Mustang III is the fastest of the bunch, and no LW prop plane can catch it. Downside is that, like all non bubble top versions, it only has two pairs of .50 cals. So you really have to work for your kills. Thus I always took the D model whenever it was available.
How to best describe a mustang in few words:
- You can run away from any opponent, provided you have the room for diving away. If the situation is unfavorable for you that is.
- "Glass" engine (do not do headons unless there is no way out).
- In order to get the most out of it you need to master trimming, fire discipline (firing only when the target is in ideal convergence) and prop pitch for various aspects of flight.
- Never ever take more than 50% fuel (that alone will give you over 2h of flight at max power and RPM). Preferably take 30-35%. Lots of fuel = lots of extra weight. And this thing has insane range.
- Correct propeller pitch settings will make it accelerate like no other plane in a dive. Literary, you can dive as if someone put an afterburner on you. Just be vary of the powerful elevators, not to lose a wing.
- Best used for hit and run tactics against experienced pilots. Against those of a lesser skill you can stay and play with for a while.
- K-14 "ace maker" gunsight is interesting to use, but don't get overly used to it.
In combat vs. LW planes, you can out turn a 109 or 190 easily - but you have only one chance. Then you loose all your energy. So use this as defensive maneuver to get out of harms way and keep your speed up as much as you can.
Versus Japanese planes it is simply a dream plane to fight with. There is nothing that will even come close to your speed if you conserve your energy. Those .50 cals are at least twice as effective here.
This is definitely not a plane for rookies and those that lack patience. You need to get rid of a lot of bad habits and change your approach if you wish to be good with this plane.