P-51 Mustang
1940-1984
Front 3/4Click to expand
The laminar-flow wing and Merlin engine marriage created the war's best all-round fighter, enabling long-range bomber escort that won air superiority over Europe.
History
The P-51 was designed in just 117 days for the British in 1940. The original Allison-engined version was mediocre at altitude, but mating it with the Rolls-Royce Merlin transformed the aircraft. The P-51D, with its bubble canopy and six .50-caliber machine guns, could escort bombers from England to Berlin and back, something no other fighter could do. This capability broke the back of the Luftwaffe in early 1944, making the D-Day invasion possible. The P-51 achieved a 19:1 kill ratio and is widely regarded as the best propeller-driven fighter ever built.
Production & Heritage
Production Total15,586
DesignerEdgar Schmued
Service Period1940-1984
Technical Specifications
EnginePackard V-1650 Merlin V-12
Max Speed437 mph
Range1650 nm
Ceiling41,900 ft
Crew1
Wingspan37 ft
Length32.3 ft
Empty Weight7,125 lbs
Max Weight12,100 lbs
Tags
Designed by Edgar Schmued
