Allison-Engined P-51 Mustang

by Martyn Chorlton, Adam Tooby (Illustrator), Richard Chasemore (Illustrator), Ian Palmer (Illustrator)

Overview

While the introduction of the Merlin engine did improve the Mustang's performance and produce the bubble-canopied fighters with which we associate the name, credit must be given to the Allison-engined variants that preceded it. From its inception in early 1940, the Mustang's development was extraordinarily rapid – such was the need for a fighter at the time, and the confidence in its design. By early January 1942, the Mustang was in service with the RAF, flying low-level armed reconnaissance operations over Northern France. Despite later Merlin variants arriving in-theatre, this remained a hunting ground for the Allison Mustangs through to D-Day and beyond – a remarkable service length. In American hands the Allison-engined Mustangs performed as dive-bombers and fighters, serving with distinction in North Africa and the Far East.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780961538
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	09/20/2012
Series:	Air Vanguard , #1
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	64
File size:	12 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Martyn Chorlton was born in the north Cambridgeshire fens during the late 1960s, joining the RAF as an Air Photographer in 1984. After tours in Germany and Northern Ireland, his service came to an end in 1997 and, a few years later, cut his writing teeth on an Airfield Focus. To date he has 14 published books under his belt. In 2004 he launched Old Forge Publishing, which has now produced another 17 books. That same year he also began freelancing for the aviation magazine fraternity and has continued this ever since. Currently, Martyn is a regular contributor to Aeroplane Monthly, Jets, Airfix and Aviation Classics.
Adam Tooby is an internationally renowned digital artist and illustrator. His work can be found in publications worldwide and as box art for model aircraft kits. He also runs a successful illustration studio and aviation prints business. He is based in Cheshire, UK. To buy artwork, or contact the artist, visit http://www.adamtooby.com/.
Richard Chasemore completed a four-year course in technical illustration in 1992. Since then, he has worked on a wide variety of projects in publishing and advertising, using both traditional and digital media. He has lectured in airbrush techniques, and written six educational books on digital art. A long-standing contributor to the top-selling Star Wars Incredible Cross Sections series, his contribution has taken him to Skywalker Ranch in California to work with Lucasfilm's concept artists. Richard also enjoys music and is a co-founder of Superglider Records.
Ian Palmer is a highly experienced digital artist with two decades of experience in the video games industry, both as a 3D artist and an Art Director. He has a passion for military history, gaming and riding his motorbike. He lives in Warwickshire with his wife, daughter and menagerie of pets.

Table of Contents

Introduction 4

Design and Development 5

The NA-73X - birth of a legendary fighter

NAA designs and builds a fighter

The RAF order

The USAAF shows interest

Enter the P-51A (NA-99)

Reconnaissance birds, the F-6A and F-6B

Tech Specifications 27

The NA-73X

Aircraft technical data - Allison - powered Mustangs

Operational History 37

RAF service begins

Dieppe and first blood

'A' for Attack! - The A-36 A into combat

P-51 in combat

Down and dirty with the 1st Air Command Group (ACG)

Rhubarbs, Rangers and Populars

D-Day, RAF operations

A host of units

Conclusion 60

Further Reading 63

Index 64

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"...this is an excellent introduction to the first of North American's legendary Mustang family. And it heralds the start of a valuable new series from Osprey."
- Rachel E. Veres, www.cybermodeler.com

"This is the first book in Osprey's new Air Vanguard series and they have chosen a good one to start a new line. The book by Martyn Chorlton covers the developement and eventual unit operations of this aircraft in all theaters of operation. It is complete with a superb collection of period photos, a couple pages of full color profiles and other artwork. The back cover of the book is a fold-out that has has a cut-away drawing of the cannon armed Mustang Mk. IA. In all, a book I can highly recommend and I very much look forward to others in this series."
- Scott Van Aken, Modeling Madness (October 2012)

"Offers aircraft fans and military collections a fine, specific focus on the Allison-engined variants ... this provides an excfellent, detailed guide suitable for any military aircraft fan."
- James A. Cox, The Midwest Book Review

Editorial Reviews

This is the first book in Osprey's new Air Vanguard series and they have chosen a good one to start a new line. The book by Martyn Chorlton covers the developement and eventual unit operations of this aircraft in all theaters of operation. It is complete with a superb collection of period photos, a couple pages of full color profiles and other artwork. The back cover of the book is a fold-out that has has a cut-away drawing of the cannon armed Mustang Mk. IA. In all, a book I can highly recommend and I very much look forward to others in this series.” —Scott Van Aken, Modeling Madness (October 2012)

“Offers aircraft fans and military collections a fine, specific focus on the Allison-engined variants ... this provides an excfellent, detailed guide suitable for any military aircraft fan.” —James A. Cox, The Midwest Book Review

“...this is an excellent introduction to the first of North American's legendary Mustang family. And it heralds the start of a valuable new series from Osprey.” —Rachel E. Veres, www.cybermodeler.com

From the Publisher