P-51 Specs

The P-51 Mustang was arguably the best fighter of WWII. It was maneuverable, fast, had deadly accurate guns, and had the range to use its capabilities. It allowed the 8th Air Force to, at times, bomb the Nazi's day and night. Germans who faced the Mustang have said that the P-51 was the only plane they really feared to face.

A very important part of the Mustang is it's engine. Its Rolls Royce, Merlin engine proved to be the best addition that the P-51 had. The original Mustang models had Allison engines, and while it was a good engine, it's high altitude capabilities were lacking and its range was not what the Merlin provided. Along with its engine, another important part was its 6, 50 caliber, wing mounted, machine guns. The P-51 was a great aircraft that was even used in the Korean War, in the form of the Twin Mustang. This great aircraft still has about 290 models in existence and about 145 in flyable condition, which is amazing since the planes were made for performance not a long life span. But, it makes sense, because the P-51 was an amazing aircraft.