Take that!! All You Bubble-Headed "D" Model Lovers

[Shay]

Read this last night and found it interesting being an avid fan of the "Turtle Deck" Mustangs.

However, many pilots regarded the Malcolm-hooded P-51B/C as the best Mustang of the entire series. It was lighter, faster, and had crisper handling than the later bubble-hooded P-51D and actually had a better all-round view. Its primary weakness, however, was in its armament--only four rather than six guns, which often proved prone to jamming. Some of the modifications applied to the P-51D to improve the ammunition feed were later retrofitted into P-51B/Cs, which made their guns less prone to jamming. With modified guns and a Malcolm hood, the P-51B/C was arguably a better fighter than the P-51D, with better visibility, lower weight, and without the structural problems which afflicted the D. Its departure characteristics were also more benign.

Although the bubble-topped P-51D is far better known, the P-51B/C was actually the aircraft that turned the tide of the bomber war over Germany.

The P-51B/C remained the prime Mustang variant in service from December 1943 until March of 1944, when the bubble-topped P-51D began to arrive. However, P-51B/C fighters remained predominant until the middle of 1944, and remained in combat until the end of the war in Europe even after the arrival of large numbers of P-51Ds. Even as late as the last month of the war, 1000 out of the 2500 Mustangs serving in the ETO were of the P-51B/C variety.

The last P-51B passed out of service in 1949, having been re-designated F-51B in 1948.

I'm surprised a field modification of mating a D wing to a B/C Fuse never emerged out of combat or did it?



Shay
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Semper Fortis

[k5083]

Most of that is well known, but I am surprised that Baugher characterizes the B/C as having "better all-round view" and "better visibility." Even with the Malcolm hood, I would have thought the D would have the edge. I wonder what is his basis for that statement.

I have heard that many pilots hung on to their Bs and Cs as long as possible after the Ds were introduced, until they just got too clapped out to fly.

August

[b29flteng]

The B/C waa also faster because of better aerodynamics, ask any D driver flying in formation with a B/C at an airshow.

[mustangdriver]

Bud Anderson told me that he hated to get rid of his B model Old Crow because his ground crew had it running so well. He passed up several chances to get a D model.

[Django]

Aw Geez, next you're gonna tell me that there's no Santa Claus...

[mustangdriver]

Well that being said, the P-51D is still one of the most graceful looking birds out there.

[Chad Veich]

Well that being said, the P-51D is still one of the most graceful looking birds out there.

It sure is, third in line behind the P-51A and P-51B!

[Warbird Kid]

Razorbacks do it better!

[Jack Cook]

Although the bubble-topped P-51D is far better known, the P-51B/C was actually the aircraft that turned the tide of the bomber war over Germany.

Anyone in the 354th FG will back up that statement
Many of the veteran pilots in the 354th FG refused the Ds and they went to the new guys. They were still flying Bs when they converted to P-47s.

[Dan Johnson II]

Seems like I remember reading Richard Turner saying that the blown hood of the Malcom canopy allowed him to lean out a bit and look back and below the tail of his 51. He too said that the visibilty was better and liked the Malcom B Mustang best.

[Wheels up]

Even with the Malcolm hood, I would have thought the D would have the edge. I wonder what is his basis for that statement.
August

I have no idea but it would seem to me that by the time the armored bulkhead is back there and the pilot suited up, the aft vision is not much improved from a razorback. Look at Jack's pic here....



from that bulk head aft there cannot be much difference. Visibility fwd apears about equal as would anywhere from the bulkhead forward. Throw in the external mirrors commonly fitted to razorbacks and they might just be better in the visibility department. Just casual observation....

[daveymac82c]

That's true, doesn't the canopy bubble out a whole lot more on the A/B models?

-David

[DougR]

All,

The first time I fired up and taxied a -D model I thought I had died and gone to heaven. The visibility in the -D is much better, being able to open the canopy and get some air is priceless. Being able to stick your head out and look around the nose is a great help, especially in tight quarters like an airshow or taxing in formation with other airplanes.

The canopy is so simple and straight forward in the -D. Gerry Beck used to say there is more parts and more time building the -ABC canopy than there is in all the rest of the airplane.

But once in the air, the -C model is lighter, slicker and you sit down in it farther and it feels even more like a part of your body..... It is a nicer airplane to fly.....

Tailwinds,
Doug

[Shay]

Are there different wartime variants of the "D" Canopy? If so what are the differences?


Question for anyone who flys or has flown in a "D". Due to the complex compound curves in the teardrop canopy design, has anyone ever notice any distortions while looking aft that could possibly had an adverse affect in combat?


Shay
_____________
Semper Fortis

[Warbird Kid]

Now here's my question. Given the amount of 51 projects out there, is it possible to convert a D into a C or B during its restoration? How hard would this be?

Or in other words: "Like Mr. T did with his B-17G-F configuration"