Specifications

DCS

[P-51D Mustang]

INTRODUCTION

Figure 1: P-51A Mustang during a test flight near the North American Aviation plant in

Inglewood, California, United States, Oct 1942

Up to this point, the Mustang had been powered by the Allison V-1710 series engine, which did

not provide satisfactory high-altitude performance. When the need for the higher altitude, longer

range fighters developed so urgently, it was decided to see what the Mustang could do to meet these

requirements. The Allison engine, with its single-speed supercharger blower, was replaced by the

more powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine with a 2-speed supercharger blower. Along with other

improvements, the prop was increased from three to four blades. Thus was developed the P-51B and

C (B if built on the west coast, C if built in Texas – they were essentially the same otherwise), or the

Mustang Mark-III as it was known in the RAF.

The new model proved an unquestioned success. The Luftwaffe learned to fear it at any altitude

– as high as they wanted to go. As for range, the new Mustang made it possible for the first time for

fighters to escort heavy bombers all the way from Britain to Berlin. Later, Mustangs escorted

bombers all the way to Poland. And when the great triangular shuttle raids connecting England,

Russia, and Italy began, P-51’s were the first fighters to operate all around the continent-girdling

circuit. One of the legs of this triangle was some 1600 miles long!