But it was definitely not as good as the mustang. Overall, the P-51 was much better in combat, yet you people think that the spicier is better just because of maneuverability? Laugh out loud, I am not saying that the s pitfire is a bad plane because it was great. Why don't we look at facts, the p51 has been in serious much longer than the spitfire, has much more variants, has greater range, is much faster, could dive better, could climb better, was much more durable (but it wasn't extremely durable). best war planes of all time? Definitely the mustang over the ship fire. The Spit was much lighter, generally faster than the equivalent marrque of Mustang, had a huge rate of climb advantantage over virtually every other plane in the sky, and could outturn and outroll most planes as well. The P51 wasn't! It was a multi role aircraft (that to be fair was good at what it did but had compromises in its design to ensure it could perform many roles). The Spitfire is a thoroughbred fighter and was designed as such. The Mustang had range over the Spit and arguably was a sturdier airframe (heavier of course) but that's all. He was an American that flew both types in WW2 (as well as other types). As William Dunn says in his book "Fighter Pilot - The First American Air Ace", in a dogfight between the two, the Spitfire would win ninety nine times out of a hundred. It was a rugged, formidable fighter in the right hands. Although it couldn't out maneuver the Zero (the Warhawk's main foe in the Pacific Theater), neither could the Spitfire, Hurricane, Lighting, Thunderbolt, Mustang, Wildcat, or Corsair, but that is never mentioned. Yes, its faults (and it had some-all aircraft do) were exaggerated to the point that it seemed impossible for the P-40 to succeed against any enemy aircraft. Now, newer fighters, including the P-38, P-47, and P-51 did overshadowed it. Secondly, it was available in large numbers. Then WHY, prior to and during the Battle of Britian, did Great Britian purchase the P-40 Warhawk (called the Tohahawk by the RAF) in such large numbers? Yes, everyone says is was such a great aircraft. Yes, we all know the Spitfire drill (beautiful on the ground or in flight, a pilots dream, etc.).
It was a fantastic airplane but not an out and out fighter. The Mustang (and lets not forget it was originally built for our friends across the pond)had radically different design criteria and was pretty much the world's first MRCA. All round it was a much better dogfighter. The Spitfire was more maneuverable, had a much better rate of climb and a much tighter turn.
I have looked at the comments made for the Mustang and some of them are fundamentally untrue. This was a role which it accomplished with ease. The Spitfire was actually of all metal monocoque construction and was designed as a point defense fighter.
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