Question: Vella Gulf

Stealhead · 08-18-10, 05:21 PM

The P-51A also had the same Allison engine as in the A-36 which did not perform very well at high altitudes which was a no go because the P-51 airframe was not at home at low level with any engine it was the P-51B that got the Merlin/Packard and D got even better the K had a smaller diameter propeller and different radio gear.The simple engine change out and then the bubble canopy and extra fuel tanks turned a mediocre plane into one of the best fighters in history not to mention best looking.

Of course my favorite PTO based aircraft would have to be the P-38 because it kicked some serious ass in the Pacific.Many people do not know that Charles Lindbergh who was not allowed into the US military for political reasons had a great interest in the P-38s in the Pacific and often went to P-38 units and showed the pilots and maintenance crews ways to improve the planes overall performance especially its range he also did fly the P-38 in combat(illegally) a few times and did shot down Jap planes of course they where never credited or recorded except in the minds of the men flying with him for obvious reasons.And of course you cant forget Richard Bong Americas top ace.

08-18-10, 05:21 PM	#13
Stealhead Navy Seal Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Kentucky Posts: 5,421 Downloads: 85 Uploads: 0	The P-51A also had the same Allison engine as in the A-36 which did not perform very well at high altitudes which was a no go because the P-51 airframe was not at home at low level with any engine it was the P-51B that got the Merlin/Packard and D got even better the K had a smaller diameter propeller and different radio gear.The simple engine change out and then the bubble canopy and extra fuel tanks turned a mediocre plane into one of the best fighters in history not to mention best looking. Of course my favorite PTO based aircraft would have to be the P-38 because it kicked some serious ass in the Pacific.Many people do not know that Charles Lindbergh who was not allowed into the US military for political reasons had a great interest in the P-38s in the Pacific and often went to P-38 units and showed the pilots and maintenance crews ways to improve the planes overall performance especially its range he also did fly the P-38 in combat(illegally) a few times and did shot down Jap planes of course they where never credited or recorded except in the minds of the men flying with him for obvious reasons.And of course you cant forget Richard Bong Americas top ace. Last edited by Stealhead; 08-18-10 at 05:41 PM.