North American P-51 Mustang: Books - History (2/3)

North American P-51 Mustang Manual - An insight into owning, restoring, servicing and flying (Haynes Aircraft Manual)

The North American P-51 Mustang holds an important place in US aviation history as its finest fighter aircraft of all time. During the Second World War it was the only Allied fighter capable of flying to Berlin and back from Britain without refuelling.

Read about the Mustang's illustrious combat history and take a close-up look at how it is constructed. Discover what it takes to own and fly this classic fighter, and find out how engineers keep it airworthy.
Centrepieces of this manual are co-author Maurice Hammond's Second World War-vintage Merlin-engine P-51Ds - Janie and Marinell.

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Product details

Author:	Jarrod Cotter, Maurice Hammond
Details:	160 pages, 10.6 x 8.25 x 0.35 in (27 x 21 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	many b&w and color photos
Publisher:	Haynes Publishing (GB, 2016)
Series:	Haynes Aircraft Manual
ISBN:	9780857338594

The Merlin: The Engine That Won the Second World War

The Rolls-Royce Merlin is one of the most famous aircraft engines in history. It powered key aircraft of World War II, including the Spitfire and Hurricane, which defended Britain during the Battle of Britain in 1940. It also powered the Lancaster and Halifax bombers on missions over Germany and the Mosquito, known for its precision bombing and reconnaissance.
For the United States, the Merlin was used in the P-51 Mustang, which escorted B-17 and B-29 bombers on daytime raids. The Mustang also saw action in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific. The engine played a crucial role in securing Allied victory.
The Merlin remains iconic, and its distinctive sound can still be heard over England today, notably during Battle of Britain Memorial Flight displays. It was most recently featured in the RAF's centenary celebrations, with a Lancaster leading Spitfires and Hurricanes in formation.
Retired pilot Gordon Wilson explores the development and wartime use of this engine, sharing accounts from aircrew who relied on it. His book provides insight into the engineering and human stories behind one of the most significant aircraft engines ever built.

Product details

Author:	Gordon A. A. Wilson
Details:	256 pages, 7.7 x 4.9 x 0.71 in (19.5 x 12.5 x 1.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	50 b&w and color photos
Publisher:	Amberley Publishing (GB, 2020)
ISBN:	9781398103252

Mustang : The Racing Thoroughbred

Describes the P-51 in its post-WWII racing capacity up to the present emphasizing engine design, speed, modifications, and personalities.

Product details

Author:	Dustin W. Carter and Birch J. Matthews
Details:	208 pages, 11 x 8.5 x 0.94 in (28 x 21.5 x 2.4 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	180 b&w and 50 color photos
Publisher:	Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2004)
ISBN:	9780887403910

Allison-engined P-51 Mustang (Osprey)

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.

Contents: Introduction - Design and Development - Technical Specifications and Variants - Operational History - Conclusion - Bibliography and Further Reading.

Product details

Author:	Martyn Chorlton
Details:	64 pages, 9.8 x 7.3 x 0.24 in (25 x 18.5 x 0.6 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	photos and drawings (in b&w and color)
Publisher:	Osprey Publishing (GB, 2012)
Series:	Air Vanguard (1)
ISBN:	9781780961514

NAA P-51 Mustang - The Cadillac of the Skies

This book is the latest in a reference series for aircraft modellers called "Spotlight On" and is a showcase for the superb aviation artwork created for the publisher by the remarkable Polish aviation artist Tomasz Kaca.

The book contains 22 colour plates showing 22 famous P-51 Mustang fighter depicted in the air. Aircraft of the famous fighter aces are shown based on the latest research.

Product details

Author:	Tomasz Kaca
Details:	44 pages, 11.6 x 8.25 in (29.5 x 21 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	22 drawings in color
Publisher:	MMP Books (PL, 2022)
ISBN:	9788367227025