Table of Contents
Why was the RAF Spitfire so successful?
The Spitfire’s famous elliptical wing with sunken rivets to have the thinnest possible cross-section gave the aircraft a higher top speed than most other fighters of the time. These wings also made the Spitfire one of the most agile fighters in the sky, giving them the advantage with one-on-one battles.
How was the Spitfire so fast?
369 mph
Supermarine Spitfire/Top speed
What made the p51 so fast?
The Allison engine in the Mustang I had a single-stage supercharger that caused power to drop off rapidly above 15,000 feet (4,600 m). The Merlin 61 had a two-speed, two-stage, intercooled supercharger, designed by Stanley Hooker of Rolls-Royce.
Is it worth buying a P-51 Mustang or Spitfire?
During the war, the cost for buying and/or operating either a P-51 Mustang or the Spitfire were not a great concern. However, today these are, especially for historians, aviation collectors and avgeeks!
What happened to the P-51 Mustangs after WWII?
P-51s were not only used in WWII, however, it is the conflict that made them famous. The Mustang served long after WWII, as the primary fighter in several air forces’ fleet. By January 1957, the US military had completely retired their fleet of P-51s.
What was the original name of the P-51?
The US Army actually called the NA-91s “Apache”. The US Army placed their second order for P-51s, this time the P-51A, NA-99. 1,200 were ordered in August of 1942. The differences between the P-51A and the P-51/Mustang I was a new Allison V-1710-81, only four .50 guns in the wings, fixed belly scoop and the ability to use drop tanks.
What is the difference between a P-51A and a Mustang II?
The differences between the P-51A and the P-51/Mustang I was a new Allison V-1710-81, only four .50 guns in the wings, fixed belly scoop and the ability to use drop tanks. Since the Brittish were shorted on the last order, 50 NA-99s were designated Mustang II.