MustangsMustangs
The North American P-51 Mustang
MustangsMustangs
P-51 Mustang at Warbirds
The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt
photos by Curtis Fowles, MustangsMustangs

How many arguments have you heard about the capabilities of the P-47 vs the P-51? Many, I know. The truth is that the P-47 was a very good fighter and an excellent ground attack platform. The Thunderbolt could take a huge beating and still get home. The P-51 was not as tough near the ground because the engine coolant lines ran right under the pilot from the engine to the radiotor in the belly. One hit on those lines (oil or coolant) and the engine was done in a short time.

CH7_1497t.jpg CH7_1500t.jpg CHN.p47_0508t.jpg CHN.p47_0510t.jpg CHN.p47_0511t.jpg CHN.p47_0550t.jpg CHN.p47_0553t.jpg CHN.p47_0558t.jpg

At altitude, however, was another story entirely. The P-51 excelled up high and was the fastest fighter out there. It also had the longest range. Two great aircraft for different roles.

CHN.p47_0605t.jpg CHN.p47_0608t.jpg CHN.p47_0709t.jpg CHN.p47_1387t.jpg CHN.p47_1735t.jpg CHN.p47_1737t.jpg CHN.p47_1861t.jpg CHN.p47_1935t.jpg CHN.p47_1944t.jpg

CHN_0616t.jpg CHN_1034t.jpg CHN_1053t.jpg CHN_1228t.jpg CHN_1260t.jpg CHN_1283t.jpg CHN_1556t.jpg P-47_3296t.jpg p47-3t.jpg