WWII long-range fighter ·First flight 1940 · In service 1942
The North American P-51 Mustang is arguably the finest piston fighter of the Second World War — and it truly came alive when its early Allison engine was swapped for the British Rolls-Royce Merlin.
That marriage gave the Mustang the speed, altitude and, crucially, the range to escort Allied bombers deep into Germany and back, a capability that changed the course of the air war over Europe.
