The
P-51 was designed as the NA-73 in 1940 at Britain's request. The
design showed promise and AAF purchases of Allison-powered
Mustangs began in 1941 primarily for photo recon and ground
support use due to its limited high-altitude performance. But in
1942, tests of P-51s using the British Rolls-Royce
"Merlin" engine revealed much improved speed and service
ceiling, and in Dec. 1943, Merlin-powered P-51Bs first entered
combat over Europe. Providing high altitude
escort to B-17s and B-24s, they scored heavily over German
interceptors and by war's end, P-51s had destroyed 4,950 enemy
aircraft in the air, more than any other fighter in Europe.
Mustangs served in nearly every combat
zone, including the Pacific where they escorted B-29s to Japan
from Iwo Jima. Between 1941-5, the AAF ordered 14,855 Mustangs
(including A-36A dive bomber and F-6 photo recon versions), of
which 7,956 were P-51Ds. During the Korean War, P-51Ds were used
primarily for close support of ground forces until withdrawn from
combat in 1953.
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