The P-51 Mustang was an American fighter made by North American Aviation during World War II. Later versions escorted American bombers over Europe and Japan. There were 5 versions of the Mustang built, called the P-51A, P-51B, P-51C, P-51D, and the P-51H. To provide more power at high altitude, the B, C, D, and H versions had a Packard-built version of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine instead of the Allison engine used in the P-51A. The Packard Merlin engine featured a more advanced supercharger, allowing much better performance above 15,000 feet when compared to the Allison. The P-51D version had a "bubble" canopy, or one unobstructed by metal supports. After World War II, it was used in the Korean War as a dive bomber and was used by many Central American air forces until the 1970s. Today, P-51 Mustangs are often used in air races.
North American P-51 Mustang
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the North American P-51 Mustang?
A: The North American P-51 Mustang is an American fighter made by North American Aviation during World War II.
Q: How many versions of the Mustang were built?
A: There were 5 versions of the Mustang built - P-51A, P-51B, P-51C, P-51D, and P-51H.
Q: What is the difference between the Packard-built version of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine and the Allison engine used in the P-51A?
A: The Packard-built version of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine featured a more advanced supercharger, allowing much better performance above 15,000 feet when compared to the Allison.
Q: What is the "bubble" canopy featured in the P-51D version?
A: The "bubble" canopy in the P-51D version is an unobstructed canopy by metal supports.
Q: Was the P-51 Mustang used in any other wars besides World War II?
A: Yes, the P-51 Mustang was also used in the Korean War as a dive bomber.
Q: Were there any Central American air forces that used the P-51 Mustangs?
A: Yes, the P-51 Mustang was used by many Central American air forces until the 1970s.
Q: What are P-51 Mustangs often used for today?
A: Today, P-51 Mustangs are often used in air races.