The P-51 and How It Saved The World

The P-51 Mustang was a game changer when it was introduced into service during WW2. 

What made it so good? The pairing of the legendary Merlin engine and the P-51 Mustang eventually resulted in the P-51D, which provided the US Army Air Forces with a high-performance, high-altitude, long range fighter that could escort heavy bomber formations from England all the way to Berlin and back.

Statistics. Type: Fighter. Production. Date Introduced: 1944. Manufacturer: North American. Number Produced: ~8,000. Specifications. Crew: 1 (Pilot) Wingspan: 37 feet. Length: 32 feet. Maximum Speed: 437 miles per hour. Cruising Speed: 275 miles per hour. Maximum Range: 1,000 miles.

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 munitions. In the Pacific, P-51s flying off of Iwo Jima escorted Boeing B-29 Superfortresses on their way to bomb Japan.