![]() ![]() The system - with their Allison engines - first flew in September of 1942, production eventually totaling some 500 examples. Underwing bomb racks also complimented the offensive punch. The aircraft were armed with 6 x 0.50 caliber heavy machine guns, with two to a wing and two in the upper nose portion of the fuselage. The A-36A (known unofficially to some as "Invader") represented a dedicated ground-attack / dive-bomber version of the P-51 and was ordered by the USAAF in April of 1942. These early-form Mustangs were utilized in the Southeast Asia Theater where most of their action took place at these optimal low altitudes. Aircraft were armed with 4 x 20mm cannons and were utilized for their inherently good low-level operational qualities thanks to their excellent airframes and under-performing Allison engines. Purchases of USAAF XP-51's full production models began with an initial block of 150 base model P-51's in March of 1942 (note that there was no model letter assigned to these). These squadrons would be the first Mustang operators for the USAAF and see deployment to North Africa in early 1943. These Mustangs became photo-reconnaissance models designated as F-6A and served with the 111th and 154th Observation Squadrons. It was not until General Hap Arnold intervened that no fewer than 55 British-bound Mustangs were reserved for use in American service. The type excelled in tests but the USAAF passed on an order commitment at the time. The USAAF (United States Army Air Forces) took notice of the aircraft and received two evaluation models (from the aforementioned British 620 order total) with the designation of XP-51. Most early production Mustangs went to Britain as Mustang Mk.IA (4 x 20mm cannons) and Mustang Mk.II models, numbering some 620 total combined examples. As more and more Mustangs became available, the aircraft would eventually field some 14 total Allied squadrons by the end of 1942 - 10 RAF, 3 RCAF and 1 Polish air group. These Mustangs successfully strafed aircraft hangars at Berck sur Mer in German-held French territory. The first Mustang I mission was accomplished on May 10th, 1942 with No. As a result, British Army Cooperation Squadrons were assigned the type and utilized them in both low-level reconnaissance and high-speed ground attack roles with its primary function being the former. Though the design proved quite functional, it was soon found that performance capabilities of the system dropped off significantly at altitudes higher than 15,000 feet. The type exhibited good response and its performance at low level was exemplary, outmatching even that of the fabled Spitfire Mark V's. As tactical reconnaissance platforms, these aircraft were modestly-armed with 4 x 0.50 caliber heavy machine guns. Mustang I's were first flown by British pilots on these with 1,100 horsepower Allison V-1710-39 inline engines. ![]() The design was accepted by the British as the "Mustang" becoming an initial production model batch of 320 Mustang I's. The NA-73X took to the skies on October 26th, 1940 with its 1,100 horsepower Allison V-1710-F3R (V-1710-39) inline engine and showed off its tremendous potential. Development ensued and inevitably produced the NA-73X prototype within the allotted timeframe (some sources state the aircraft was completed in just 102 days whilst others say as many as 117 days). The design was accepted under a new 1940 specification which required a heavily-armed fighter of considerable speed with the capability to operate at high altitude - all this with a flying prototype to be made available within a 120 day window. North American designers Edgar Schmued and Raymond Rice, seeing this as an opportunity to market a new fighter altogether, seized the moment and produced a design for British review. ![]() The British RAF need for more Curtiss P-40 production fighters led them to consider North American Aviation's manufacturing capabilities. The Mustang exuded "classic warbird" in every sense of the phrase and went on to be one of the most recognized piston engine fighters of all time. Mustangs primarily assisted in escorting bombers on long range sorties but were able to attack ground targets with bombs and machine guns and outperform any of the German fighters that were matched against it. The system was designed and flown in a matter of months and made such an impact that it could clearly be considered the war-winning design for the Allies. The North American P-51 Mustang proved an invaluable addition to the Allied cause in the latter half of World War 2.
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