Probably the most famous of all World War II fighters, (save perhaps the Spitfire), the P-51 Mustang was at first a failure at high altitude until its Allison engine was replaced with the Rolls Royce Merlin. The RAF had provided specifications to North American Aviation to build a completely new fighter, which was designed and produced in 117 days. Continual improvements during the war, such as the teardrop canopy, dorsal fin, six 0.5in machine guns and drop tanks enabled this fighter to accompany the B-17 Bombers all the way to Berlin and back, a range of over 1,000 nautical miles. Top speed attained was 487mph and 15,586 were built.

Recommended Reading Mustang Ace: Memoirs of a P-51 Fighter Pilot By Robert J. Goebel P-51 Mustang By Robert F. Dorr

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