

Cons:

  • Air target belts are stealth (RB/SB)
  • No separate gun control
  • No payload options available
  • Firing guns slows the plane down
  • Mediocre climb rate
  • Low maximum altitude
  • Poor visibility in simulator mode
  • Hispano cannons overheat extremely quickly and are inaccurate unless upgraded
  • Low ammo capacity compared to machine gun-armed variants
  • Air target belts will have difficulties when hitting armored parts of enemy planes
  • Priority target when you are playing AB due to it's reputation of scoring kills with relative ease, smart players will try to eliminate you first.
  • Minimal elevator authority without the engine producing net thrust as the plane heavily relies heavily on streamline effect along the tail for elevator authority. Aircraft Should not be landed with flaps down without an engine.

History

The North American P-51 was born when the British Government showed interest in purchasing the Curtiss P-40C. Curtiss was at max production capacity. The British inquired to North American Aviation if they would build it under license for them. North American agreed, but they wanted to build a better aircraft. A condition of the sale from North American to the British was to supply the U.S. Army with two samples free of charge. The original prototypes were designated XP-51. The U.S. Army was given fourth and tenth aircraft. One of them can still be found at the EAA Museum in OshKosh, Wisconsin. Testing of the two prototypes started in October of 1941. The new aircraft received high marks and was clearly superior to other U.S. fighters at that time. Although, the U.S. Army decided to not immediately place orders.

The first order of Mustangs to the British were designated Mustang I. The RAF received these aircraft behind schedule in October of 1941. Problems showed up immediately including the Allison power-plant and other design flaws. It is also important to note the Mustang Mk I's armament consisting of four .30 Cal machine guns mounted in the wings. A set of two .50 Cal mounted in the wings as well and two .50 Cal machine guns mounted in the nose.

The next evolution of this aircraft was designated Mustang Mk IA. Due to the recently signed Lend Lease Act the U.S. Army was able to place an order for 150 more Mustangs on behalf of the British. These aircraft were equipped with Four 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons and were mounted in the wings. Only 93 of the New Mustang made it to the RAF. The U.S. Army pulled 55 for themselves and they immediately saw service. Two were kept by North American Aviation for internal use.

These P-51 Mustangs first saw service in April 9th of 1943 and the first combat loss came shortly afterwards on April 23rd. Mustangs saw action against the Japanese in the Aleutian Islands but a majority of them found their way to the Mediterranean theater. The Mustang saw combat early on in the country of Algeria. Over time these P-51 Mustangs were converted to Reconnaissance planes. A K-24 camera was placed in the left window behind the pilot. The camera faced towards the back and down and took pictures providing battlefield reconnaissance. These aircraft saw continued service until the later part of 1944 continuing to fill the Attacker and Recon role.

In-game description

The North American P-51 Mustang was a single seat fighter which was designed, developed and entered service all during the course of the Second World War. The origins of the aircraft came about in April 1940, when the British Purchasing Commission approached the North American aviation company to design a fighter to augment those already in service with RAF Fighter Command. The prototype first flew on October 26th 1940 and, after a highly successful test and evaluation period, 320 aircraft were ordered and the first production aircraft flew on May 1st 1941. Delivered to No.26 Squadron at Gatwick, the new American fighter was designated the Mustang Mk.I by the RAF. It was considered to be superior to any other American fighter at the time, particularly at low level. However, the 1100 hp Allison V-1710 engine had a poorer performance at high altitude, particularly above 15,000 feet which was above where the engine supercharger was optimized for.

For this reason, the Mustangs were used in support of ground operations rather than in their intended original role as a fighter. The Mustang was very successful in this role and an additional order for a further 300 aircraft was placed. The new batch was modified by fitting self sealing fuel tanks and replacing the earlier Mustangs’ eight machine guns with a new armament of four 20 mm cannon, to create the Mustang Mk.IA. The RAF’s successes with the Mustang led to a good deal of attention from the United States Army Air Force; after highlighting the fighter’s only serious shortcoming as its high altitude performance, inquiries were made into fitting the aircraft with a different engine. The British Rolls-Royce Merlin was selected for testing in five converted Mustangs, and the performance of the fighter increased dramatically. The airframe and wings were strengthened to harness the power of the Merlin engine, which also resulted in the fitting of under wing stores now being an option. Mustangs could now carry bombs, rockets or long range drop tanks. Now more than capable of competing across all altitude bands and boasting a particularly long range for a single engine fighter, the Mustang was rapidly evolving into one of the most capable air assets of the entire war. However, with British and American interest in the fighter still growing, future variants of the Mustang would show yet more improvements.

Generally regarded as the greatest American fighter of the Second World War, Mustang pilots were to claim nearly 5,000 air-to-air kills by the end of the conflict. The Mustang would go on to serve the USAF in the Korean War, and was exported to over 50 foreign air forces.

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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