Effects of the P-51 in World War II
Effects of the P-51 in World War IIAbstract
This paper deals with the contributions of the P-51 Mustang to
the eventual victory of the Allies in Europe during World War II. It
describes the war scene in Europe before the P-51 was introduced,
traces the development of the fighter, its advantages, and the
abilities it was able to contribute to the Allies' arsenal. It
concludes with the effect that the P-51 had on German air superiority,
and how it led the destruction of the Luftwaffe. The thesis is that:
it was not until the advent of the North American P-51 Mustang
fighter, and all of the improvements, benefits, and side effects
that it brought with it, that the Allies were able to achieve air
superiority over the Germans.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Reasons for the Pre-P-51 Air Situation
The Pre-P-51 Situation
The Allied Purpose in the Air War
The Battle at Schweinfurt
The Development of the P-51
The Installation of the Merlin Engines
Features, Advantages, and Benefits of the P-51
The P-51's Battle Performance
The Change in Policy on Escort Fighter Function
P-51's Disrupt Luftwaffe Fighter Tactics
P-51's Give Bombers Better Support
Conclusion
Works Cited
Introduction
On September 1, 1939, the German military forces invaded Poland
to begin World War II. This invasion was very successful because of
its use of a new military strategic theory -- blitzkrieg. Blitzkrieg,
literally "lightning war," involved the fast and deadly coordination
of two distinct forces, the Wermacht and the Luftwaffe. The Wermacht
advanced on the ground, while the Luftwaffe destroyed the enemy air
force, attacked enemy ground forces, and disrupted enemy communication
and transportation systems. This setup was responsible for the
successful invasions of Poland, Norway, Western Europe, the Balkans
and the initial success of the Russian invasion. For many years
after the first of September, the air war in Europe was dominated by
the Luftwaffe. No other nation involved in the war had the experience,
technology, or numbers to challenge the Luftwaffe's superiority. It
was not until the United States joined the war effort that any great
harm was done to Germany and even then, German air superiority
remained unscathed. It was not until the advent of the North American
P-51 Mustang fighter, and all of the improvements, benefits, and side
effects that it brought with it, that the Allies were able to achieve
air superiority over the Germans.
Reasons for the Pre-P-51 Air Situation
The continued domination of the European skies by the Luftwaffe
was caused by two factors, the first of which was the difference in
military theory between the Luftwaffe and the Royal Air Force. The
theories concerning the purpose and function of the Luftwaffe and RAF
were exactly opposite and were a result of their experiences in World
War I. During WW I, Germany attempted a strategic bombing effort
directed against England using Gothas (biplane bombers)...
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