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The P-51B has a much smaller turning radius circle that the P-47D-10, and is able to get in behind the P-47D in one and one-half to two turns, after a head on approach. The war emergency speed of the P-47D-10 is comparable to that of the P-51B up to 30,000 feet, but above this altitude the speed of the P-51B increases rapidly over that of the P-47D. Up to 30,000 feet, either airplane may jump and catch the other if the approach is not seen too far away. However, if the P-51B is jumped by P-47D, it can turn into the P-47D and rapidly maneuver on to its tail. The P-47D cannot follow the P-51B in a dive at high altitudes as it is limited to a lower diving speed at those altitudes. The P-51B has a much superior rate of climb than the P-47D, and this superiority increases with altitude. The level flight acceleration of the P-51B is superior to that of the P-47D. When full power is applied to both aircraft from cruising speed in formation, the P-51B will pull rapidly away from the P-47D. The P-51B also holds it [sic] high speed longer than the P-47D in level flight after a dive, because it decelerates much slower.

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The turning circle of the P-51B is smaller than that of the P-38J-5, at all attitudes. It has a far faster rate of aileron roll through all speeds. The P-51B accelerates rapidly away from the P-38J in a dive, after reaching speeds of 325 I.A.S. With both airplanes in formation at cruising speed in level flight, when full power is applied, the P-38J will pull several hundred feet out in front before the P-51B can reach maximum acceleration and overtake the P-38J. With slight advantage in altitude, the P-51B can jump the P-38J successfully and engage it in combat, due to its superior diving and top speed. The P-51B can evade being jumped by the P-38J, if it is seen in time, by dropping the nose and diving away If the P-38J has built up its speed in a dive and is not seen in time, the P-51B can turn sharply into the P-38J and evade its fire. The P-38J cannot follow the P-51B at high diving speed at altitude, due to its lower limits of allowable diving speeds. At high speed, it is impossible for the P-38J to keep its sights on the P-51B due to the P-51B’s rapid rate of aileron roll, allowing it to reverse its direction of turn faster than the P-38J can follow.

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With respect to the Mustang, many tests-including some in recent years-have shown that extensive laminar flow was not developed on the Mustang wing and that the drag of the wing was probably no less than that of conventional wings of the same thickness and taper ratio.

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the drag created by momentum loss in passing through the radiator can be reduced from some 400 pounds to close to 30 to 40 pounds because of the offsetting momentum of the jet thrust from the radiator exit

_{Our Museum glorifies no state, but strives to use these aircraft as a memorial for all lost in war. Our freedom can only be truly appreciated when held in contrast to those who sought to destroy it. Our staff is proudly made up of people from many cultures and religions. Click the photos for details of our projects.}
"Those who do not remember history are destined to repeat it." - Winston Churchill

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There are very few relative comparisons in WW2 air combat that cannot be logically and comprehensively argued for or against.

_{Our Museum glorifies no state, but strives to use these aircraft as a memorial for all lost in war. Our freedom can only be truly appreciated when held in contrast to those who sought to destroy it. Our staff is proudly made up of people from many cultures and religions. Click the photos for details of our projects.}
"Those who do not remember history are destined to repeat it." - Winston Churchill

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Originally posted by Buzzsaw-:
The Army
Air Forces Board on the Tactical Employment Trials of the North American P-51B-1 also included a comparison of the P-51B with that of the P-47D-10.

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The turning circle of the P-51B is smaller than that of the P-38J-5, at all attitudes.

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With slight advantage in altitude, the P-51B can jump the P-38J successfully and engage it in combat, due to its superior diving and top speed. The P-51B can evade being jumped by the P-38J, if it is seen in time, by dropping the nose and diving away If the P-38J has built up its speed in a dive and is not seen in time, the P-51B can turn sharply into the P-38J and evade its fire..

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Disclaimer
The views expressed in this academic research paper are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of the US government or the Department of Defense. In accordance with Air Force Instruction 51-303, it is not copyrighted, but is the property of the United States government.

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