002 P-51B/C MUSTANG: Northwest europe 1943-44

1-939002

New Dogfight series. Heavily illustrated with photographs, artwork, and innovative and colorful 3D ribbon diagrams provides a realistic overview of the most dynamic dogfights in aviation history. This volume covers the P-51B/C Mustang-equipped fighter groups of the 'Mighty Eighth' Air Force. Packed full of first-hand accounts, this volume recreates the combat conditions and flying realities for Mustang pilots (including headline aces such as Don Blakeslee and Don Gentile, as well as lesser known aviators).

Entering combat in Europe in December 1943, P-51Bs and P-51Cs had advantages over German Bf 109s and Fw 190s in respect to the altitude they could reach, rate of climb, and top speed. Initially tapped for close bomber escort, Mustangs were quickly turned loose to range ahead of the bomber stream in order to challenge German fighters before they could assemble to engage the bombers en masse.