Navalwarrior
Staff Sergeant
- 764
- Jun 17, 2018
Resp:How did the P-51 change the tide? Were the Germans winning when it was introduced?
If I remember correctly, USAAF Gen Arnold put out a directive in June 1943 to find an existing fighter to modify, or build a new model to gain 'air supremacy' before the Allies attempt Operation Overlord, which was in the works for 1944. He specified a fight to go all the way to the heart of Germany. The Merlin (British designed engine) P-51 Mustang (also a British name) was the result.