Difference between revisions of "P-51D-20-NA"

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(Added basic information and tables.)
Line 5: Line 5:
  
 
== 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 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.''-->
  
 +
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''P-51D-20 NA '''Mustang''''' is a Rank IV American fighter with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB), 4.7 (RB), and 5.0 (SB). It was added to the game in Update 1.33.
 
== 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.''
+
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,620 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 683 || 665 || 12,700 || 23.3 || 23.8 || 13.7 || 15.6 || 396
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,620 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 740 || 710 || 12,700 || 20.7 || 22.0 || 26.2 || 18.9 || 396
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
====Details====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flap
 +
! Take-off flap
 +
! Landing flap
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! +
 +
! -
 +
|-
 +
| 880 || 281 || 651 || ~15 || ~8
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 +
|-
 +
| < 460 || < 425 || < 440 || > 257
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 2,591 m || 1,580 hp || 1,728 hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 6,401 m || 1,310 hp || 1,433 hp
 +
|-
 +
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|- -->
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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.''
+
<!--''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.''-->
 +
* 19.05 mm Steel - Propeller hub armor plate
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armor plate
 +
* 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat back plate
 +
* 11 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
''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.''
+
<!--''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|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 6 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (500 + 270 + 270 rpg each wing = 2,080 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: 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.''
+
<!--''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: 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.''-->
 +
{{main|Bombs|Rockets}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
  
 +
* Without load
 +
* 6 x 127 mm HVAR rockets
 +
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 6 x 114 mm M8 rockets
 +
<!--
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
''Defensive armament 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.''
 
''Defensive armament 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 ==
 +
<!--''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).''-->
 +
'''Offense'''<br/>
 +
Probably the best asset P-51D has is its speed and its ability to achieve it and maintain it. Like with all planes, higher attitude should be achieved. Although its climb rate is nice, there are enough planes with better and therefor pilots of P-51D should plan ahead and not wait for the last second to climb. Best way to climb at start is to climb towards corner of map, so enemy will be encountered later, when P-51D is already high enough. When enemy is spotted, heading in other direction than P-51D, this aircraft can enter mild dive and go for strafe run. After that, it is important to continue heading in the same direction, so speed is maintained. Even the most agile fighters won't be able to turn quickly enough to fire just one shot at you. If feeling confident or sure about kill, P-51D should get at least +2 km away from enemy and then start to turn towards him, depending on its speed. If speed is under 500 kph, bigger distance should be achieved before attempting turn. This ensures that turn will be completed before enemy gets to 1 km distance, so you won't give your enemy opportunity for the first shot. However, head on assault should be done only against weaker opponents, since 50 cal does not have the punch of 20 mm or 30 mm that same tiered planes carry. Salvo of 50 cal rounds from tracer belt can easily and often does ignite enemy engines upon impact, but few hits from 30 mm will tear wings of P-51D, while fire can be taken out.
 +
 +
When engaging enemy bombers, aim for their engines. When engine catches on fire, focus on another engine until it also burns and so on. It is likely that fire will be taken out, but damage done by 2 to 4 burning engines will be so severe that enemy bomber will either crash within next minute even without one more hit or he will lose altitude so much that it will be an easy target for lower flying teammates. Bigger bombers like B-17 should not be followed for more than few seconds, as engine of P-51D is too fragile and often will turn red upon first few hits, which gives you about 1 to 2 minutes before its engine dies completely. It is especially important to engage B-17 from relative higher altitute, gain little more speed and aim for engines. Well aimed burst of tracer belt rounds should be enough to ignite 1 or 2 engines during this. Keep in mind that B17 can fly even with just one single engine and maintain its attitude and speed. Do not attempt to cut off wings of bomber like with bigger guns, as it is quite hard to do so with 50 cal. When engaging bomber with huge glass cockpit like on He 111, front assault with salvo of 50 cal rounds has high chance to kill its pilot with the amount of rounds that will be fired.
 +
 +
'''Defense'''<br/>
 +
It may seem that agility of P-51D is lacking at first sight, but it is not that bad when used correctly. P-51D has good turn rate at higher speeds and its pilots should try to keep well above 400 kph. When at a speed around 500 kph, even Spitfires will have troubles getting behind you. However, P-51D should avoid these encounters as this will bleed its speed to the point that P-51D will be no longer able to turn with enemy. If window of opportunity arises, for example when opponent starts his turn into wrong direction after attempting to out manoeuvre P-51D, P-51D can enter mild dive and go for run. P-51D can get to its top speed quite fast, especially when in mild dive. Top speed of P-51D is one of the best on its tier. These three speed factors will help you run away from many opponents, giving you a chance to set your own rules of engagement with them. When running away with enemy closing in, try to avoid climb at all. If climb is desired, it is best to wait until it is safe. If climb can not wait, try to climb below 10 degrees. When enemy with much higher speed is catching up with you at higher attitude, mild dive may not get you fast enough to your top speed. In these situations deep dive can be done. During this, enemy will get even closer to P-51D. As top speed of P-51D is quite high, after enemy loses his initial speed advantage, P-51D will probably already start to get away. After this deep dive runaway, start to climb around 10 degrees. P-51D is good at maintaining its speed, so it is likely that while P-51D will continue to move around 800-850 kph after deep dive for couple of seconds, many opponents will quickly slow down to their listed top speed. This should be enough to provide safe escape. If running away is not an option, high speed turn fight can be done for a short while. P-51D shouldn't prolong these encounters and should as soon as possible try to get away as already described in turn fights.
 +
 +
When enemy is going head on, he should be avoided. As already said, 50 cal can not match 20 mm and bigger guns head on. Additionally, such encounter will probably damage engine, which will at start take away the most important asset of P-51D and after few minutes will lead to its failure. Vitality of pilot is average, so he may survive and so is durability of its wings. However, control surfaces of P-51D are quite fragile. Head on should be done only with weaker opponent, who has either much weaker armament or is already critically damaged. If engine turns red, airfield should be sought as fast as possible. With red engine try to climb as much as possible in a way that speed will be at least slowly increasing. When engine dies, glide towards airfield in a way little to none speed is lost to avoid stall. If speed reaches 200 kph and dive is not possible if airfield is to be reached, use flaps as they will keep you in air for little longer even at lower speed. If combat flaps are not enough and even then P-51D starts to stall, raise flaps, open gear, use landing flaps and retract gear. Landing flaps will keep you in air for even longer than combat flaps, but if they are deployed too soon, they will serve as air brake, which is not desired during glide.
 +
 +
===Manual Engine Control===
 +
{| 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
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
===Modules===
−
''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"
 +
!colspan = "1"| Tier
 +
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
 +
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
 +
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage Repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 12 mm
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
|
 +
| FRC mk.2
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings Repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| New 12 mm MGs
 +
| Rocket Launcher M10
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
| G-Suit
 +
| Engine Injection
 +
| Cover
 +
|
 +
| FLBC mk.1
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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".''
+
<!--''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".''-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
* Outstanding Boom & Zoom capability
 +
* Great performance at altitude
 +
* Very fast at all altitudes
 +
* Very agile at high speeds
 +
* Good turn radius at high speeds
 +
* Good cockpit visibility
 +
* Plenty of ammo
 +
* Refueling isn't something to worry about
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
* Can't sustain much damage
 +
* Sluggish at low speeds
 +
* High stall speed
 +
* Average climb rate
 +
* Machine Guns don't have the punch cannons have
 +
* Minimum fuel load is rather big
  
 
== 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 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/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!--''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/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
 +
The history of this plane is when the British ordered P-40's from North American Aviation. North American then promised a better aircraft in less time and the British accepted this. The prototype P-51 had the same engine as the P-40 but was faster do to it's laminar flow wing design which increased range and speed. Afterwards the P-51 mainly served as a ground attack aircraft as it's engine lacked a two stage supercharger and was under powered at high altitude. In the P-51B engineers decided to add the more powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine. The Mustang was able to fly at a much higher altitude at higher speeds and it was at that moment when the Allies realized its true potential as a fighter aircraft. Due to it's long range due to the laminar flow wing it had the range to come along with the B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberator heavy bombers when they attacked  targets out of range of P-47 Thunderbolts, British Spitfires and even the twin engine P-38 Lightning.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!--''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''-->
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|_wQ_cCAS1jU|''Jengar'' Review}}
  
 
== Read also ==
 
== Read also ==
Line 46: Line 259:
 
* ''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.''
+
<!--''ETC.''-->
 +
 
 +
== Screenshots and fan art ==
 +
* [http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23p51d20 Skins and camouflages for the P-51D-20 from live.warthunder]
 +
 
 +
Top six downloaded:
 +
* [http://live.warthunder.com/post/151937/ North American P-51D Mustang, Luftwaffe]
 +
* [http://live.warthunder.com/post/163643/ 26031 Blue N of F16 Swedish Air Force]
 +
* [http://live.warthunder.com/post/136283/ VFA-103 Jolly Rogers (Non-Historical)]
 +
* [http://live.warthunder.com/post/95156/ 4th Fighter Group , 334th Fighter Squadron]
 +
* [http://live.warthunder.com/post/2924/ P-51 Quick Silver]
 +
* [http://live.warthunder.com/post/83212/ P-51D-5-NA, U.S. Army Air Force serial number 44-13926, 375th Fighter Squadron, 361st Fighter Group, 8th Air Force Europe, RAF]
  
 
== Sources ==
 
== Sources ==
Line 53: Line 277:
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{USA fighters}}

Revision as of 23:50, 24 November 2018

P-51D-20-NA
p-51d-20-na.png
P-51D-20-NA
USA flag.png USA
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.0 4.0 5.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
STORE

Description

GarageImage P-51D-20-NA.jpg


The 'P-51D-20 NA Mustang is a Rank IV American fighter with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB), 4.7 (RB), and 5.0 (SB). It was added to the game in Update 1.33.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 7,620 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
683 665 12,700 23.3 23.8 13.7 15.6 396
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 7,620 m) 		Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
740 710 12,700 20.7 22.0 26.2 18.9 396

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flap
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
880 281 651 ~15 ~8
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 460 < 425 < 440 > 257
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
2,591 m 1,580 hp 1,728 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
6,401 m 1,310 hp 1,433 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 19.05 mm Steel - Propeller hub armor plate
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armor plate
  • 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat back plate
  • 11 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The P-51D-20-NA is armed with:

  • 6 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (500 + 270 + 270 rpg each wing = 2,080 total)

Suspended armament

Main articles: Bombs, Rockets

The P-51D-20-NA can be outfitted with the following ordinance:

  • Without load
  • 6 x 127 mm HVAR rockets
  • 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 6 x 114 mm M8 rockets

Usage in the battles

Offense
Probably the best asset P-51D has is its speed and its ability to achieve it and maintain it. Like with all planes, higher attitude should be achieved. Although its climb rate is nice, there are enough planes with better and therefor pilots of P-51D should plan ahead and not wait for the last second to climb. Best way to climb at start is to climb towards corner of map, so enemy will be encountered later, when P-51D is already high enough. When enemy is spotted, heading in other direction than P-51D, this aircraft can enter mild dive and go for strafe run. After that, it is important to continue heading in the same direction, so speed is maintained. Even the most agile fighters won't be able to turn quickly enough to fire just one shot at you. If feeling confident or sure about kill, P-51D should get at least +2 km away from enemy and then start to turn towards him, depending on its speed. If speed is under 500 kph, bigger distance should be achieved before attempting turn. This ensures that turn will be completed before enemy gets to 1 km distance, so you won't give your enemy opportunity for the first shot. However, head on assault should be done only against weaker opponents, since 50 cal does not have the punch of 20 mm or 30 mm that same tiered planes carry. Salvo of 50 cal rounds from tracer belt can easily and often does ignite enemy engines upon impact, but few hits from 30 mm will tear wings of P-51D, while fire can be taken out.

When engaging enemy bombers, aim for their engines. When engine catches on fire, focus on another engine until it also burns and so on. It is likely that fire will be taken out, but damage done by 2 to 4 burning engines will be so severe that enemy bomber will either crash within next minute even without one more hit or he will lose altitude so much that it will be an easy target for lower flying teammates. Bigger bombers like B-17 should not be followed for more than few seconds, as engine of P-51D is too fragile and often will turn red upon first few hits, which gives you about 1 to 2 minutes before its engine dies completely. It is especially important to engage B-17 from relative higher altitute, gain little more speed and aim for engines. Well aimed burst of tracer belt rounds should be enough to ignite 1 or 2 engines during this. Keep in mind that B17 can fly even with just one single engine and maintain its attitude and speed. Do not attempt to cut off wings of bomber like with bigger guns, as it is quite hard to do so with 50 cal. When engaging bomber with huge glass cockpit like on He 111, front assault with salvo of 50 cal rounds has high chance to kill its pilot with the amount of rounds that will be fired.

Defense
It may seem that agility of P-51D is lacking at first sight, but it is not that bad when used correctly. P-51D has good turn rate at higher speeds and its pilots should try to keep well above 400 kph. When at a speed around 500 kph, even Spitfires will have troubles getting behind you. However, P-51D should avoid these encounters as this will bleed its speed to the point that P-51D will be no longer able to turn with enemy. If window of opportunity arises, for example when opponent starts his turn into wrong direction after attempting to out manoeuvre P-51D, P-51D can enter mild dive and go for run. P-51D can get to its top speed quite fast, especially when in mild dive. Top speed of P-51D is one of the best on its tier. These three speed factors will help you run away from many opponents, giving you a chance to set your own rules of engagement with them. When running away with enemy closing in, try to avoid climb at all. If climb is desired, it is best to wait until it is safe. If climb can not wait, try to climb below 10 degrees. When enemy with much higher speed is catching up with you at higher attitude, mild dive may not get you fast enough to your top speed. In these situations deep dive can be done. During this, enemy will get even closer to P-51D. As top speed of P-51D is quite high, after enemy loses his initial speed advantage, P-51D will probably already start to get away. After this deep dive runaway, start to climb around 10 degrees. P-51D is good at maintaining its speed, so it is likely that while P-51D will continue to move around 800-850 kph after deep dive for couple of seconds, many opponents will quickly slow down to their listed top speed. This should be enough to provide safe escape. If running away is not an option, high speed turn fight can be done for a short while. P-51D shouldn't prolong these encounters and should as soon as possible try to get away as already described in turn fights.

When enemy is going head on, he should be avoided. As already said, 50 cal can not match 20 mm and bigger guns head on. Additionally, such encounter will probably damage engine, which will at start take away the most important asset of P-51D and after few minutes will lead to its failure. Vitality of pilot is average, so he may survive and so is durability of its wings. However, control surfaces of P-51D are quite fragile. Head on should be done only with weaker opponent, who has either much weaker armament or is already critically damaged. If engine turns red, airfield should be sought as fast as possible. With red engine try to climb as much as possible in a way that speed will be at least slowly increasing. When engine dies, glide towards airfield in a way little to none speed is lost to avoid stall. If speed reaches 200 kph and dive is not possible if airfield is to be reached, use flaps as they will keep you in air for little longer even at lower speed. If combat flaps are not enough and even then P-51D starts to stall, raise flaps, open gear, use landing flaps and retract gear. Landing flaps will keep you in air for even longer than combat flaps, but if they are deployed too soon, they will serve as air brake, which is not desired during glide.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Not controllable Not controllable Not controllable Separate Not ontrollable Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiator Offensive 12 mm
II Compressor Airframe FRC mk.2
III Wings Repair Engine New 12 mm MGs Rocket Launcher M10
IV G-Suit Engine Injection Cover FLBC mk.1

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Outstanding Boom & Zoom capability
  • Great performance at altitude
  • Very fast at all altitudes
  • Very agile at high speeds
  • Good turn radius at high speeds
  • Good cockpit visibility
  • Plenty of ammo
  • Refueling isn't something to worry about

Cons:

  • Can't sustain much damage
  • Sluggish at low speeds
  • High stall speed
  • Average climb rate
  • Machine Guns don't have the punch cannons have
  • Minimum fuel load is rather big

History

The history of this plane is when the British ordered P-40's from North American Aviation. North American then promised a better aircraft in less time and the British accepted this. The prototype P-51 had the same engine as the P-40 but was faster do to it's laminar flow wing design which increased range and speed. Afterwards the P-51 mainly served as a ground attack aircraft as it's engine lacked a two stage supercharger and was under powered at high altitude. In the P-51B engineers decided to add the more powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine. The Mustang was able to fly at a much higher altitude at higher speeds and it was at that moment when the Allies realized its true potential as a fighter aircraft. Due to it's long range due to the laminar flow wing it had the range to come along with the B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberator heavy bombers when they attacked targets out of range of P-47 Thunderbolts, British Spitfires and even the twin engine P-38 Lightning.

Media

Jengar Review

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

Screenshots and fan art

Top six downloaded:

Sources

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  • topic on the official game forum;
  • page on aircraft encyclopedia;
  • other literature.


USA fighters
P-26 Peashooter  P-26A-33 · P-26A-34 · P-26A-34 M2 · P-26B-35
P-36 Hawk  P-36A · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-36C · ○P-36C · P-36G
P-39 Airacobra  P-400 · P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
P-40  P-40C · P-40E-1 · P-40E-1 TD · P-40F-10
P-43 Lancer  P-43A-1
P-47 Thunderbolt  P-47D-22-RE · P-47D-25 · P-47D-28 · P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-47N-15
P-51 Mustang  P-51 · P-51A (Thunder League) · P-51C-10 · P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30 · P-51H-5-NA
P-63 Kingcobra  P-63A-5 · P-63A-10 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Prototypes  XP-55
F2A Buffalo  F2A-1 · Thach's F2A-1 · F2A-3
BF2C  BF2C-1
F3F  F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2
F4F Wildcat  F4F-3 · F4F-4
F4U Corsair  F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1D · F4U-1C · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214 · F2G-1
F6F Hellcat  F6F-5 · F6F-5N
F8F Bearcat  F8F-1 · F8F-1B
Other countries  ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃A6M2 · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc

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