FAV Fighter of WW2

[Snake45]

They got in early because Curtis figured out how to convert the P-36 Hawk to the P-40 Warhawk while North American, Republic, Lockheed and all the rest were still fumbling in the dark.

The British approached North American about license-building P-40s. North American said, "We can build you something better." Thus was the Mustang born.

If you're interested, Air Classics magazine has been telling a VERY detailed story of the early Mustangs over the last six or so issues.

 

[Jeepnik]

Except the P-51 was not better until someone thought to re-engine it.

 

[Wyandot Jim]

I watched a very good video that told about the P-39. It brought out the fact it could out perform the P-40 and the Early ME-109s below 15,000' which the Russians took advantage of. It's problem with the US Army Pilots is it was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Russians loved it much better and chose it over the P-40 and Spitfire MK-5s. It was in the right place at the right time performing an exhalant job.

 

[Mike Armstrong]

The Russians called it the "Little Shaver" because it was so useful for
"shaving" enemy ground forces (we call it "strafing"....). They especially liked the 37mm cannon in the engine mount and later started arming some of their interceptors like the Mig-15 with them for busting heavy bombers like B-29s, which unfortunately they did very well in Korea.

The Russians were fairly candid in their praise of Allied "Lend/Lease" equipment that they liked when they were talking to the ALLIES. They saved their praise for Russian weapons when they were talking to the RUSSIAN media. Saying anything good about the West was a good way to get a long Siberian vacation under Stalin and Beria. Or an extra hole in your brainpan.

 

[putnro01]

Recently went through the book Carrier Pilot by Norman Hanson, flew Corsairs in WWII for the brits. Loved the plane but commented on its advantages and flaws (which were worked out over time).

Anyone mention the P-47 yet...?