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THE AIRCRAFT
Unofficially
known as the "Jug," the P-47 entered service in late 1942. Unable to match the
agility and climb rate of it's German opposition, it nonetheless excelled in the dive and
possesed good high altitude performance and the ability to absorb damage. Over 15,000 of
this type were produced.
| Speed: | 433 mph |
| Service Ceiling: | 42,000 ft |
| Range: | 480 mi |
| Armament: | 8x50cal MGs |
| Plus 500 lbs of bombs |
Considered
by many to be the best all-around fighter to emerge from WWII, the P-51 was actually built
in response to a British requirement. Ultimately equipped with the British Rolls-Royce
Merlin engine, the Mustang proved to be the ideal long-range fighter escort. Nearly 15,000
examples were built and the P-51D model went on to see service in Korea.
| Speed: | 437 mph |
| Service Ceiling: | 40,000 ft |
| Range: | 1,650 mi |
| Armament: | 6x50cal MGs |
| Plus 2,000 lbs of bombs |
When
the P-38 entered service in late summer 1941, it's twin-engined, twin-boom design and
tricyle landing gear were considered somewhat radical. The Lightning combined long range
performance with heavy armament. Just over 10,000 were built.
| Speed: | 414 mph |
| Service Ceiling: | 44,000 ft |
| Range: | 450 mi |
| Armament: | 1x20mm cannon and 4x50cal MGs |
| Plus 3,200 lbs of bombs |