| The legendary Р-51 Mustang was one of the best fighter aircraft of the WWII period. This airplane was designed by North American corporation by the order of the British RAF. The prototype NA-73X made the maiden flight at October 26, 1940. In Great Britain the airplane received the name Mustang. USAAF also were interested of the new fighter and marked it P-51.
The last modification with Allison engine - Р-51A - was built in 1942. The airplane had high speed and big range, but its rate of climb and service ceiling were insufficient. Р-51A saw combat service in India and China in the middle of 1943.
The modification Р-51В was built in May 1943. It differed by the installation of potent and high altitude Packard Мerlin engine. The airplane Mustang with this engine became one of the fastest fighters in the world. It had huge range, was well armed and armored. Mustangs, produced by a plant in Dallas, were meant as Р-51С.
Airplanes put on Lend-Lease by the British RAF, have received a designation Mustang Mk.III. The bubble canopy named «Malcolm Hood» was installed on them. It has allowed improving the view from a cabin.
The modification Р-51D was produced since 1944. It differed by the installation of the bubble canopy and more potent armament. Mustangs were widely used as escort fighters and fighter-bombers on all theatres of war up to the end of the WWII.
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