Paul.
I must say I'm standing to be corrected, my understanding as follows. The UK was in need of more and superior fighters and issued a new fighter requirement. The challenge was accepted and the P51 was made in record time from first napkin sketch to first flight. Was immediately recognised as a game changer and slightly modified for combat after evaluation by the RAF - Malcom hood, Merlin engine swap out - ( which were hand built- whatever that means? Blue printed?) My uncle - Owen Hardy - a Spitfire ace, told me the Brits designed the Mustang. I don't think that was at all correct, but they did stipulate the performance criteria. Interestingly the 'whistle' that makes the Mustang sound so fantastic comes from the cannon muzzles. I used to accompany my uncle to RNZAF Base Auckland for the annual WW2 485 NZ Squadron get together. Two spits and a Mustang would carry out beatups and aerobatics. The hairs on my neck would stand up, tears well up and my blood would curdle at sight and especially the sound of these air warriors threading holes in the south pacific blue stuff. Owen died a few years back at the ripe age of 96 having a few months earlier flown in a spit in the UK. I miss him and his comrades and forever appreciate their service to hand on what we now seem to be giving away for a piitance. His book- Through My Eyes - is a great yarn.
Topic: How a P-51 Works (Read 1150 times)
