Difference between revisions of "P-51A"

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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=p-51a_tl
 +
|cockpit=334232/1110010
 +
}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other versions
+
| usage = other uses
 
| link = P-51 (Family)
 
| link = P-51 (Family)
−
}}
 
−
{{Specs-Card
 
−
|code=p-51a_tl
 
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
−
|cockpit=cockpit_p-51a_tl.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.-->
−
The P-51A was one of the first variants of the P-51. It is quite similar to the [[A-36]], which is essentially a ground-attack-focused P-51. One of the main improvements of the P-51A over previous Mustangs is the uprated engine. The Allison V-1710-81 inline 12-cylinder engine could produce up to 1,200 hp and could sustain much of that at higher altitudes thanks to its supercharger. It was also fitted with a bigger propeller, which further increased performance. The P-51A would be one of the fastest fighters at the time, thanks to its unique design and powerful engine. In addition to its excellent performance, the P-51A was armed with four 12.7 mm machine guns in the wings. However, due to the thin wings and cramped nature, the machine guns had frequent jams. A significant number of P-51As were sent to the Royal Air Force and served for much of the war. Over 1,500 P-51As were produced until the superior Merlin engine became available for the Mustang.
 
  
−
Introduced during [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]] as a reward vehicle for the [[wt:en/news/3480--en|2015 Thunder League]] event, the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an extremely rare aircraft. Since it is an early Mustang, it still features the Allison V-1710 engine. However, it had one of the best Allison engines before the switch to the Merlin engine, thanks to the addition of a supercharger. Combined with its relatively low battle rating, the P-51A is an excellent fighter. It excels with boom and zoom tactics thanks to its impressive dive performance, but players must note its compressibility. At lower altitudes, players need to be careful when performing aggressive dives. In addition, it's important to not engage in dogfights unless the enemy aircraft is at a major disadvantage or it is absolutely necessary.
+
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was a special vehicle offered during the 2015 Thunder League as a reward for completing 5 Air challenges. The P-51A TL comes with a high-powered engine and with four 12.7 mm Browning machine guns.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight performance ===
+
=== Flight Performance ===
−
{{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.''
−
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
−
"The Need for Speed" is a worthy credo for all [[P-51 (Family)|Mustangs]]. This initial iteration boasts a significant speed advantage over all [[:Category:Second rank aircraft|Rank II]] aircraft, but sacrifices are obvious. On the upside, the good maximum velocity greatly benefits the energy retention coming out of dives and for staying out of trouble.
 
  
−
This version features the Allison V-1710-81 Engine with improved performance at altitude at a small cost to horsepower output on the ground. However it is also, by a small margin, the lightest variant and more aerodynamic, off-setting this loss.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
 
+
|-
−
Manoeuvrability is nothing to write home about (except roll-rate), especially without speed to burn. The control surfaces lock up at high speeds which makes the Mustang a comparatively agile fighter when initiating combat, but this is quickly lost. Fortunately the combat flaps have a very high speed tolerance and greatly benefit it in dogfights. Overall the P-51 likes to bleed speed in manoeuvres and the lost energy cannot be easily regained. For another downside is the sluggish acceleration which further causes a low rate of climb. Managing both disadvantage is the Ace's true skill for this elite [[Boom & Run|Boom and Run]] fighter. However this is for an altitude range up to 4,000 m (13,000 ft). High altitude performance suffers which in combat, due the slow climb rate, is rarely reached anyway.
+
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
−
 
+
|-
−
Thus all engagements, may they be ''Boom & Zoom'' or ''Boom & Run'' style, should be performed below said altitudes.
+
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
−
 
+
|-
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,170 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,170 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 627 || 612 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.2 || 22.0 || 11.3 || 11.3 || 370
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,170 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)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Stock
+
! AB
−
| 627 || 612 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.2 || 22.0 || 11.3 || 11.3 || rowspan="2" | 370
+
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Upgraded
+
|712||688|| {{Specs|ceiling}} ||19.1||20.0||26.0||15.7||370
−
| 712 || 668 || 19.1 || 20.0 || 26.0 || 15.7
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
==== Details ====
+
====Details====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
+
! Combat flap
 +
! Take-off flap
 +
! Landing flap
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
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|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | Limits
+
! colspan="5" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
−
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
+
! +
 +
! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 652 || 520 || 279 || ~12 || ~6
+
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} ||652|| ~18 || ~9
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
+
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 550 || < 230 || < 550 || > 360
+
| < 620 || < 425 || < 280 || > 210
 
|-
 
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 4,724 m || 1,125 hp || 1,479 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 ===
−
{{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.'' -->
 
−
While the Mustang looks quite defensive on first glance, it is a deceptive one. The fuel tanks are wing-mounted and prone to fires (the D-series has got an inline one). The very small engine cowl plate could just as well be absent. Both issues combined leave many pilots a gliding and/or burning example of why to avoid bomber's defensive fire. The P-51's prime form of defence is speed. As a ''Boom & Run'' fighter, avoiding air-drag inducing bullet holes by not getting hit is a far preferable option anyway. Whilst setting up another attack (a.k.a. retreating from combat) the very generous backseat armour will absorb any stray shots. In general the pilot's survivability is great.
 
−
 
 
−
=== 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|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
−
{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (350 rpg inner + 280 outer = 1,260 total)
+
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, wing-mounted (350 rpg inner,280 outer = 1260 total)
−
 
 
−
In terms of weapons, there aren't many to speak of. Nearly all US fighters from this point on feature at least six M2 Brownings. Thus the burst mass is quite light. A detriment for quick attack passes. Use the tracer belt or the omnipurpose belts, as they contain the most incendiary bullets. For Realistic and Simulator battles the ammo count is quite miniscule, controlled bursts are in order.
 
−
 
 
−
=== 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.'' -->
 
−
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|H.E. M31 (300 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)}}
 
−
 
 
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
−
 
 
−
* Without load
 
−
* 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
 
−
* 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (500 lb total)
 
−
* 2 x 300 lb H.E. M31 bombs (600 lb total)
 
−
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
 
  
 
== 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 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 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).-->
 +
At the start of the battle, WEP and climb until you are higher than most enemy aircraft (the aircraft has an excellent climb rate). Then proceed to destroy bombers and climbing fighters. Do NOT turn fight with any aircraft except for bombers. If someone is on your tail, proceed in a shallow dive. The plane's exceptional top speed should allow it to outrun almost everything. In terms of weapons, use the tracer belt or the omnipurpose belts, as they have the most incendiary munitions. Feel free to spray the guns, as the ammo reserve is quite large.
  
−
The start of each battle can be quite similar, thus in general proceed as follows: WEP and climb until you are higher than most enemy aircraft. Then proceed to destroy fighters. Do NOT turn fight with any aircraft except for bombers, though the latter is an ill-advised target with the lack of heavy firepower. If someone is on your tail, proceed in a shallow dive. The plane<nowiki>'</nowiki>s exceptional top speed should allow it to outrun almost everything. Note that while this Mustang variant features improved high altitude ability, it is still not comparable to true altitude fighters like the [[MiG-3 (Family)|MiG-3]].
+
===Manual Engine Control===
−
 
 
−
In Arcade Battles the option for in-air reloads may tempt the pilot to spray & pray and dump all the ammunition. However, a more deliberate and aimed approach is often more succesful. Waiting outside a furball or dogfight for the right moment to intercept is key. Due to the lack of climb rate and firepower bombers should not be sought out. In general the P-51 plays akin to the [[He 100 D-1|He-100]].
 
−
 
 
−
In Realistic Battles the combat role is a tricky game. Lacking climb rate and good high altitude performance the Mustang pilot needs to wait for the combat to come down to about 4,000 m (13,000 ft). Climbing should be done away from the expected combat zone (a.k.a. side-climbing) <!--and at 20° with or 14° without WEP; NEEDS CHECKING-->. At this point initial combat should be Boom & Run, utilizing the superior top speed to avoid combat while the enemy is focused on other team mates. Once the hostiles have dropped to a lower altitude Boom & Zooming can be engaged in. With only four HMGs and 1260 rounds, ammo can run sparse after three kills. Keep to 30 min of fuel minimum and returning to base will be a rare occurrence. Overall this is a support fighter, as in the current climbing meta engagements against higher flying interceptor-fighters are often deadly, as the Mustang then lacks the critical ability to choose the time of engagement.
 
−
 
 
−
Simulator Battles is where the P-51A truly shines. Flying at top speed with military rated power (100%) keeps the engine cool and enemies usually far away at one<nowiki>'</nowiki>s tail. Most of all combat happens slightly below the Mustang's preferred altitude and the cockpit view is great, albeit with limited rearward view. Only the lack of acceleration in prolonged dogfights is a trap that even experienced pilots still fall into. An emergency dive to top speed will however fix this, if the pilot remembered to keep some altitude. And one should, for the greatest advantage is the ability to disengage any unfavourable battle and like with many things, the early Mustangs do not disappoint.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
−
! colspan="3" | Radiator
+
! colspan="3" |Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil !! Water !! Type
+
! Oil
 +
! Water
 +
! Type  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
+
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" |Combined|| rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===Modules===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! colspan="1" | Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 +
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 +
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage Repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 12 mm
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings Repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| New 12 mm MGs
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
|
 +
| Engine Injection
 +
| Cover
 +
|  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+
<!--Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Extremely fast in level flight or in a dive
 
* Extremely fast in level flight or in a dive
 +
* Great rate of climb
 +
* Four .50 cals with decent amount of ammo
 
* Gets access to the late-war .50 cal belts
 
* Gets access to the late-war .50 cal belts
−
* Little lock-up at high speeds
+
* Awesome looking skin: Lightning strips and red (magenta) make it go faster
−
* Hard to rip wings
+
* Little Loockup at highspeeds
 +
* Hard to wingrip
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Not very manoeuvrable
+
* Not very maneuverable
−
* Only four Browning HMGs
+
* Only four Browning HMG
 
* Fast engine overheating
 
* Fast engine overheating
 +
* Rolls hardly below 370 km/h
 +
* No payload options
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
+
''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 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
−
 
 
−
=== Development ===
 
−
The US Army placed an order for 1,200 P-51A Mustangs (designated as NA-99 by North American) in August 1942. The P-51A was the highest performing fighter aircraft of the US Army Air Force (USAAF) at the time, when below 22,000 feet. The P-51A Mustang was an improved version of the P-51 Mustang.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Design ===
 
−
The P-51A was powered by the Allison V-1710-81 engine, rated at 1,200 hp. The V-1710-81 had increased power when compared to the V-1710-39 which was used by the earlier P-51. A 3-bladed Curtiss 10 feet 6 inch propeller. This gave the P-51A a top speed of 390 mph at 22,000 feet and a service ceiling of 31,500 feet.
 
−
 
 
−
Unlike the A-36 Apache variant of the Mustang, the P-51A was designed purely as a fighter rather than as a ground attack aircraft. As such, no dive brakes were fitted. Two under-wing pylons were mounted with the capability of carrying bombs or drop tanks. The maximum weight of the P-51A was an increased 10,600 lbs, while the average load was 8,600 lbs.
 
−
 
 
−
On internal fuel only, the P-51A had a range of 750 miles at 300 mph. With two 125 gallon drop tanks mounted the range was increased to 2,000 miles (while at reduced power).
 
−
 
 
−
=== Testing and Production ===
 
−
The P-51A first flew in February 1943, with deliveries beginning in March of the same year. They were delivered with olive drab paint on the upper portions and grey paint on the underside.
 
−
 
 
−
Because of the introduction of Merlin-powered Mustangs, the order of 1,200 P-51A was cancelled after only 310 were completed. Of the 310 P-51As, 50 were given to the RAF as the Mustang Mk II and 35 were converted to the F-6B unarmed reconnaissance variant. The combat variants spanned from the P-51A-1-NA to the P-51A-10-NA. The serials were 43-6003 through 43-6312.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Service'''
 
−
 
 
−
The P-51A was used heavily in the China/Burma/India theater (CBI), seeing service until 1945 - long after improved variants had entered service.
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
−
 
 
−
;Skins
 
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-51a_tl Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See 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.''
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--''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;''
−
* ''other literature.''-->
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
−
 
+
* ''other literature.''
−
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/287346-north-american-p-51a-1-tl/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
  
 
{{USA fighters}}
 
{{USA fighters}}
−
{{USA premium aircraft}}
 

Revision as of 20:12, 19 October 2019

RANK 6 BRITAIN
Rooikat 105 PACK
P-51A
p-51a_tl.png
P-51A
USA flag.png USA
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.0 3.0 3.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
This page is about the American fighter P-51A. For other uses, see P-51 (Family).

Description

GarageImage P-51A.jpg


The P-51A Mustang is a gift rank II American fighter with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was a special vehicle offered during the 2015 Thunder League as a reward for completing 5 Air challenges. The P-51A TL comes with a high-powered engine and with four 12.7 mm Browning machine guns.

General info

Flight Performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 3,170 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
627 612 9500 21.2 22.0 11.3 11.3 370
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 3,170 m) 		Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
712 688 9500 19.1 20.0 26.0 15.7 370

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
+ -
855 287 652 ~18 ~9
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 620 < 425 < 280 > 210
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,724 m 1,125 hp 1,479 hp

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, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The P-51A is armed with:

  • 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, wing-mounted (350 rpg inner,280 outer = 1260 total)

Usage in battles

At the start of the battle, WEP and climb until you are higher than most enemy aircraft (the aircraft has an excellent climb rate). Then proceed to destroy bombers and climbing fighters. Do NOT turn fight with any aircraft except for bombers. If someone is on your tail, proceed in a shallow dive. The plane's exceptional top speed should allow it to outrun almost everything. In terms of weapons, use the tracer belt or the omnipurpose belts, as they have the most incendiary munitions. Feel free to spray the guns, as the ammo reserve is quite large.

Manual Engine Control

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiator Offensive 12 mm
II Compressor Airframe
III Wings Repair Engine New 12 mm MGs
IV Engine Injection Cover

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Extremely fast in level flight or in a dive
  • Great rate of climb
  • Four .50 cals with decent amount of ammo
  • Gets access to the late-war .50 cal belts
  • Awesome looking skin: Lightning strips and red (magenta) make it go faster
  • Little Loockup at highspeeds
  • Hard to wingrip

Cons:

  • Not very maneuverable
  • Only four Browning HMG
  • Fast engine overheating
  • Rolls hardly below 370 km/h
  • No payload options

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 the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === Encyclopedia Info ===, also if applicable).

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • 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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