|
The P-51 was
designed as the NA-73 in 1940 at Britain's request. The design
showed promise and AAF purchases of Allison-powered Mustangs
began in 1941 primarily for photo recon and ground support use
due to its limited high-altitude performance. But in 1942,
tests of P-51s using the British Rolls-Royce "Merlin" engine
revealed much improved speed and service ceiling, and in Dec.
1943, Merlin-powered P-51Bs first entered combat over Europe.
Providing high-altitude escort to B-17s and B-24s, they scored
heavily over German interceptors and by war's end, P-51s had
destroyed 4,950 enemy aircraft in the air, more than any other
fighter in Europe.
>>more information
SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 37 ft. 0 in.
Length:
32 ft. 3 in.
Height:
13 ft. 8 in.
Gross Weight:
12,100 lbs.
Engine: Pacard built
Rolls-Royce "MErlin" V-1650 of 1,695hp.
Armament: Six .50-cal.
machine guns and ten 5 in. rockets or 2,000 lbs. of bombs.
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed:
437 mph
Cruising Speed: 275 mph
Service Ceiling:
41,900 feet
Range:
1000 miles
Additional
Information provided by:
USAF Museum
Other Links of
Interest:
Flight Journal
American
Aces of WWII |
