Difference between revisions of "P-51C-11-NT (Japan)"

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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]].  
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]].  
  
−
''Evalina'' was nicknamed after the girlfriend of its pilot 1st Lt. ''Oliver E. Strawbridge''.  
+
The plane was nicknamed "Evalina" after the girlfriend of its pilot 1st Lt. Oliver E. Strawbridge.  
  
−
This plane got captured by the Japanese after an emergency landing on the 16th of January, 1945. She was left in her original scheme with Hinomaru's painted over the American stars before she was sent over back to Japan. There she would be thoroughly evaluated, examined & mock battled with by the Japanese Army until just before the end of the war.
+
This plane got captured by the Japanese after an emergency landing on the 16th of January, 1945. She was left in her original scheme with Hinomarus painted over the American stars before she was sent over back to Japan. There she would be thoroughly evaluated, examined & mock battled with by the Japanese Army until just before the end of the war.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 157: Line 157:
 
* Only four 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns with mid-war belts which don't do much damage
 
* Only four 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns with mid-war belts which don't do much damage
 
* High stall speed and mediocre low speed manoeuvrability
 
* High stall speed and mediocre low speed manoeuvrability
−
* No suspended ordanance
+
* No suspended ordnance
 
* Not very durable
 
* Not very durable
 
* Roll rate, while not terrible, is not sufficient enough to shake enemy planes off or force overshoots
 
* Roll rate, while not terrible, is not sufficient enough to shake enemy planes off or force overshoots
Line 163: Line 163:
 
== History ==
 
== 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 If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
{{main|P-51 (Family)|l1=History of the P-51 ''Mustang''}}
+
{{main|P-51 (Family)|l1=History of the P-51 "Mustang"}}
 
===Introduction===
 
===Introduction===
 
Starting early 1943, the Japanese had a new foe to fight in the skies, the P-51 Mustang. While Japan saw early successes, it still would prove that the P-51 is a very dangerous foe. The threat would become worse with the introduction of the Merlin-engined P-51B/C and P-51D.
 
Starting early 1943, the Japanese had a new foe to fight in the skies, the P-51 Mustang. While Japan saw early successes, it still would prove that the P-51 is a very dangerous foe. The threat would become worse with the introduction of the Merlin-engined P-51B/C and P-51D.
Line 171: Line 171:
 
While Japan had some models to examine, they were all damaged beyond repair and/or were burnt-out wrecks. But this lack of research material would change eventually.
 
While Japan had some models to examine, they were all damaged beyond repair and/or were burnt-out wrecks. But this lack of research material would change eventually.
  
−
===P-51C-11-NT ''Evalina''===
+
===P-51C-11-NT "Evalina"===
 
====Japanese Capture====
 
====Japanese Capture====
−
[[File:P-51C-11 'Evalina' and Pilot.jpg|1st Lt. Strawbridge and his ''Evalina''|thumb|250px]]
+
[[File:P-51C-11 'Evalina' and Pilot.jpg|1st Lt. Strawbridge and his Evalina|thumb|250px]]
−
Built in Dallas, Texas, as c/n 111-28949, registered 44-10816 was allocated to First Lt. Oliver E. Strawbridge of the 26th FS, 51st FG, 14th AF, who named the aircraft ''Evalina'' after his at the time girlfriend.  
+
Built in Dallas, Texas, as c/n 111-28949, registered 44-10816 was allocated to First Lt. Oliver E. Strawbridge of the 26th FS, 51st FG, 14th AF, who named the aircraft "Evalina" after his at the time girlfriend.  
  
−
One day the plane was commandeered by Second Lt. Sam McMillan, ''Evalina'' was hit by Japanese flak fire and an emergency landing was made in a ricefield near the Japanese-held Suchin airfield in the Hubei Province, China on 16 January 1945.  
+
One day the plane was commandeered by Second Lt. Sam McMillan, Evalina was hit by Japanese flak fire and an emergency landing was made in a ricefield near the Japanese-held Suchin airfield in the Hubei Province, China on 16 January 1945.  
  
−
Sam was taken as a POW and would be part of the POW group known as ''The Diddled Dozen'' that were separated from all other prisoners and taken back to the Japanese homeland<ref>[http://www.mansell.com/pow_resources/camplists/hokkaido/sapporo/pow_pic_2.html "The Diddled Dozen" - Jim Mockford - extracted from the memoir called "Quig" by Donald Quigley]</ref><ref>[http://www.cbi-theater.com/dozen/dozen.html "The Diddled Dozen" - James M. Taylor]</ref>  
+
Sam was taken as a POW and would be part of the POW group known as "The Diddled Dozen" that were separated from all other prisoners and taken back to the Japanese homeland<ref>[http://www.mansell.com/pow_resources/camplists/hokkaido/sapporo/pow_pic_2.html "The Diddled Dozen" - Jim Mockford - extracted from the memoir called "Quig" by Donald Quigley]</ref><ref>[http://www.cbi-theater.com/dozen/dozen.html "The Diddled Dozen" - James M. Taylor]</ref>  
  
−
The Japanese on the other hand would finally have a Mustang given on a golden platter. Any damage to the aircraft was quickly repaired, painted Hinomarus over the American stars and left the rest of ''Evalina'' in her original scheme.
+
The Japanese on the other hand would finally have a Mustang given on a golden platter. Any damage to the aircraft was quickly repaired, painted Hinomarus over the American stars and left the rest of Evalina in her original scheme.
  
 
{{Notice|While sources are scarce, the plane was in good condition on Japanese images, and if a belly landing happened, it would break the propeller and damage the belly intake; making it barely repairable for the Japanese.}}
 
{{Notice|While sources are scarce, the plane was in good condition on Japanese images, and if a belly landing happened, it would break the propeller and damage the belly intake; making it barely repairable for the Japanese.}}
  
 
====Japanese Evaluation====
 
====Japanese Evaluation====
−
[[File:P-51C-11 'Evalina' in capture 2.jpg|2 Japanese pilots in front of ''Evalina''|thumb|250px]]
+
[[File:P-51C-11 'Evalina' in capture 2.jpg|2 Japanese pilots in front of Evalina|thumb|250px]]
−
Once the Japanese got their hands on the ''Evalina'', she would be sent as soon as possible back to Japan at the Japanese Army Air Inspection Center in Fussa (now Yokota Air Base) piloted by air ace Major Yasuhiko Kuroe.
+
Once the Japanese got their hands on the Evalina, she would be sent as soon as possible back to Japan at the Japanese Army Air Inspection Center in Fussa (now Yokota Air Base) piloted by air ace Major Yasuhiko Kuroe.
  
 
Upon arrival, Kuroe would evaluate and comment on the Mustang in Fussa, stating:
 
Upon arrival, Kuroe would evaluate and comment on the Mustang in Fussa, stating:
Line 193: Line 193:
 
Its dash speed was inferior to that of our imported [[Fw 190 A-5 (Japan)|Fw 190 A-5]], but diving speed and stability during the dive were excellent. After fuel consumption tests we estimated it would be able to fly over the Japanese homeland from Iwo Jima. Some time later this came true.}}{{Break}}
 
Its dash speed was inferior to that of our imported [[Fw 190 A-5 (Japan)|Fw 190 A-5]], but diving speed and stability during the dive were excellent. After fuel consumption tests we estimated it would be able to fly over the Japanese homeland from Iwo Jima. Some time later this came true.}}{{Break}}
  
−
[[File:P-51C-11 'Evalina' in capture 1.jpg|Japanese pilots examining the P-51C-11 ''Evalina''|left|thumb|300px]]
+
[[File:P-51C-11 'Evalina' in capture 1.jpg|Japanese pilots examining the P-51C-11 Evalina|left|thumb|300px]]
−
After its initial evaluations at the Air Inspection Center, ''Evalina'' was sent to the Akeno Army Flying School for further evaluation and mock combat against Japanese fighters such as the [[Ki-43 (Family)|Ki-43]], [[Ki-61 (Family)|Ki-61]] and [[Ki-84 (Family)|Ki-84]].
+
After its initial evaluations at the Air Inspection Center, Evalina was sent to the Akeno Army Flying School for further evaluation and mock combat against Japanese fighters such as the [[Ki-43 (Family)|Ki-43]], [[Ki-61 (Family)|Ki-61]] and [[Ki-84 (Family)|Ki-84]].
  
 
In mid-April 1945, Maj. Kuroe was placed in charge of a “{{Annotation|flying circus|An air group composed of captured Allied aircraft}}”. The group toured Japanese fighter units to train pilots how to fight the opponent's aircraft.
 
In mid-April 1945, Maj. Kuroe was placed in charge of a “{{Annotation|flying circus|An air group composed of captured Allied aircraft}}”. The group toured Japanese fighter units to train pilots how to fight the opponent's aircraft.
  
−
One of the pilots who benefited from this was a 1st Lieutenant from the 18th Sentai, Masatsugu Sumita, who recalled that he learned "''how to take his aircraft out of the P-51's axis when being chased...''".{{Break}}
+
One of the pilots who benefited from this was a 1st Lieutenant from the 18th Sentai, Masatsugu Sumita, who recalled that he learned "how to take his aircraft out of the P-51's axis when being chased...".{{Break}}
  
 
At the time, the 18th Sentai was issued with the new [[Ki-100]], one of the few Japanese planes that matched the Mustang's general performances, albeit with inferior equipment. Kuroe claimed:
 
At the time, the 18th Sentai was issued with the new [[Ki-100]], one of the few Japanese planes that matched the Mustang's general performances, albeit with inferior equipment. Kuroe claimed:
Line 204: Line 204:
 
{{Quote|I had such confidence with this P-51 that I feared no Japanese fighters.}}
 
{{Quote|I had such confidence with this P-51 that I feared no Japanese fighters.}}
  
−
The Japanese's impression of the Mustang was that it was an excellent all-around aircraft with no major fault and excellent equipment. The absence of oil leaks was surprising to most, as all Japanese engines leaked to some extent. Several pilots were invited to fly the fighter. Among them was Yohei Hinoki, one of the first to shoot down a Mustang in November 1943:
+
The Japanese impression of the Mustang was that it was an excellent all-around aircraft with no major fault and excellent equipment. The absence of oil leaks was surprising to most, as all Japanese engines leaked to some extent. Several pilots were invited to fly the fighter. Among them was Yohei Hinoki, one of the first to shoot down a Mustang in November 1943:
  
 
{{Quote|Major General Imagawa asked me to master the P-51 and then demonstrate it to other fellow pilots. I did not have a great deal of confidence in my ability to fly such an advanced aircraft with my disabled leg, but I made up my mind to do my best.
 
{{Quote|Major General Imagawa asked me to master the P-51 and then demonstrate it to other fellow pilots. I did not have a great deal of confidence in my ability to fly such an advanced aircraft with my disabled leg, but I made up my mind to do my best.
Line 212: Line 212:
 
It reminded me of the day I had first seen the P-51 in the sky above Burma on 25 November 1943. Major Kuroe, who brought the P-51 back from China, told me how easy the P-51 was to fly. Getting in, I was very impressed by the roomy seat and I did not have any trouble with my artificial leg on the rudder pedal. For me there were several new things about the aircraft. First of all there was the bulletproof glass, with a better degree of transparency than the thin Japanese glass; secondly, the seat was surrounded by a thick steel plate which I had never seen in a fighter before; there was an automatic shutter for the radiator, and an oxygen system which was new to me. Overall, it was better equipped than any Japanese airplane I had ever seen.}}
 
It reminded me of the day I had first seen the P-51 in the sky above Burma on 25 November 1943. Major Kuroe, who brought the P-51 back from China, told me how easy the P-51 was to fly. Getting in, I was very impressed by the roomy seat and I did not have any trouble with my artificial leg on the rudder pedal. For me there were several new things about the aircraft. First of all there was the bulletproof glass, with a better degree of transparency than the thin Japanese glass; secondly, the seat was surrounded by a thick steel plate which I had never seen in a fighter before; there was an automatic shutter for the radiator, and an oxygen system which was new to me. Overall, it was better equipped than any Japanese airplane I had ever seen.}}
  
−
After all of the intensive evaluations, mock-fights and transfers, ''Evalina'' finally gave in and her generator burnt out. As Japan at this state in the war had way more pressing issues and couldn't find any replacement parts, she would be bulldozed into a lake to never be seen again.
+
After all of the intensive evaluations, mock-fights and transfers, Evalina finally gave in and her generator burnt out. As Japan at this state in the war had way more pressing issues and couldn't find any replacement parts, she would be bulldozed into a lake to never be seen again.
  
 
Although the Evalina would be the only P-51C the Japanese got their hands on, there are accounts of where the Japanese got their hands on at least 3 P-51Ds with even scarcer information as they were captured barely weeks before the end of the war.
 
Although the Evalina would be the only P-51C the Japanese got their hands on, there are accounts of where the Japanese got their hands on at least 3 P-51Ds with even scarcer information as they were captured barely weeks before the end of the war.
  
−
===After Math===
+
===Aftermath===
−
Both Oliver E. Strawbridge and Sam McMillan survived the war and lived to old age. However, Strawbridge never ended up marrying ''Evalina''.
+
Both Oliver E. Strawbridge and Sam McMillan survived the war and lived to old age. However, Strawbridge never ended up marrying Evalina.
 
====Yasuhiko Kuroe====
 
====Yasuhiko Kuroe====
−
Yasuhiko Kuroe ended up being officially credited with 30 destroyed aircraft, 3 of which were B-29's, he played a vital role in evaluating and testing the [[Ki-102 otsu|Ki-102]], [[Ki-84 (Family)|Ki-106]], [[Ki-109]] and [[Ki-200]] all intended to shoot down B-29's.  
+
Yasuhiko Kuroe ended up being officially credited with 30 destroyed aircraft, 3 of which were B-29s, he played a vital role in evaluating and testing the [[Ki-102 otsu|Ki-102]], [[Ki-84 (Family)|Ki-106]], [[Ki-109]] and [[Ki-200]] all intended to shoot down B-29s.  
  
−
After the war, he returned to his hometown a picked up on agriculture as all of Japan's military would be dismantled. While starting a new life as a farmer he ended up running on food shortage and got into some shady business and poor life choices and got into debt.  
+
After the war, he returned to his hometown and picked up on agriculture as all of Japan's military would be dismantled. While starting a new life as a farmer, he ended up running on food shortage and got into some shady business and poor life choices and got into debt.  
  
−
He moved to Tokyo and managed to join the JASDF (Japanese Air Self Defense Force). As an experienced pilot in both propellor- and jet-driven planes he got back into the airforce and returned to his balanced life. He was sent abroad to study in the Royal Air Force in Britain for a year and returned to Japan eventually climbing up to the rank of Major General.  
+
He moved to Tokyo and managed to join the JASDF (Japanese Air Self Defense Force). As an experienced pilot in both propellor- and jet-driven planes he got back into the Air Force and returned to his balanced life. He was sent abroad to study in the Royal Air Force in Britain for a year and returned to Japan eventually climbing up to the rank of Major General.  
  
 
One day in 1965 Maj.Gen. Kuroe went fishing off the Echizen coast, Fukui Prefecture during bad weather and eventually drowned in the high waves. He was buried on December 7 of that year.
 
One day in 1965 Maj.Gen. Kuroe went fishing off the Echizen coast, Fukui Prefecture during bad weather and eventually drowned in the high waves. He was buried on December 7 of that year.
Line 239: Line 239:
 
* ''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.'' -->
−
'''Other variants in-game'''
 
  
−
* [[P-51 (Family)]]
+
;Other Japanese-captured US planes
 +
* [[F4U-1A (Japan)]]
 +
* [[B-17E (Japan)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== 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;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  

Revision as of 06:44, 4 June 2021

This page is about the Japanese fighter P-51C-11-NT (Japan). For other versions, see P-51 (Family).
▅P-51C-11-NT
p-51c-11-nt_japan.png
GarageImage P-51C-11-NT (Japan).jpg
ArtImage P-51C-11-NT (Japan).png
▅P-51C-11-NT
Japan flag.png Japan
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.7 3.7 4.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:1 600 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

The ▅P-51C-11-NT is a premium rank III Japanese fighter with a battle rating of 3.7 (AB/RB) and 4.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update "Red Skies".

The plane was nicknamed "Evalina" after the girlfriend of its pilot 1st Lt. Oliver E. Strawbridge.

This plane got captured by the Japanese after an emergency landing on the 16th of January, 1945. She was left in her original scheme with Hinomarus painted over the American stars before she was sent over back to Japan. There she would be thoroughly evaluated, examined & mock battled with by the Japanese Army until just before the end of the war.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 7 300 m708 km/h
Turn time21 s
Max altitude12 800 m
EnginePackard V-1650-7
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight5 t

Unlike its Rank II predecessors, the P-51 and A-36, this plane performs well not only at low altitudes but also above 3,000 metres because of the new Merlin engine and two-stage supercharger instead of one-stage in the Allison powered models. Level speed is exceptionally good at all altitudes compared to the opposition at similar battle ratings. In Realistic Battles, it can reach 610 km/h at sea level and 705 km/h at 7,300 metres of altitude. Acceleration is also above average in level flight. The climb rate is good, especially when compared to the other American planes, and is noticeably better than the P-51D-5 and P-51D-20. At low altitude, it is slightly above 20 m/s and the plane can reach 6,000 m alt in about 7 minutes. Diving performance is great as usual, its elevator and other control surfaces do not lock up even at 700-800 km/h IAS and can pull 9G at that speed. Medium and high-speed manoeuvrability is good enough to keep up with the Bf 109 G and similar fighters for a while, and the sustained turn rate has been improved over previous Mustangs. Horizontal energy retention is very good, vertical energy retention is good, but manoeuvring energy retention is somewhat below average (but only in RB because of how the instructor controls the plane). Low speed manoeuvrability is still mediocre. The main issue is its rudder, which can lock up above 300 km/h IAS, albeit not to the extent of the P-51D models since the "razorback" fuselage provides better directional stability. The roll rate is not exceptional, veering into poor territory at low speeds.

If using Manual Engine Controls, it is worth mentioning that the Meredith effect is modelled on Mustangs. The cooling system is designed to generate a slight thrust that partially compensates for the aerodynamic drag caused by the radiators. This means that opening up the radiators even to high percentages only causes small effects on energy retention and top speed while keeping the engine nice and cool on WEP settings.

When flying with full realistic controls, the plane requires some trimming, positive for the elevator (+ 5-7) and rudder or ailerons to the right (but only below 600 km/h IAS) if you want to keep the plane straight in the level flight, when turning the plane tends to roll to the right side. Stall characteristics are very good, with the fuel set to 30 minutes it stalls out only when the elevator deflection reaches 90%. It does have a high stalling speed, however, at 175 km/h without flaps and 155 km/h with flaps.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 7,300 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 685 666 12800 22.0 22.6 12.9 12.9 300
Upgraded 734 708 20.5 21.0 20.2 16.2

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 + -
853 287 675 675 275 ~11 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 500 < 300 < 550 > 400

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural853 km/h
Gear287 km/h

The survivability is similar to most other prop fighters. The engine is located in the nose, and the fuel tanks are located behind the pilot's seat and in the wing roots. There is significant armour protection for the pilot, but the pilot is still vulnerable from the top, bottom, and sides. The fuel tanks are also vulnerable, as is the cooling system.

  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield
  • 11.11 mm Steel - Behind pilot's seat
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Behind engine, in front of oil cooling system and pilot
  • 6.35 mm Steel - In front of upper engine
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB695 Sl icon.png
RB1 635 Sl icon.png
SB2 387 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts165 000 Sl icon.png
Aces590 Ge icon.png
Research Aces710 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 70 / 170 / 340 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 148 / 148 / 148 % 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
bmg50_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition1 260 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The P-51C-11-NT (Japan) is armed with:

  • 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (280 rpg outer + 350 rpg inner = 1,260 total)

While the Evalina only has 4 x 12.7 mm's, she does get late-war belts for ammo choice, giving her relatively more consistency and firepower over the American P-51C-10 with early war belts.

Since the guns are mounted in the wings, gun convergence should be considered. Anywhere between 400-600 metres should work well, but note that more distant convergence settings will make close-range shooting more difficult, especially considering the low volume of fire.

Usage in battles

The P-51C-11 has outstanding performance compared to other planes that can meet in the same bracket (Enduring Confrontation 3, BR 3.7-4.7), level speed is higher at all altitudes than anything that it can face, so it can easily escape from anything when it finds itself in a trouble, climb rate is also very good and allows it to quickly get to the 3,000-5,000 m alt. This plane like all other Mustangs does not overheat when the radiator is set to 90-100%, it also does not slow down the plane, so it can always cruise with enabled WEP which is not limited, always engage other planes with humongous speed advantage and make use of very good mid and high-speed manoeuvrability. Sustained climb rate is worse than that of the Bf 109 F-4 or G-2 by 2-4 m/s, escaping from them by climbing away should be avoided, but still allows the plane to get pretty quick to 3,000-5,000 m alt, also the zoom climb is very good.

One issue that the plane has is quite disappointing armament, sometimes it takes some time to shoot down the enemy fighters and it is even worse against bombers and attackers with higher durability, but attacking with a speed advantage and surprising the enemy should solve it.

The other issue is unsatisfactory turn rate at low speed, engaging other fighters in dogfight should be avoided (instantaneous turn rate is actually good when the plane has lots of energy to spare), especially the Bf 109 F-4, G.55 or Yaks and anything that can turn better than them, the speed advantage should be used instead to beat them.

Because of these points, the preferable tactics for this plane should be Boom and Zoom and other manoeuvres that do not purely depend on turn rate and more on the plane's speed. Dogfighting can work to some extent and against some planes like the Fw 190 A (which does not really stand a chance against the razorback Mustang) but while doing that the player will be forced to sacrifice speed advantage and make the plane vulnerable to attacks from slower planes with far better turn rates.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Separate Not controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Outstanding Boom & Zoom capability
  • Great performance at altitude
  • Very fast at all altitudes, especially in a shallow dive
  • Very agile at high speeds due to laminar flow wings
  • Decent cockpit visibility
  • Large fuel capacity (1 hour 45 minutes maximum flight time)
  • Fantastic top speed and acceleration
  • Very good sustained climb rate

Cons:

  • Only four 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns with mid-war belts which don't do much damage
  • High stall speed and mediocre low speed manoeuvrability
  • No suspended ordnance
  • Not very durable
  • Roll rate, while not terrible, is not sufficient enough to shake enemy planes off or force overshoots

History

Main article: History of the P-51 "Mustang"

Introduction

Starting early 1943, the Japanese had a new foe to fight in the skies, the P-51 Mustang. While Japan saw early successes, it still would prove that the P-51 is a very dangerous foe. The threat would become worse with the introduction of the Merlin-engined P-51B/C and P-51D.

As Japanese casualties started counting up because of this monster of a plane, it became a more pressing issue to get the plane evaluated and look for any flaws in its designs to even out the odds.

While Japan had some models to examine, they were all damaged beyond repair and/or were burnt-out wrecks. But this lack of research material would change eventually.

P-51C-11-NT "Evalina"

Japanese Capture

1st Lt. Strawbridge and his Evalina

Built in Dallas, Texas, as c/n 111-28949, registered 44-10816 was allocated to First Lt. Oliver E. Strawbridge of the 26th FS, 51st FG, 14th AF, who named the aircraft "Evalina" after his at the time girlfriend.

One day the plane was commandeered by Second Lt. Sam McMillan, Evalina was hit by Japanese flak fire and an emergency landing was made in a ricefield near the Japanese-held Suchin airfield in the Hubei Province, China on 16 January 1945.

Sam was taken as a POW and would be part of the POW group known as "The Diddled Dozen" that were separated from all other prisoners and taken back to the Japanese homeland[1][2]

The Japanese on the other hand would finally have a Mustang given on a golden platter. Any damage to the aircraft was quickly repaired, painted Hinomarus over the American stars and left the rest of Evalina in her original scheme.

Msg-info.png While sources are scarce, the plane was in good condition on Japanese images, and if a belly landing happened, it would break the propeller and damage the belly intake; making it barely repairable for the Japanese.

Japanese Evaluation

2 Japanese pilots in front of Evalina

Once the Japanese got their hands on the Evalina, she would be sent as soon as possible back to Japan at the Japanese Army Air Inspection Center in Fussa (now Yokota Air Base) piloted by air ace Major Yasuhiko Kuroe.

Upon arrival, Kuroe would evaluate and comment on the Mustang in Fussa, stating:

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I was astonished with its performance. Turn characteristics were splendid, almost the same as the Ki-84 in a horizontal turn. The radio transmitter was excellent, the armament and other miscellaneous equipment was very good, particularly when compared with their Japanese equivalents, and moreover it had a radio direction-finder.

Its dash speed was inferior to that of our imported Fw 190 A-5, but diving speed and stability during the dive were excellent. After fuel consumption tests we estimated it would be able to fly over the Japanese homeland from Iwo Jima. Some time later this came true.


Japanese pilots examining the P-51C-11 Evalina

After its initial evaluations at the Air Inspection Center, Evalina was sent to the Akeno Army Flying School for further evaluation and mock combat against Japanese fighters such as the Ki-43, Ki-61 and Ki-84.

In mid-April 1945, Maj. Kuroe was placed in charge of a “flying circus”. The group toured Japanese fighter units to train pilots how to fight the opponent's aircraft.

One of the pilots who benefited from this was a 1st Lieutenant from the 18th Sentai, Masatsugu Sumita, who recalled that he learned "how to take his aircraft out of the P-51's axis when being chased...".

At the time, the 18th Sentai was issued with the new Ki-100, one of the few Japanese planes that matched the Mustang's general performances, albeit with inferior equipment. Kuroe claimed:

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I had such confidence with this P-51 that I feared no Japanese fighters.

The Japanese impression of the Mustang was that it was an excellent all-around aircraft with no major fault and excellent equipment. The absence of oil leaks was surprising to most, as all Japanese engines leaked to some extent. Several pilots were invited to fly the fighter. Among them was Yohei Hinoki, one of the first to shoot down a Mustang in November 1943:

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Major General Imagawa asked me to master the P-51 and then demonstrate it to other fellow pilots. I did not have a great deal of confidence in my ability to fly such an advanced aircraft with my disabled leg, but I made up my mind to do my best.

I flew to Omasa airfield and finally got a look at the P-51. I could see the superiority of its equipment, and its shiny fuselage with the open red mouth of a dragon. I saw several red dots on the side of the cockpit, probably recording Japanese aircraft the pilot had shot down. With the radiator under the fuselage, it looked very sleek and deadly.

It reminded me of the day I had first seen the P-51 in the sky above Burma on 25 November 1943. Major Kuroe, who brought the P-51 back from China, told me how easy the P-51 was to fly. Getting in, I was very impressed by the roomy seat and I did not have any trouble with my artificial leg on the rudder pedal. For me there were several new things about the aircraft. First of all there was the bulletproof glass, with a better degree of transparency than the thin Japanese glass; secondly, the seat was surrounded by a thick steel plate which I had never seen in a fighter before; there was an automatic shutter for the radiator, and an oxygen system which was new to me. Overall, it was better equipped than any Japanese airplane I had ever seen.

After all of the intensive evaluations, mock-fights and transfers, Evalina finally gave in and her generator burnt out. As Japan at this state in the war had way more pressing issues and couldn't find any replacement parts, she would be bulldozed into a lake to never be seen again.

Although the Evalina would be the only P-51C the Japanese got their hands on, there are accounts of where the Japanese got their hands on at least 3 P-51Ds with even scarcer information as they were captured barely weeks before the end of the war.

Aftermath

Both Oliver E. Strawbridge and Sam McMillan survived the war and lived to old age. However, Strawbridge never ended up marrying Evalina.

Yasuhiko Kuroe

Yasuhiko Kuroe ended up being officially credited with 30 destroyed aircraft, 3 of which were B-29s, he played a vital role in evaluating and testing the Ki-102, Ki-106, Ki-109 and Ki-200 all intended to shoot down B-29s.

After the war, he returned to his hometown and picked up on agriculture as all of Japan's military would be dismantled. While starting a new life as a farmer, he ended up running on food shortage and got into some shady business and poor life choices and got into debt.

He moved to Tokyo and managed to join the JASDF (Japanese Air Self Defense Force). As an experienced pilot in both propellor- and jet-driven planes he got back into the Air Force and returned to his balanced life. He was sent abroad to study in the Royal Air Force in Britain for a year and returned to Japan eventually climbing up to the rank of Major General.

One day in 1965 Maj.Gen. Kuroe went fishing off the Echizen coast, Fukui Prefecture during bad weather and eventually drowned in the high waves. He was buried on December 7 of that year.


Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Other Japanese-captured US planes

External links


Japan fighters
Navy 
Carrier-based fighter 
A5M  A5M4 · Hagiri's A5M4
A6M  A6M2 mod. 11 · A6M2 · A6M3 · A6M3 mod. 22 · A6M3 mod. 22Ko · A6M5 · A6M5 Ko · A6M5 otsu · A6M5 Hei · A6M6c
A7He  A7He1*
A7M  A7M1 (NK9H) · A7M2
Land-based Fighter 
J2M  J2M2 · J2M3 · J2M4 Kai · J2M5 · J2M5 (30 mm)
J6K  J6K1
J7W  J7W1
N1K-J  N1K1-Ja · N1K2-J · N1K2-Ja
Fighter seaplane 
N1K  N1K1
A6M-N  A6M2-N
Army 
Ki-10  Ki-10-I · Ki-10-I C · Ki-10-II · Ki-10-II C
Ki-27  Ki-27 otsu · Ki-27 otsu Tachiarai
Ki-43  Ki-43-I · Ki-43-II · Ki-43-III otsu
Ki-44  Ki-44-I · Ki-44-I 34 · Ki-44-II otsu · Ki-44-II hei
Ki-61  Ki-61-I ko · Ki-61-I otsu · Ki-61-I hei · Tada's Ki-61-I hei · Ki-61-I tei · Ki-61-II Otsu Kai
Ki-84  Ki-84 ko · Ki-84 otsu · Ki-84 hei
Ki-87  Ki-87
Ki-94  Ki-94-II
Ki-100  Ki-100 · Ki-100-II
Other countries  ▅F4U-1A · ▅P-51C-11-NT · ▅Bf 109 E-7 · ▅Fw 190 A-5
  *Imported designation of the He 112 (A6M was in development - A7M would take A7 designation after the cancelation of the A7He)

Japan premium aircraft
Fighters  Hagiri's A5M4 · A7He1 · Ki-27 otsu Tachiarai
  Ki-44-II otsu · ▅Bf 109 E-7 · ▅F4U-1A · Ki-100-II · Ki-44-I 34
  ▅Fw 190 A-5 · A7M1 (NK9H) · Tada's Ki-61-I hei · ▅P-51C-11-NT
  J2M4 Kai · A6M5 Ko · A6M6c · J2M5 · Ki-87 · J6K1
Twin-engine fighters  Ki-96
Jet fighters  F-86F-40 JASDF▅ · T-2 Early · F-4EJ ADTW
Strike aircraft  ▄AV-8S
Bombers  Ki-21-I hei · Ki-48-II otsu · H8K3 · B7A2 (Homare 23) · ▅B-17E

  1. ↑ "The Diddled Dozen" - Jim Mockford - extracted from the memoir called "Quig" by Donald Quigley
  2. ↑ "The Diddled Dozen" - James M. Taylor
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