Pony talk

[Splitter]

The whole story of the P-51 is what makes it special in my mind. NA saw an opportunity with the British government who really wanted them to produce the P-40 (even though they knew it to be an inferior design).

It was produced in record time and performed well at low level with the Allison engine. They saw it as a ground attack and recon aircraft. But here, again, the Brits stepped in and said, "What if we put a Merlin into a Mustang?" (though it wasn't a Mustang to them).

So while the airframe was amazing, it didn't become a plane to be reckoned with until they put the Merlin under the hood. What we know as the Mustang was really a joint development between the Americans and Brits.

I think it's success reflected the American basic theory on dogifghting. The US was all about speed and punch. Swoop in on the prey and keep going. In looking at all of the American designs, you don't really find aircraft that can turn and fight. The 51 is probably about the closest they came to it. What the P51 lacked that most American fighters enjoyed was toughness...it really didn't absorb a lot of punishment compared to other designs.

But, used as a speed fighter, it was about the best thing around. High altitude, dive in, blast away, get out fast. Add to that it's long legs and it truly was unique.

I dunno, if I could stay higher and move faster than my opponent he could never touch me unless I made a mistake. I might not get him but he couldn't touch me.

I have exactly one ride in a P-51 and it was an awesome feeling of speed. I've never had more of a sense of speed than that day....too bad rides now cost $2200 for 30 minutes....

Splitter