This first volume, out of a total of four, of the history of the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang and P-82 Twin Mustang takes you from the first steps of North American Aviation Corporation to the end of the the evolution of those two aircraft, through the British decision to award the development of this exceptional fighter to NAA. It also provides the production history with links between military serials and model blocks. Richly illustrated, this volume gives the background and overview required to enjoy the operational history detailed in Volumes II and III.

"This detailed account charts the history, development and operational career of the North American P-51 Mustang, complete with over 90 photographs, full color artworks, performance table and technical diagrams"--Page 4 of cover

The North American Aviation Corporation's series of "Lightweight" Mustangs, the XP-51F, XP51G, XP-51J, and ultimately the P-51H, came as a result of North American's further development of their standard P-51A and B/C designs. These efforts were the direct result of combat experience in Europe in attempting to counter the fast German Luftwaffe's Focke Wulf 190 with its higher rate of roll, and the requirement in the Pacific Theater for a light, long-range fighter to counter Japanese aircraft, particularly the long-range, high manueverable Mitsubishi A6M Reisen ("Zero" or "Zeke").

Mustang Designer tells the story of American wartime fighter development, including engines and armaments, as part of a nationwide program of aircraft builders and fliers, focusing on Edgar Schmued, the designer of the Mustang. The P-51 Mustang is widely regarded as the best propeller-driven fighter that ever flew. What many might not realize is that the plane's developer was a German migrant. This book tells of how Schmued created a weapon that would ultimately prove lethal to the aspirations of those who had seized control over his native land.

"This book contains : a detailed pilot's report ; 55 photographs ; 23 scale drawings ; a two-page action scene ; the actual Flight Handbook issued to Mustang pilots during World War II."--

The P-51 Mustang is one of the greatest warplanes of all time. Developed as a private venture, it was seized upon by the British as the answer to their shortage of fighter aircraft in the early months of World War Two. Early Allison-engined Mustangs lacked performance at high altitude, but the great promise of the airframe was clear, and when fitted with the Rolls-Royce Merlin the Mustang became one of the best pistoned-engined fighters ever built. Not only was its performance on a par with the best British and German fighters of the era, but it was the first single-engined fighter with range sufficient to accompany bombers from Great Britain to Berlin and back. This new history of the Mustang tells the full story of its development, technical features and operational history, and also looks at its long post-war career as warbird and racer. Malcolm Lowe also dispels many of the myths that have grown up around the Mustang.