Difference between revisions of "Mustang Mk IA (Great Britain)"

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(Created page with "{{Specs-Card|code=p-51b}} == Description == ''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well a...")
 
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{{Specs-Card|code=p-51b}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = premium British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = P-51 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=p-51b
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} British fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
 +
 
 +
The Mustang Mk IA is equipped in the same manner as the American [[P-51|original P-51]] with four 20 mm cannons in the wing and Allison engine. The Mustang Mk IA takes on a two-tone desert camouflage as default with a light blue underbelly, making it quite distinguishable in the airspace. Distinguishable identifications towards the Royal Air Force are seen with roundels on the wings and rear fuselage, with a red, white, blue fin flash.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,200 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 591 || 578 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.6 || 22.2 || 8.5 || 8.5 || rowspan="2" | 491
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 673 || 631 || 18.9 || 20.0 || 18.6 || 13.1
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| 855 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 650 || 520 || 279 || ~12 || ~6
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 500 || < 230 || < 550 || > 340
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel plate in front of the engine
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel plate between the engine and pilot
 +
* 11.11 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 +
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (125 rpg = 500 total)
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
The Mustang Mk-1A is similar to its bigger brother (or in some ways smaller) in the fact that it carries many good and bad traits. Interestingly, it inherits much of the advantages of the P-51D while adding some of its own good characteristics. High altitude performance is miserable, but it won't get there any time soon with the sluggish climb rate. Top speed is very good, yet achieving it can take some time due to the slow acceleration. Low-altitude manoeuvrability is decent.
  
−
== Weaponry ==
+
The Mk-1A is equipped with four Hispano 20 mm cannons, making it a formidable firing platform. However, these cannon will run out of ammo, due to the sparse 125 rpg. They will jam quickly too. Take advantage of the cannon though, because when compared to other nation's counterparts the MK-1A can make rapid kills of any plane. Air targets belts are recommended for experienced players; they possess the most HE shells out of any belt, but lack tracers. Unlike in the [[Typhoon_Mk_Ib/L|Typhoon]] series, the guns on the Mustang are mounted in close proximity, dealing a deadly double punch when hitting. Very similar to the [[Spitfire Mk Vc|Spitfire Mk.Vc]] which has 5 rounds per gun less than the Mustang.
−
=== Offensive weaponry ===
 
−
''Describe the offensive weaponry of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
 
  
−
=== Suspended weaponry ===
+
Unfortunately, the Mustang Mk-1A is not a great Boom & Zoom fighter nor a great turn-fighter; it is a trade-off between the great high-altitude performance of the P-51D and its own average all-altitude performance. The top speed is only middling, although top speed and dive-speed are excellent. Climb rate is relatively poor, at only 13 m/s. To top that off, it has an average turn-rate as well. Thus, the Mk-1A is a great plane for head-ons, tail-end combat, and in very few cases, turn fighting. At low altitudes, turning is very snappy provided you have the speed. The engine is prone to overheating relatively (and annoyingly) quickly in realistic and simulator battles. Additionally, a small amount of damage taken by the engine can result in its destruction, which is problematic while attacking bombers. Additionally, the cockpit is a great downfall, as it provides poor visibility.
−
''Describe the aircraft's suspended weapons: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
 
  
−
=== Defensive weaponry ===
+
A Mustang with altitude is a dangerous Mustang. Try to take out a Mustang, you must do what you can to rob it of its altitude advantage by either climbing above it or bringing it down to the Earth. The latter can be easily done if the Mustang pilot is aggressive and will eagerly tail an enticing target in a dive down to low altitude. In this case, one can rely on bleeding the Mustang of its speed as it pursues its target or when it returns to a climb and use this opportunity to pounce the Mustang.
−
''Defensive weaponry with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
 
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Punishing armament of four Hispano Mk.II
 +
* Amazing acceleration at low altitude
 +
* Good top speed
 +
* Good manoeuvrability (roll+pitch) at high speed (max @ 600 km/h)
 +
* High energy retention in level flight
 +
* Decent climb rate, until 3,000 m
 +
* Great RP and reward bonus due to premium status
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Rather low ammo, with 125 RPG
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* Loses a lot of energy in sustained turns
 +
* Poor engine performance at alt > 4,000 m
 +
* Engine overheats rather quickly
 +
* Poor backward visibility in simulator mode due to cockpit design
 +
* No G-Suit, can black out easily in high-speed manoeuvres
 +
 
 +
== History ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
The North American P-51 Mustang was a single seat fighter which was designed, developed and entered service all during the course of the Second World War. The origins of the aircraft came about in April 1940, when the British Purchasing Commission approached the North American aviation company to design a fighter to augment those already in service with RAF Fighter Command. The prototype first flew on October 26th 1940 and, after a highly successful test and evaluation period, 320 aircraft were ordered and the first production aircraft flew on May 1st 1941. Delivered to No.26 Squadron at Gatwick, the new American fighter was designated the Mustang Mk.I by the RAF. It was considered to be superior to any other American fighter at the time, particularly at low level. However, the 1,100 hp Allison V-1710 engine had a poorer performance at high altitude, particularly above 15,000 feet which was above where the engine supercharger was optimized for.
 +
 
 +
For this reason, the Mustangs were used in support of ground operations rather than in their intended original role as a fighter. The Mustang was very successful in this role and an additional order for a further 300 aircraft was placed. The new batch was modified by fitting self sealing fuel tanks and replacing the earlier Mustangs' eight machine guns with a new armament of four 20 mm cannons, to create the Mustang Mk.IA. The RAF's successes with the Mustang led to a good deal of attention from the United States Army Air Force; after highlighting the fighter's only serious shortcoming as its high altitude performance, enquiries were made into fitting the aircraft with a different engine.
 +
 
 +
The British Rolls-Royce Merlin was selected for testing in five converted Mustangs, and the performance of the fighter increased dramatically. The airframe and wings were strengthened to harness the power of the Merlin engine, which also resulted in the fitting of under wing stores now being an option. Mustangs could now carry bombs, rockets or long range drop tanks. Now more than capable of competing across all altitude bands and boasting a particularly long range for a single engine fighter, the Mustang was rapidly evolving into one of the most capable air assets of the entire war. However, with British and American interest in the fighter still growing, future variants of the Mustang would show yet more improvements.
 +
 
 +
Generally regarded as the greatest American fighter of the Second World War, Mustang pilots were to claim nearly 5,000 air-to-air kills by the end of the conflict. The Mustang would go on to serve the USAF in the Korean War, and was exported to over 50 foreign air forces.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Прекрасным дополнением к статье станут видеогайды, а также скриншоты из игры и фотографии.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-51b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
−
== Read also ==
 
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
 
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
−
''ETC.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
 
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.ru/index.php?/topic/277120-mustang-mk-ia/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
 +
{{Britain fighters}}
 +
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 13:50, 15 May 2023

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the premium British fighter Mustang Mk IA (Great Britain). For other versions, see P-51 (Family).
▄Mustang Mk IA
p-51b.png
GarageImage Mustang Mk IA (Great Britain).jpg
▄Mustang Mk IA
Britain flag.png Britain
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.0 3.7 4.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:1 850 Specs-Card-Eagle.png

Description

The ▄Mustang Mk IA is a premium rank III British fighter with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB/SB) and 3.7 (RB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The Mustang Mk IA is equipped in the same manner as the American original P-51 with four 20 mm cannons in the wing and Allison engine. The Mustang Mk IA takes on a two-tone desert camouflage as default with a light blue underbelly, making it quite distinguishable in the airspace. Distinguishable identifications towards the Royal Air Force are seen with roundels on the wings and rear fuselage, with a red, white, blue fin flash.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 5 200 m631 km/h
Turn time20 s
Max altitude8 839 m
EngineAllison V-1710-39
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight5 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,200 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 591 578 8839 21.6 22.2 8.5 8.5 491
Upgraded 673 631 18.9 20.0 18.6 13.1

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
855 287 650 520 279 ~12 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 500 < 230 < 550 > 340

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear287 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
  • 6.35 mm Steel plate in front of the engine
  • 6.35 mm Steel plate between the engine and pilot
  • 11.11 mm Steel plate behind the pilot

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB914 Sl icon.png
RB3 740 Sl icon.png
SB3 025 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts210 000 Sl icon.png
Aces700 Ge icon.png
Research Aces790 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 70 / 220 / 380 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 154 / 154 / 154 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk2_new_gun
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1942
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1943

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannon
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)

The Mustang Mk IA (Great Britain) is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (125 rpg = 500 total)

Usage in battles

The Mustang Mk-1A is similar to its bigger brother (or in some ways smaller) in the fact that it carries many good and bad traits. Interestingly, it inherits much of the advantages of the P-51D while adding some of its own good characteristics. High altitude performance is miserable, but it won't get there any time soon with the sluggish climb rate. Top speed is very good, yet achieving it can take some time due to the slow acceleration. Low-altitude manoeuvrability is decent.

The Mk-1A is equipped with four Hispano 20 mm cannons, making it a formidable firing platform. However, these cannon will run out of ammo, due to the sparse 125 rpg. They will jam quickly too. Take advantage of the cannon though, because when compared to other nation's counterparts the MK-1A can make rapid kills of any plane. Air targets belts are recommended for experienced players; they possess the most HE shells out of any belt, but lack tracers. Unlike in the Typhoon series, the guns on the Mustang are mounted in close proximity, dealing a deadly double punch when hitting. Very similar to the Spitfire Mk.Vc which has 5 rounds per gun less than the Mustang.

Unfortunately, the Mustang Mk-1A is not a great Boom & Zoom fighter nor a great turn-fighter; it is a trade-off between the great high-altitude performance of the P-51D and its own average all-altitude performance. The top speed is only middling, although top speed and dive-speed are excellent. Climb rate is relatively poor, at only 13 m/s. To top that off, it has an average turn-rate as well. Thus, the Mk-1A is a great plane for head-ons, tail-end combat, and in very few cases, turn fighting. At low altitudes, turning is very snappy provided you have the speed. The engine is prone to overheating relatively (and annoyingly) quickly in realistic and simulator battles. Additionally, a small amount of damage taken by the engine can result in its destruction, which is problematic while attacking bombers. Additionally, the cockpit is a great downfall, as it provides poor visibility.

A Mustang with altitude is a dangerous Mustang. Try to take out a Mustang, you must do what you can to rob it of its altitude advantage by either climbing above it or bringing it down to the Earth. The latter can be easily done if the Mustang pilot is aggressive and will eagerly tail an enticing target in a dive down to low altitude. In this case, one can rely on bleeding the Mustang of its speed as it pursues its target or when it returns to a climb and use this opportunity to pounce the Mustang.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Auto control available 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Combined Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Punishing armament of four Hispano Mk.II
  • Amazing acceleration at low altitude
  • Good top speed
  • Good manoeuvrability (roll+pitch) at high speed (max @ 600 km/h)
  • High energy retention in level flight
  • Decent climb rate, until 3,000 m
  • Great RP and reward bonus due to premium status

Cons:

  • Rather low ammo, with 125 RPG
  • Loses a lot of energy in sustained turns
  • Poor engine performance at alt > 4,000 m
  • Engine overheats rather quickly
  • Poor backward visibility in simulator mode due to cockpit design
  • No G-Suit, can black out easily in high-speed manoeuvres

History


Archive of the in-game description

The North American P-51 Mustang was a single seat fighter which was designed, developed and entered service all during the course of the Second World War. The origins of the aircraft came about in April 1940, when the British Purchasing Commission approached the North American aviation company to design a fighter to augment those already in service with RAF Fighter Command. The prototype first flew on October 26th 1940 and, after a highly successful test and evaluation period, 320 aircraft were ordered and the first production aircraft flew on May 1st 1941. Delivered to No.26 Squadron at Gatwick, the new American fighter was designated the Mustang Mk.I by the RAF. It was considered to be superior to any other American fighter at the time, particularly at low level. However, the 1,100 hp Allison V-1710 engine had a poorer performance at high altitude, particularly above 15,000 feet which was above where the engine supercharger was optimized for.

For this reason, the Mustangs were used in support of ground operations rather than in their intended original role as a fighter. The Mustang was very successful in this role and an additional order for a further 300 aircraft was placed. The new batch was modified by fitting self sealing fuel tanks and replacing the earlier Mustangs' eight machine guns with a new armament of four 20 mm cannons, to create the Mustang Mk.IA. The RAF's successes with the Mustang led to a good deal of attention from the United States Army Air Force; after highlighting the fighter's only serious shortcoming as its high altitude performance, enquiries were made into fitting the aircraft with a different engine.

The British Rolls-Royce Merlin was selected for testing in five converted Mustangs, and the performance of the fighter increased dramatically. The airframe and wings were strengthened to harness the power of the Merlin engine, which also resulted in the fitting of under wing stores now being an option. Mustangs could now carry bombs, rockets or long range drop tanks. Now more than capable of competing across all altitude bands and boasting a particularly long range for a single engine fighter, the Mustang was rapidly evolving into one of the most capable air assets of the entire war. However, with British and American interest in the fighter still growing, future variants of the Mustang would show yet more improvements.

Generally regarded as the greatest American fighter of the Second World War, Mustang pilots were to claim nearly 5,000 air-to-air kills by the end of the conflict. The Mustang would go on to serve the USAF in the Korean War, and was exported to over 50 foreign air forces.


Media

Skins

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


North American Aviation
Fighters 
P-51A  P-51 · P-51A
P-51C  P-51C-10
P-51D  P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30
P-51H  P-51H-5-NA
Twin-engine fighters  F-82E
Jet fighters  F-86A-5 · F-86F-2 · F-86F-25 · F-86F-35 · F-100D
Strike aircraft  A-36 · PBJ-1H · PBJ-1J
  FJ-4B · FJ-4B VMF-232
Bombers  B-25J-1 · B-25J-20
Export/Licence  ▂B-25J-30 · ␗B-25J-30
  ▄Mustang Mk IA · F-6C-10-NA · ␗P-51C-11-NT · ␗P-51D-20 · J26 David · J26 · P-51D-20-NA · ␗P-51K
  F-86F-30 ▅ · ␗F-86F-30 · F-86F-40 ▅ · F-86F-40 JASDF▅ · ␗F-86F-40
  ◄F-86K · ▄F-86K (Italy) · ▄F-86K (France)
  ␗F-100A · ▄F-100D · ␗F-100F
Captured  ▅P-51C-11-NT
  Canadair Limited license-built the F-86 as the CL-13 for use in Canada and export to Europe.
  Fiat license-built the F-86K for the Italian Air Force though another 120 NAA built F-86Ks were also sold to the Italians.
See Also  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries · Canadair Limited · Fiat Aviation

Britain fighters
Fury  Fury Mk I · Fury Mk II
Nimrod  Nimrod Mk I · Nimrod Mk II
Gladiator  Gladiator Mk II · Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · Gladiator Mk IIF · Gladiator Mk IIS
Sea Gladiator  Sea Gladiator Mk I
Hurricane  Hurricane Mk I/L · Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Hurricane Mk IIB/Trop
Sea Hurricane  Sea Hurricane Mk IB · Sea Hurricane Mk IC
Martin-Baker  MB.5
Spitfire (early-Merlin)  Spitfire Mk Ia · Spitfire Mk IIa · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire Mk IIb · Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · Spitfire Mk Vb · Spitfire Mk Vc/trop · Spitfire Mk Vc
Spitfire (late-Merlin)  Spitfire F Mk IX · Spitfire LF Mk IX · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XVI
Spitfire (Griffon)  Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Spitfire F Mk XIVe · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24
Seafire  Seafire LF Mk.III · Seafire F Mk XVII · Seafire FR 47
Typhoon  Typhoon Mk Ia · Typhoon Mk Ib · Typhoon Mk Ib/L
Tempest  Tempest Mk II · Tempest Mk V
Sea Fury  Sea Fury FB 11
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Hornet Mk.III · Whirlwind Mk I · Whirlwind P.9
  Foreign:
Australia  ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II
France  ▄D.520 · ▄D.521
USA  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA

Britain premium aircraft
Fighters  Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II · ▄D.520
  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA
  Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe
  Typhoon Mk Ib · MB.5
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Whirlwind P.9
Jet fighters  Attacker FB.2 · Hunter FGA.9 · Lightning F.53 · Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper · Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2 · F-4J(UK) Phantom II · ▄MiG-21 Bison
Strike aircraft  ▄Wirraway · Beaufighter Mk I (40-mm) · Wyvern S4
  Harrier GR.1 · Strikemaster Mk.88
Bombers  ▄Avenger Mk II · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄Catalina Mk IIIa · ▄DB-7 · ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Hudson Mk V · Swordfish Mk II

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