The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II, the Korean War and in several other conflicts. During World War II Mustang pilots claimed 4,950 enemy aircraft shot down, the most of any Allied fighter.
How many planes did the P-51 Mustang shot down?
During World War II, this unit shot down 330 1/2 aircraft and destroyed 414 planes on the ground. With its bubble canopy and aerodynamic styling, the later-version P-51D is often viewed as the “missing link” between World War II fighters and modern-day jet planes.
How many guns did a P-51 Mustang have?
The P-51D model with the “bubble” canopy and Rolls Royce Merlin engine was the most widely produced variant of the Mustang. The P-51D was armed with six 50 cal . Browning machine guns with a total of 1880, 400 rounds each inboard and 270 rounds each outboard.
Were P-51 Mustangs used in Vietnam?
The North American P-51 Mustang was one of the greatest fighters of World War II. Had life worked out differently, the Mustang could also have fought in Vietnam and flown against a Soviet invasion of Western Europe. In fact, it might even have replaced the A-10 Warthog. ... The P-51 eventually became the Turbo Mustang III.
What made the P-51 Mustang so good?
The Mustang, with its high speed, long-range, low-cost, and six . 50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns , made it the ideal fighter for the job. ... The P-51 dominated air combat in Europe, destroying nearly 5,000 enemy aircraft. It was also a very capable fighter-bomber and could carry 1,000 pounds of bombs and rockets.
How many p51s are flying?
About 15,868 P-51 aircraft were originally built and only about 130 of the planes are still flying today. The aircraft are now privately owned with the owners taking great care to restore the P-51s to their original glory.
Does Tom Cruise own a P51 Mustang?
Tom is a proud owner of a P-51 Mustang . This is an American long-range single-seat fighter jet from World War II. Looks like Tom Cruise is Captain Maverick in real life. The fighter jet has the words “Kiss Me, Kate” on the side.
Was the A 10 Warthog used in Vietnam?
The A-10 was designed for close support in low intensity conflicts during the Vietnam War , yet it came to be seen as a dedicated anti-armor platform by the early 1970s. ... Although the A-10 was never exported, it was redesignated OA-10 for the Forward Air Control role.
Did a P51 ever fight a zero?
This Mitsubishi A6M5, captured at Saipan in July 1944 and now maintained by Planes of Fame, is the only Zero still flying with its original Nakajima Sakae 31 engine. Mitsubishi's legendary A6M ran circles around opposing fighters early in World War II, but by 1945 its odds of surviving a dogfight were close to zero .
Is Spitfire better than Mustang?
| Aircraft Mustang Spitfire | Number Built 16,000 20,300 |
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How many me262s were shot down?
They shot down an estimated 16 bombers and one fighter for the loss of only three jets. Over the course of the war, Me 262s are believed to have shot down 542 Allied aircraft while losing only 100 jets. One German pilot later said that fighting in an Me 262 “was like being a god in a way.”
Which plane shot down the most planes in ww2?
While serving in Germany's Luftwaffe in World War II, Erich Hartmann flew more than 1,400 missions in the Messerschmitt Bf 109 , enabling him to score an astonishing 352 kills. How did Hartmann get so good at dominating the skies over the Eastern Front?
Why was Mustang faster than Spitfire?
The Mustang was also much quicker than the Spitfire, with a much longer combat range . The Mustang also flew much higher than the Spitfire, giving it a noticeable advantage. North American also equipped the Mustang with more weaponry, as well as a much faster climb rate.
How many Twin Mustangs are left?
Of the 272 manufactured by North American, Reilly's is one of five remaining and the only surviving prototype. (Only two prototypes were built. The first prototype was scrapped at Maryland's Naval Air Station Patuxent River in 1953.)
What is a P51 Mustang worth?
An original World War II era North American Aviation P-51 fighter-bomber is now up for sale. According to Auto Evolution, this particular aircraft is located in Germany and is being offered for sale for 3.3 million euros or roughly $3.9 million .
Why was the P-51 so fast?
Over the years, new features and technology were added to the P-51 to keep it updated with the times. These updates began as early as 1942 when the Mustangs were equipped with the British Merlin engine for speed. Adding the Merlin engine increased the speed of the P-51A (original Mustang) by 110 mph .
