Why was the BF109 so slow compared with the P51?

[tomo pauk]

Not that a chin radiator selection would result in the entire CDp of 0.0064 but note that with P-51B Base Drag value of 0.0190 adding 1/2 of 0.0064 cooling drag moves it into Mustang X and Spitfire CDP range.

Bill - how fast was the Mustang X? I am aware that there were differences betwen the Mustang Xs.

 

[Engineman]

Hi Tomo,
The Feb '43 A&AEE test report on Mustang X AM208 with Merlin 65 (lower alt optimised) gave 430mph TAS @ 22,000'.
Yes, as you say, there were differences with other conversions and their engines.

Eng

 

[drgondog]

Bill - how fast was the Mustang X? I am aware that there were differences betwen the Mustang Xs.

As Eng stated above. They varied as noted in Birch's book. The highest I recall was AM208 was433 with Merlin 65 at 18pounds boost

 

[Engineman]

Just to add, the Merlin 65 in the test above in post #142, was also operating at 18lb Boost, (or 66.5inches Mercury, Manifold Air Pressure).

Eng