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Robert wrote:
The P-51 was purpose built. I would suggest that the P-51 was
more of
a unique aircraft than an example of good use of technology.
Otherwise
the industry would have continued with and improved upon that
design.
Robert M. Simon
ES-P N301ES
Oh boy.
Purpose built? Aren't all airplanes purpose-built?
Escort. Fighter. Attack. Dive Bomber. Recon... Man, I just have to disagree with
you on these counts... The P-51, for it's time, used two new pieces of
'technology' that made it head and shoulders above the rest. The airfoil and the
cooling system were marvels of aeronautical advnacement that still stand today.
The original design was improved upon - the British Merlin and a two-stage
supercharger really 'made' the airplane. Until the demise of one current Merlin racing engine builder, we continued
that tradition with Dago Red. We still hold the course record at Reno with a hot
lap of 511 mph and a race average of 507. (Now I'll agree THAT ONE is a one
purpose airplane! (Okay, two... It burns money really fast...)
Industry moved on to jets. The Mustang (among a
few others) still represents the epitome of piston-engine airplane design.
Plus... chicks dig them.
Scotty G
Warbird Digest Magazine
September
Pops Air Racing
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