[TheThirdRuffian]

What made the P51 a game changer was not so much it was a great fighter (it was), was the fact that with a drop fuel tank it could escort the bombers to target and back.

Gas mileage, in other words.

[EGPWS]

What made the P51 a game changer was not so much it was a great fighter (it was), was the fact that with a drop fuel tank it could escort the bombers to target and back.

Gas mileage, in other words.

Yep, however they can perform as a VERY good fighter!

I know, read my home page... ; )

[Tallguy]

Gas mileage, in other words.

Fuel load, fuel consumption & ammuntion load are very important when going into combat. I would say more important than basic aerodynamic performance given that most air combat was either ambush or run away.

Must have been maddening to the Me-262 pilot to be able to blow through a heavy bomber formation in slashing attacks -- leaving the escorting fighters straining in your jet wash -- only to have those same P-51's loitering around your air strip waiting for you to land.

Kinda like watching a guy steal the Daytona 500 from the car that led the most laps because HE could do the 500 miles in 1 less pit stop.

[PzLdr]

For gas mileage you go to the Zero, or any other Japanese fighter. The range was legendary, as was the maneuverability.

The lack of pilot protection, and lack of self sealing gas tanks was equally legendary, and enough to take the ‘Zeke’ out of consideration for top spot.