Allison-Engined P-51 Mustang

Description

While the introduction of the Merlin engine did improve the Mustang's performance and produce the bubble-canopied fighters with which we associate the name, credit must be given to the Allison-engined variants that preceded it. From its inception in early 1940, the Mustang's development was extraordinarily rapid - such was the need for a fighter at the time, and the confidence in its design. By early January 1942, the Mustang was in service with the RAF, flying low-level armed reconnaissance operations over Northern France. Despite later Merlin variants arriving in-theatre, this remained a hunting ground for the Allison Mustangs through to D-Day and beyond - a remarkable service length. In American hands the Allison-engined Mustangs performed as dive-bombers and fighters, serving with distinction in North Africa and the Far East.

Martyn Chorlton was born in the north Cambridgeshire fens during the late 1960s, joining the RAF as an Air Photographer in 1984. After tours in Germany and Northern Ireland, his service came to an end in 1997 and, a few years later, cut his writing teeth on an Airfield Focus. To date he has 14 published books under his belt. In 2004 he launched Old Forge Publishing, which has now produced another 17 books. That same year he also began freelancing for the aviation magazine fraternity and has continued this ever since. Currently, Martyn is a regular contributor to Aeroplane Monthly, Jets, Airfix and Aviation Classics.

"This is the first book in Osprey's new Air Vanguard series and they have chosen a good one to start a new line. The book by Martyn Chorlton covers the developement and eventual unit operations of this aircraft in all theaters of operation. It is complete with a superb collection of period photos, a couple pages of full color profiles and other artwork. The back cover of the book is a fold-out that has has a cut-away drawing of the cannon armed Mustang Mk. IA. In all, a book I can highly recommend and I very much look forward to others in this series." --Scott Van Aken, Modeling Madness (October 2012) "Offers aircraft fans and military collections a fine, specific focus on the Allison-engined variants ... this provides an excfellent, detailed guide suitable for any military aircraft fan." --James A. Cox, The Midwest Book Review "...this is an excellent introduction to the first of North American's legendary Mustang family. And it heralds the start of a valuable new series from Osprey." --Rachel E. Veres, www.cybermodeler.com