Difference between revisions of "P-51D-10"

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{{Specs-Card|code=p-51d-10}}
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{{About
{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For other uses, see [[P-51_(Disambiguation)|P-51 (Disambiguation)]]''}}
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|about=gift American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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|usage=other vehicles of the same design
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|link=P-51 (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=p-51d-10
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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|cockpit=cockpit_p-51d-10.jpg
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}}
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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.''-->
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<!-- ''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 '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update_1.49_"Weapons_of_Victory"|Update 1.70.1945 "Weapons of Victory"]]. This P-51D-10 model is based on the model flown by Ray S. Wetmore, an American WWII fighter ace who is credited with destroying 21 German aircraft. The aircraft model itself, D-10 is only different from the D-5 in that it has a dorsal fin installed, the first of the P-51 models to do so.
  
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The P-51D-10 was once available in a bundle pack that was removed during [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. It was made available again in Summer 2017 in several instances, first in the [[wt:en/news/4802-shop-summer-sale-updated-30-06-17-en|2017 Summer Sale]] in the "Daredevil" bundle, then in the July Warbond event that can be bought for 3000 war bonds.
{{break}}
 
'''Wetmore's P-51D-10 ''Mustang''''' is a gift Rank IV American fighter with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB), 4.7 (RB), and 5.0 (SB). It was introduced in [[Update_1.70.1945_"Weapons_of_Victory"|Update 1.70.1945 "Weapons of Victory"]]. This P-51D-10 model is based off the model flown by Ray S. Wetmore, and American WWII fighter ace who is credited with destroying 21 German aircraft. The aircraft model itself, D-10 is only different from the D-5 in that it has a dorsal fin installed, the first of the P-51 models to do so.
 
  
The P-51 is best flown as boom & zoom fighter and bomber interceptor. It's impressive speed and armament can give experienced players quite the advantage over enemy fighters. The aircraft also performs surprisingly well in the rolls of an attacker/light bomber.
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The P-51 is best flown as boom & zoom fighter and bomber interceptor. Its impressive speed and armament can give experienced players quite the advantage over enemy fighters. The aircraft also performs surprisingly well in the rolls of an attacker/light bomber.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
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=== 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.''-->
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
|-
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The P-51D-10 is a very fast and quite agile plane, it is one of the fastest fighters at its Battle Rating. Thanks to the higher engine settings and the use of the 150 octane fuel, it can easily reach 610 km/h at the sea level and 710 km/h at the optimal altitude. By average it is 20 km/h faster than the D-5 and, just like that variant, it has a really high dive speed limit. The climb rate, while not being as good as in the German interceptors, is quite good compared to previous planes from the American tech tree, climbing from the sea level to 5000 m altitude in over 4 minutes. Acceleration in a level flight is quite decent, it is comparable to the P-38 series and better than in any P-47. The addition of the dorsal fin makes the P-51D-10 more stable in yaw axis compared to the previous variant. Turn rate of both those planes is still almost the same. At low speed it is quite bad, but as soon as the plane gets faster it also starts to turn tighter, even at a really high speed near the maximum allowed speed.
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
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|-
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The stall characteristics in the Mustang depends a lot on its fuel load, it is really hard to stall out while turning at the lowest one and is able to fly at almost full elevator deflection. On the other hand, it stalls quite fast with full fuel tanks, also it gets less stable after loading it with more than 30 minutes of fuel. The plane reaches its critical angle of attack near the half of elevator deflection below 500 km/h. The P-51D-10's stalling speed is very similar to those of the P-47 or P-63 series, and so has a high stall speed compared to other planes it can meet. Therefore, the P-51D-10's pilot should do their best to not fly at a low speed in order to stay above stall speed and also to make the most of the plane's performances in the skies.
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
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|-
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,620 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,620 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
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! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
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! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
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! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
! AB
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! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 683 || 665 || 12,700 || 23.3 || 23.8 || 13.7 || 15.6 || 396
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! Stock
 +
| 682 || 662 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 23.1 || 23.9 || 14.9 || 14.9 || rowspan="2" | 396
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
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! Upgraded
|-
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| 742 || 710 || 20.9 || 22.0 || 24.3 || 18.9
! 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
 
|-
 
| 740 || 710 || 12,700 || 20.7 || 22.0 || 26.2 || 18.9 || 396
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
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==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flap
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! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
! Take-off flap
 
! Landing flap
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
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|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
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! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
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! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
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! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
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! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! +
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 880 || 281 || 651 || ~15 || ~18
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| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 644 || 512 || 265 || ~11 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
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! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
| < 460 || < 425 || < 440 || > 257
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| < 500 || < 300 || < 500 || > 400
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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=== Survivability and armour ===
|-
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
|-
 
! 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 ===
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* 19.05 mm Steel - Prop hub armour plate
<!--''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.''-->
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* 6.35 mm Steel - Forward cockpit armour plate
* 19.05 mm Steel - Prop hub armor plate
 
* 6.35 mm Steel - Forward cockpit armor plate
 
 
* 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat back
 
* 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat back
 
* 11 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
 
* 11 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-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.''-->
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{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
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{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 6 x 12.7 mm Browning M2] machine gun, wing-mounted (500 + 270 + 270 rpg each wing = 2,080 total)
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* 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (500 + 270 + 270 rpg each wing = 2,080 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.''-->
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{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
{{main|Bombs|Rockets}}
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<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)}}
 +
{{main|HVAR|M8}}
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
* 6 x 127 mm HVAR rockets
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* 6 x HVAR rockets
 
* 6 x M8 rockets
 
* 6 x M8 rockets
 
* 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
 
* 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
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* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 6 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
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* 6 x 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)
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* 6 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
<!--
+
 
=== Defensive armament ===
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== Usage in battles ==
''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.''
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
-->
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== Usage in the battles ==
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'''Offense'''
<!--''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).''-->
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* '''''Offense'''''
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Probably the best asset P-51D has is its speed and its ability to achieve it and maintain it. Like with all planes, higher attitude should be achieved. Although its climb rate is nice, there are enough planes with better and therefore pilots of P-51D should plan ahead and not wait for the last second to climb. Best way to climb at the start is to climb towards the corner of the map, so the enemy will be encountered later when P-51D is already high enough. When an enemy is spotted, heading in another direction than P-51D, P-51D can enter mild dive and go for strafe run. After that, it is important to continue heading in the same direction, so the speed is maintained. Even the most agile fighters won't be able to turn quickly enough to fire just one shot at you. If feeling confident or sure about the kill, P-51D should get at least 2+ km away from the enemy and then start to turn towards him, depending on its speed. If speed is under 500 km/h, a bigger distance should be achieved before attempting a turn. This ensures that turn will be completed before the enemy gets to 1 km distance, so you won't give your enemy opportunity for the first shot. However, head on assault should be done only against weaker opponents, since 50 cal does not have the punch of 20 mm or 30 mm that same tiered planes carry. Salvo of 50 cal rounds from tracer belt can easily and often does ignite enemy engines upon impact, but few hits from 30 mm will tear wings of P-51D, while fire can be taken out. When engaging enemy bombers, aim for their engines. When engine catches on fire, focus on another engine until it also burns and so on. It is likely that fire will be taken out, but the damage done by 2 to 4 burning engines will be so severe that enemy bomber will either crash within next minute even without one more hit or he will lose altitude so much that it will be an easy target for lower flying teammates. Bigger bombers like B-17 should not be followed for more than few seconds, as the engine of P-51D is too fragile and often will turn red upon first few hits, which gives you about 1 to 2 minutes before its engine dies completely. It is especially important to engage B-17 from relative higher altitude, gain little more speed and aim for engines. Well aimed burst of tracer belt rounds should be enough to ignite 1 or 2 engines during this. Keep in mind that B-17 can fly even with just one single engine and maintain its altitude and speed. Do not attempt to cut off wings of bomber like with bigger guns, as it is quite hard to do so with 50 cal. When engaging bomber with huge glass cockpit like on He 111, front assault with a salvo of 50 cal rounds has high chance to kill its pilot with the number of rounds that will be fired.
Probably the best asset P-51D has is its speed and its ability to achieve it and maintain it. Like with all planes, higher attitude should be achieved. Although its climb rate is nice, there are enough planes with better and therefor pilots of P-51D should plan ahead and not wait for the last second to climb. Best way to climb at start is to climb towards corner of map, so enemy will be encountered later, when P-51D is already high enough. When enemy is spotted, heading in other direction than P-51D, P-51D can enter mild dive and go for strafe run. After that, it is important to continue heading in the same direction, so speed is maintained. Even the most agile fighters won't be able to turn quickly enough to fire just one shot at you. If feeling confident or sure about kill, P-51D should get at least 2+km away from enemy and then start to turn towards him, depending on its speed. If speed is under 500 kph, bigger distance should be achieved before attempting turn. This ensures that turn will be completed before enemy gets to 1 km distance, so you won't give your enemy opportunity for the first shot. However, head on assault should be done only against weaker opponents, since 50 cal does not have the punch of 20 mm or 30 mm that same tiered planes carry. Salvo of 50 cal rounds from tracer belt can easily and often does ignite enemy engines upon impact, but few hits from 30 mm will tear wings of P-51D, while fire can be taken out. When engaging enemy bombers, aim for their engines. When engine catches on fire, focus on another engine until it also burns and so on. It is likely that fire will be taken out, but damage done by 2 to 4 burning engines will be so severe that enemy bomber will either crash within next minute even without one more hit or he will lose altitude so much that it will be an easy target for lower flying teammates. Bigger bombers like B-17 should not be followed for more than few seconds, as engine of P-51D is too fragile and often will turn red upon first few hits, which gives you about 1 to 2 minutes before its engine dies completely. It is especially important to engage B-17 from relative higher altitude, gain little more speed and aim for engines. Well aimed burst of tracer belt rounds should be enough to ignite 1 or 2 engines during this. Keep in mind that B-17 can fly even with just one single engine and maintain its altitude and speed. Do not attempt to cut off wings of bomber like with bigger guns, as it is quite hard to do so with 50 cal. When engaging bomber with huge glass cockpit like on He 111, front assault with salvo of 50 cal rounds has high chance to kill its pilot with the amount of rounds that will be fired.
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 +
'''Defense'''
  
* '''''Defense'''''
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It may seem that agility of P-51D is lacking at first sight, but it is not that bad when used correctly. P-51D has a good turn rate at higher speeds and its pilots should try to keep well above 400 km/h. When at a speed around 500 km/h, even Spitfires will have troubles getting behind you. However, P-51D should avoid these encounters as this will bleed its speed to the point that P-51D will be no longer able to turn with the enemy. If a window of opportunity arises, for example when an opponent starts his turn into the wrong direction after attempting to outmanoeuvre P-51D, P-51D can enter mild dive and go for a run. P-51D can get to its top speed quite fast, especially when in mild dive. Top speed of P-51D is one of the best on its tier. These three-speed factors will help you run away from many opponents, giving you a chance to set your own rules of engagement with them. When running away with the enemy closing in, try to avoid climb at all. If a climb is desired, it is best to wait until it is safe. If climb cannot wait, try to climb below 10 degrees. When an enemy with much higher speed is catching up with you at higher attitude, mild dive may not get you fast enough to your top speed. In these situations, deep dive can be done. During this, the enemy will get even closer to P-51D. As the top speed of P-51D is quite high, after the enemy loses his initial speed advantage, P-51D will probably already start to get away. After this deep dive runaway, start to climb around 10 degrees. P-51D is good at maintaining its speed, so it is likely that while P-51D will continue to move around 800-850 km/h after deep dive for a couple of seconds, many opponents will quickly slow down to their listed top speed. This should be enough to provide a safe escape. If running away is not an option, high-speed turn fight can be done for a short while. P-51D shouldn't prolong these encounters and should as soon as possible try to get away as already described in turn fights. When an enemy is going head-on, he should be avoided. As already said, 50 cal cannot match 20 mm and bigger guns head on. Additionally, such an encounter will probably damage the engine, which will at the start take away the most important asset of P-51D and after a few minutes will lead to its failure. The vitality of pilot is average, so he may survive and so is the durability of its wings. However, control surfaces of P-51D are quite fragile. Head on should be done only with a weaker opponent, who has either much weaker armament or is already critically damaged. If the engine turns red, airfield should be sought as fast as possible. With red engine try to climb as much as possible in a way that speed will be at least slowly increasing. When the engine dies, glide towards airfield in a way little to none speed is lost to avoid a stall. If speed reaches 200 km/h and dive is not possible if the airfield is to be reached, use flaps as they will keep you in the air for little longer even at a lower speed. If combat flaps are not enough and even then P-51D starts to stall, raise flaps, open gear, use landing flaps and retract gear. Landing flaps will keep you in the air for even longer than combat flaps, but if they are deployed too soon, they will serve as air brake, which is not desired during glide.
It may seem that agility of P-51D is lacking at first sight, but it is not that bad when used correctly. P-51D has good turn rate at higher speeds and its pilots should try to keep well above 400 kph. When at a speed around 500 kph, even Spitfires will have troubles getting behind you. However, P-51D should avoid these encounters as this will bleed its speed to the point that P-51D will be no longer able to turn with enemy. If window of opportunity arises, for example when opponent starts his turn into wrong direction after attempting to out manoeuvre P-51D, P-51D can enter mild dive and go for run. P-51D can get to its top speed quite fast, especially when in mild dive. Top speed of P-51D is one of the best on its tier. These three speed factors will help you run away from many opponents, giving you a chance to set your own rules of engagement with them. When running away with enemy closing in, try to avoid climb at all. If climb is desired, it is best to wait until it is safe. If climb can not wait, try to climb below 10 degrees. When enemy with much higher speed is catching up with you at higher attitude, mild dive may not get you fast enough to your top speed. In these situations deep dive can be done. During this, enemy will get even closer to P-51D. As top speed of P-51D is quite high, after enemy loses his initial speed advantage, P-51D will probably already start to get away. After this deep dive runaway, start to climb around 10 degrees. P-51D is good at maintaining its speed, so it is likely that while P-51D will continue to move around 800-850 kph after deep dive for couple of seconds, many opponents will quickly slow down to their listed top speed. This should be enough to provide safe escape. If running away is not an option, high speed turn fight can be done for a short while. P-51D shouldn't prolong these encounters and should as soon as possible try to get away as already described in turn fights. When enemy is going head on, he should be avoided. As already said, 50 cal can not match 20 mm and bigger guns head on. Additionally, such encounter will probably damage engine, which will at start take away the most important asset of P-51D and after few minutes will lead to its failure. Vitality of pilot is average, so he may survive and so is durability of its wings. However, control surfaces of P-51D are quite fragile. Head on should be done only with weaker opponent, who has either much weaker armament or is already critically damaged. If engine turns red, airfield should be sought as fast as possible. With red engine try to climb as much as possible in a way that speed will be at least slowly increasing. When engine dies, glide towards airfield in a way little to none speed is lost to avoid stall. If speed reaches 200 kph and dive is not possible if airfield is to be reached, use flaps as they will keep you in air for little longer even at lower speed. If combat flaps are not enough and even then P-51D starts to stall, raise flaps, open gear, use landing flaps and retract gear. Landing flaps will keep you in air for even longer than combat flaps, but if they are deployed too soon, they will serve as air brake, which is not desired during glide.  
 
  
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== 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
 
|-
 
| 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 Repair
 
| Radiator
 
|
 
| Offensive 12 mm
 
|
 
| FSBC mk.1
 
 
|-
 
|-
| II
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
|
 
| FRC mk.2
 
| FSBC mk.5
 
 
|-
 
|-
| III
+
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
| Wings Repair
 
| Engine
 
|  
 
| New 12 mm MGs
 
|  
 
| FMBC mk.1
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| G-Suit
 
| Engine Injection
 
| Cover
 
|  
 
| Rocket Launcher M10
 
| FLBC mk.1
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
* This is a premium plane. All modifications are completely researched.
 
 
=== 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".''-->
+
<!-- ''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".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
* Armed with 6 .50 cals with tracers, Basically a flamethrower if you hit a plane in the right spot
+
 
 +
* Armed with 6 x .50 cals with tracers, basically a flamethrower if you hit a plane in the right spot
 
* Very good Boom and Zoom aircraft
 
* Very good Boom and Zoom aircraft
 
* Bubble Canopy gives 360° view
 
* Bubble Canopy gives 360° view
 
* Very fast at all altitudes
 
* Very fast at all altitudes
 
* Carries a lot of ammunition
 
* Carries a lot of ammunition
* Very Maneuverable at high speeds
+
* Very manoeuvrable at high speeds
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
* Sluggish when carrying a Payload
+
 
 +
* Sluggish when carrying a payload
 
* Sluggish at low speeds
 
* Sluggish at low speeds
* High Stall speed
+
* High stall speed
 
* Average climb rate
 
* Average climb rate
* Sheds speed when climbing at a fairly high rate for it's tier
+
* Sheds speed when turning excessively
* Machine Guns don't have the punch cannons have  
+
* .50 cals don't have the punch cannons have
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
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.
+
 
 +
In April of 1940, the British Purchasing Commission visited the United States 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 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 was powered by a Packard Merlin V-1650-7 engine. The aircraft was fitted with six 12.7 mm Machine guns, a reflex gunsight, 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.  
 
  
===Namesake Pilot===
+
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.
Ray S. Wetmore (September 30, 1923 – February 14, 1951) was a U.S. Air Force ace of World War II. He joined the U.S Air Force in 1941 at the age of 18 and was assigned to the 359th fighter group. He achieved his first 4 victories in the sky while flying a [[P-47D-25|P-47 Thunderbolt]] before making the switch to a '''P-51D-10''' named 'Daddy's Girl.' He was later shot down during the battle of the Bulge but survived, finishing the war with a documented 21 German aircraft destroyed. He died in 1951 while flying a [[F-86A-5|F-86 Sabre]] that he suddenly lost control of during an approach to an airfield.
 
  
=== Ingame description ===
+
=== In-game description ===
 
The North-American P-51 Mustang was an American fighter designed in the early 1940s and is considered the best US fighter of WWII. It was widely exported to countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The P-51 participated in the Korean War and other post-WWII conflicts.
 
The North-American P-51 Mustang was an American fighter designed in the early 1940s and is considered the best US fighter of WWII. It was widely exported to countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The P-51 participated in the Korean War and other post-WWII conflicts.
  
 
The most famous Mustang version was the P-51D with teardrop (or bubble) canopy. The main problem for the pilots of the earlier variants was a huge blind spot at the rear of the aircraft due to the canopy design. An earlier attempt to address the issue was a British-designed Malcolm hood, installed on many P-51Bs. It improved rearward visibility, but the search for a better solution continued. In January 1943, USAAF's Colonel Mark Bradley, while stationed in Britain, was introduced to the then-new "bubble" canopy, designed for use on Spitfires and Typhoons. The canopy had no framework and offered near 360-degree vision. To install the new canopy, the rear fuselage section of the Mustang had to lose some height. However, this change required minimal redesign to the airframe. The inaugural flight of the new P-51D took place at Inglewood, California on 17th November 1943.
 
The most famous Mustang version was the P-51D with teardrop (or bubble) canopy. The main problem for the pilots of the earlier variants was a huge blind spot at the rear of the aircraft due to the canopy design. An earlier attempt to address the issue was a British-designed Malcolm hood, installed on many P-51Bs. It improved rearward visibility, but the search for a better solution continued. In January 1943, USAAF's Colonel Mark Bradley, while stationed in Britain, was introduced to the then-new "bubble" canopy, designed for use on Spitfires and Typhoons. The canopy had no framework and offered near 360-degree vision. To install the new canopy, the rear fuselage section of the Mustang had to lose some height. However, this change required minimal redesign to the airframe. The inaugural flight of the new P-51D took place at Inglewood, California on 17th November 1943.
 +
 +
===Namesake Pilot===
 +
[[User:U64962917#Wetmore,_Ray_S.|Ray S. Wetmore]] (September 30, 1923 – February 14, 1951) was a U.S. ace of World War II. He joined the U.S Army Air Corps in 1941 at the age of 18 and was assigned to the 359th fighter group. He achieved his first 4 victories in the sky while flying a [[P-47D-25|P-47 Thunderbolt]] before making the switch to a '''P-51B''' and then a '''P-51D-10''' named 'Daddy's Girl.' He was later shot down by friendly anti-aircraft fire during the battle of the Bulge but survived, finishing the war with a documented 21 German aircraft destroyed. He died in 1951 while flying a [[F-86A-5|F-86 Sabre]] that he suddenly lost control of during an approach to an airfield.
 +
 +
=== Notable pilots ===
 +
[[File:Ray_S_Wetmore_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|200px|link=User:U64962917#Wetmore,_Ray_S.|United States ace pilot [[User:U64962917#Wetmore,_Ray_S.|Ray S. Wetmore]], four times ace, once with a P-47 and thrice with a P-51.]]
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
== Read 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.''
''ETC.''-->
 
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/3010-weapons-of-victory-p-51d-daddy-s-girl-en [News<nowiki>]</nowiki> P-51D Daddy's Girl]
 
* http://www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/variants/p51d
 
  
===Obtainable Events===
+
== External links ==
* The P-51D-10 was available in a bundle pack that was removed during Update 1.57 "Battle March".
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
* Wetmore's P-51D-10 was available in Summer 2017 in several instances, first in the [https://warthunder.com/en/news/4802-shop-summer-sale-updated-30-06-17-en 2017 Summer Sale] in the "Daredevil" bundle, then in the July Warbond event that can be bought for 3000 war bonds.
+
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
== Sources ==
+
* [[wt:en/news/3010-weapons-of-victory-p-51d-daddy-s-girl-en|[News] P-51D Daddy's Girl]]
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/405630-p-51d/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
 
{{USA fighters}}
 
{{USA fighters}}
 +
{{USA premium aircraft}}

Revision as of 09:55, 28 July 2021

RANK 6 BRITAIN
Rooikat 105 PACK
This page is about the gift American fighter P-51D-10. For other vehicles of the same design, see P-51 (Family).
P-51D-10
p-51d-10.png
GarageImage P-51D-10.jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/a/a0/Cockpit_p-51d-10.jpg
P-51D-10
AB RB SB
4.0 4.3 5.0
Show in game

Description

The Wetmore's P-51D-10 Mustang is a premium gift rank IV American fighter with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB), 4.3 (RB), and 5.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.70.1945 "Weapons of Victory". This P-51D-10 model is based on the model flown by Ray S. Wetmore, an American WWII fighter ace who is credited with destroying 21 German aircraft. The aircraft model itself, D-10 is only different from the D-5 in that it has a dorsal fin installed, the first of the P-51 models to do so.

The P-51D-10 was once available in a bundle pack that was removed during Update 1.57 "Battle March". It was made available again in Summer 2017 in several instances, first in the 2017 Summer Sale in the "Daredevil" bundle, then in the July Warbond event that can be bought for 3000 war bonds.

The P-51 is best flown as boom & zoom fighter and bomber interceptor. Its impressive speed and armament can give experienced players quite the advantage over enemy fighters. The aircraft also performs surprisingly well in the rolls of an attacker/light bomber.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 7 620 m710 km/h
Turn time22 s
Max altitude12 700 m
EnginePackard V-1650-7
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight5 t

The P-51D-10 is a very fast and quite agile plane, it is one of the fastest fighters at its Battle Rating. Thanks to the higher engine settings and the use of the 150 octane fuel, it can easily reach 610 km/h at the sea level and 710 km/h at the optimal altitude. By average it is 20 km/h faster than the D-5 and, just like that variant, it has a really high dive speed limit. The climb rate, while not being as good as in the German interceptors, is quite good compared to previous planes from the American tech tree, climbing from the sea level to 5000 m altitude in over 4 minutes. Acceleration in a level flight is quite decent, it is comparable to the P-38 series and better than in any P-47. The addition of the dorsal fin makes the P-51D-10 more stable in yaw axis compared to the previous variant. Turn rate of both those planes is still almost the same. At low speed it is quite bad, but as soon as the plane gets faster it also starts to turn tighter, even at a really high speed near the maximum allowed speed.

The stall characteristics in the Mustang depends a lot on its fuel load, it is really hard to stall out while turning at the lowest one and is able to fly at almost full elevator deflection. On the other hand, it stalls quite fast with full fuel tanks, also it gets less stable after loading it with more than 30 minutes of fuel. The plane reaches its critical angle of attack near the half of elevator deflection below 500 km/h. The P-51D-10's stalling speed is very similar to those of the P-47 or P-63 series, and so has a high stall speed compared to other planes it can meet. Therefore, the P-51D-10's pilot should do their best to not fly at a low speed in order to stay above stall speed and also to make the most of the plane's performances in the skies.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 7,620 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 682 662 12700 23.1 23.9 14.9 14.9 396
Upgraded 742 710 20.9 22.0 24.3 18.9

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
901 281 644 512 265 ~11 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 500 < 300 < 500 > 400

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural901 km/h
Gear281 km/h
  • 19.05 mm Steel - Prop hub armour plate
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Forward cockpit armour plate
  • 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat back
  • 11 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 549 Sl icon.png
RB3 690 Sl icon.png
SB5 236 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts290 000 Sl icon.png
Aces940 Ge icon.png
Research Aces960 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 90 / 220 / 440 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 166 / 166 / 166 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FSBC mk.1
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Rocket Launcher M10
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FSBC mk.5
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Mods pilon bomb.png
FMBC mk.1
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
FRC mk.2
Mods pilon bomb.png
FLBC mk.1

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The P-51D-10 is armed with:

  • 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (500 + 270 + 270 rpg each wing = 2,080 total)

Suspended armament

Main articles: HVAR, M8

The P-51D-10 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

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

Usage in battles

Offense

Probably the best asset P-51D has is its speed and its ability to achieve it and maintain it. Like with all planes, higher attitude should be achieved. Although its climb rate is nice, there are enough planes with better and therefore pilots of P-51D should plan ahead and not wait for the last second to climb. Best way to climb at the start is to climb towards the corner of the map, so the enemy will be encountered later when P-51D is already high enough. When an enemy is spotted, heading in another direction than P-51D, P-51D can enter mild dive and go for strafe run. After that, it is important to continue heading in the same direction, so the speed is maintained. Even the most agile fighters won't be able to turn quickly enough to fire just one shot at you. If feeling confident or sure about the kill, P-51D should get at least 2+ km away from the enemy and then start to turn towards him, depending on its speed. If speed is under 500 km/h, a bigger distance should be achieved before attempting a turn. This ensures that turn will be completed before the enemy gets to 1 km distance, so you won't give your enemy opportunity for the first shot. However, head on assault should be done only against weaker opponents, since 50 cal does not have the punch of 20 mm or 30 mm that same tiered planes carry. Salvo of 50 cal rounds from tracer belt can easily and often does ignite enemy engines upon impact, but few hits from 30 mm will tear wings of P-51D, while fire can be taken out. When engaging enemy bombers, aim for their engines. When engine catches on fire, focus on another engine until it also burns and so on. It is likely that fire will be taken out, but the damage done by 2 to 4 burning engines will be so severe that enemy bomber will either crash within next minute even without one more hit or he will lose altitude so much that it will be an easy target for lower flying teammates. Bigger bombers like B-17 should not be followed for more than few seconds, as the engine of P-51D is too fragile and often will turn red upon first few hits, which gives you about 1 to 2 minutes before its engine dies completely. It is especially important to engage B-17 from relative higher altitude, gain little more speed and aim for engines. Well aimed burst of tracer belt rounds should be enough to ignite 1 or 2 engines during this. Keep in mind that B-17 can fly even with just one single engine and maintain its altitude and speed. Do not attempt to cut off wings of bomber like with bigger guns, as it is quite hard to do so with 50 cal. When engaging bomber with huge glass cockpit like on He 111, front assault with a salvo of 50 cal rounds has high chance to kill its pilot with the number of rounds that will be fired.

Defense

It may seem that agility of P-51D is lacking at first sight, but it is not that bad when used correctly. P-51D has a good turn rate at higher speeds and its pilots should try to keep well above 400 km/h. When at a speed around 500 km/h, even Spitfires will have troubles getting behind you. However, P-51D should avoid these encounters as this will bleed its speed to the point that P-51D will be no longer able to turn with the enemy. If a window of opportunity arises, for example when an opponent starts his turn into the wrong direction after attempting to outmanoeuvre P-51D, P-51D can enter mild dive and go for a run. P-51D can get to its top speed quite fast, especially when in mild dive. Top speed of P-51D is one of the best on its tier. These three-speed factors will help you run away from many opponents, giving you a chance to set your own rules of engagement with them. When running away with the enemy closing in, try to avoid climb at all. If a climb is desired, it is best to wait until it is safe. If climb cannot wait, try to climb below 10 degrees. When an enemy with much higher speed is catching up with you at higher attitude, mild dive may not get you fast enough to your top speed. In these situations, deep dive can be done. During this, the enemy will get even closer to P-51D. As the top speed of P-51D is quite high, after the enemy loses his initial speed advantage, P-51D will probably already start to get away. After this deep dive runaway, start to climb around 10 degrees. P-51D is good at maintaining its speed, so it is likely that while P-51D will continue to move around 800-850 km/h after deep dive for a couple of seconds, many opponents will quickly slow down to their listed top speed. This should be enough to provide a safe escape. If running away is not an option, high-speed turn fight can be done for a short while. P-51D shouldn't prolong these encounters and should as soon as possible try to get away as already described in turn fights. When an enemy is going head-on, he should be avoided. As already said, 50 cal cannot match 20 mm and bigger guns head on. Additionally, such an encounter will probably damage the engine, which will at the start take away the most important asset of P-51D and after a few minutes will lead to its failure. The vitality of pilot is average, so he may survive and so is the durability of its wings. However, control surfaces of P-51D are quite fragile. Head on should be done only with a weaker opponent, who has either much weaker armament or is already critically damaged. If the engine turns red, airfield should be sought as fast as possible. With red engine try to climb as much as possible in a way that speed will be at least slowly increasing. When the engine dies, glide towards airfield in a way little to none speed is lost to avoid a stall. If speed reaches 200 km/h and dive is not possible if the airfield is to be reached, use flaps as they will keep you in the air for little longer even at a lower speed. If combat flaps are not enough and even then P-51D starts to stall, raise flaps, open gear, use landing flaps and retract gear. Landing flaps will keep you in the air for even longer than combat flaps, but if they are deployed too soon, they will serve as air brake, which is not desired during glide.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Armed with 6 x .50 cals with tracers, basically a flamethrower if you hit a plane in the right spot
  • Very good Boom and Zoom aircraft
  • Bubble Canopy gives 360° view
  • Very fast at all altitudes
  • Carries a lot of ammunition
  • Very manoeuvrable at high speeds

Cons:

  • Sluggish when carrying a payload
  • Sluggish at low speeds
  • High stall speed
  • Average climb rate
  • Sheds speed when turning excessively
  • .50 cals don't have the punch cannons have

History

In April of 1940, the British Purchasing Commission visited the United States 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 gunsight, 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.

In-game description

The North-American P-51 Mustang was an American fighter designed in the early 1940s and is considered the best US fighter of WWII. It was widely exported to countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The P-51 participated in the Korean War and other post-WWII conflicts.

The most famous Mustang version was the P-51D with teardrop (or bubble) canopy. The main problem for the pilots of the earlier variants was a huge blind spot at the rear of the aircraft due to the canopy design. An earlier attempt to address the issue was a British-designed Malcolm hood, installed on many P-51Bs. It improved rearward visibility, but the search for a better solution continued. In January 1943, USAAF's Colonel Mark Bradley, while stationed in Britain, was introduced to the then-new "bubble" canopy, designed for use on Spitfires and Typhoons. The canopy had no framework and offered near 360-degree vision. To install the new canopy, the rear fuselage section of the Mustang had to lose some height. However, this change required minimal redesign to the airframe. The inaugural flight of the new P-51D took place at Inglewood, California on 17th November 1943.

Namesake Pilot

Ray S. Wetmore (September 30, 1923 – February 14, 1951) was a U.S. ace of World War II. He joined the U.S Army Air Corps in 1941 at the age of 18 and was assigned to the 359th fighter group. He achieved his first 4 victories in the sky while flying a P-47 Thunderbolt before making the switch to a P-51B and then a P-51D-10 named 'Daddy's Girl.' He was later shot down by friendly anti-aircraft fire during the battle of the Bulge but survived, finishing the war with a documented 21 German aircraft destroyed. He died in 1951 while flying a F-86 Sabre that he suddenly lost control of during an approach to an airfield.

Notable pilots

United States ace pilot Ray S. Wetmore, four times ace, once with a P-47 and thrice with a P-51.

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


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

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

USA premium aircraft
Fighters  Thach's F2A-1 · Galer's F3F-2 · F2G-1 · F4U-4B VMF-214 · P-26A-34 · P-40C · P-43A-1
  P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-51A · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · ␠Kingcobra · XP-55
  ▃A6M2 · ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc
Twin-engine fighters  XP-38G · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38K · YP-38 · P-61A-11 · XF5F · XP-50 · F7F-3
Jet fighters  P-59A · F-86F-35 · F-89B · F-89D · F-4S Phantom II · F-5C · F-20A
Strike aircraft  A-1H · A2D-1 · AU-1 · XA-38 · AV-8A · A-6E TRAM · A-10A
Bombers  A-26C-45DT · B-10B · BTD-1 · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PV-2D