Mustang P-51A WWII American Fighter
The legendary Р-51 Mustang was one of the best fighter aircraft of the WWII period. This airplane has designed by North American Corporation by the order of the British RAF. The prototype NA-73X made the maiden flight at October 26, 1940. In Great Britain the airplane received the name Mustang. USAAF also were interested of the new fighter and marked it P-51.
The last modification with Allison engine – Р-51A – has built in 1942. The airplane had high speed and big range, but its rate of climb and service ceiling were insufficient. Р– 51A were in combat service in India and China in the middle of 1943.
The modification Р-51В was built in May 1943. It differed in the installation of potent and high altitude Packard Мerlin engine. The airplane Mustang
with this engine became one of the fastest fighters in the world. It had huge
range, was well armed and armored.
Mustangs, produced by a plant in Dallas, were meant as Р-51С. Airplanes put on Lend-Lease by the British RAF, have received a designation Mustang Mk.III. The bubble canopy named «Malcolm Hood» was installed on them. It allowed to improve the view from a cabin.
Markings:
- P-51A, Col. P.G. Cochran, 1st Air Commando Group, India, 1944.
- P-51A, Capt. J.J.England, 530th FS, 311th FG, Dinjan (China), May 1944.