North American P-51 Mustang
The North American P-51 Mustang was an American long-range fighter widely regarded as one of the finest piston-engine fighters of World War II. It was originally designed in 1940 to a British requirement and first flew that year; early Allison-powered versions performed well at low altitude. The aircraft was transformed when fitted with the British Rolls-Royce Merlin engine (license-built by Packard), giving it outstanding high-altitude speed and performance.
Combined with its exceptional range when carrying drop tanks, the Merlin Mustang could escort heavy bombers all the way to Berlin and back, helping to win air superiority over Germany in 1944. It also served in the Pacific and later in Korea. More than 15,000 were built, and the Mustang became the premier US escort fighter of the war.
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- North American
- Type
- Single-seat long-range fighter
- Crew
- 1
- First Flight
- 1940
- Powerplant
- 1 × Packard V-1650 Merlin V-12, approx. 1,490 hp (P-51D)
- Max Speed
- 437 mph
- Range
- 1,000 mi (combat); over 1,600 mi with drop tanks
- Service Ceiling
- 41,900 ft
- Length
- 32 ft 3 in
- Wingspan
- 37 ft
- Loaded Weight
- 12,100 lb (max takeoff)
- Armament
- 6 × .50 in machine guns; up to 2,000 lb of bombs or rockets