P-51 Mustang: Development of the Long-Range Escort Fighter

Rating:
Summary: The "war winner" that almost never was
Review: For those looking for "war stories" and pretty photos of P-51D's....this is not for you. For historians, however, this is an excellent book. There have been a few "blurbs'in other books about the politics of keeping the P-51 out of production, but this details the entire process and even includes Packard's struggle with the Allison (GM) loving top brass. No actual mention was made of paybacks or kickbacks...but read between the lines.
There need not be a volume two. Once NAA and its few supporters overcame the system with the very good P-51A and the excellent P-51B the story was pretty much over...at least as far as the political infighting was concerned. Serious Mustang buffs....read it! You will not be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Politics and a Great Fighter plane that almost wasn't
Review: Instead of a " In detail and scale " type of book I thought this was going to be, Mr. Ludwig has put forth quite an exhaustive look at the politics....and sometimes almost criminal aspects which almost kept the P-51 from front line combat in WW2. I thought there would be a more " nuts and bolts " look at the P-51, plus a performance aspect from a pilot's point of view. Instead...this is more like a 'year book' look at the history of the P-51....from the North American Aviation prototype...up to the mating of the mighty Merlin engine and the introduction of the P-51B into Europe, and escort duties. However that's it though....not much mention of the P-51D....or D models in the Pacific. This book could really use a Part 2! Along the way...there is a look at why the P-47 and P-38 didnt quite " make the grade " as long range escorts. And also many prototype failures the military minds of the time waisted time and money on, while the Mustang was pushed aside. Curious, there are alot of photo's of pilots and fighter groups, and aircraft side views but not much discusion of them. I guess from the readers perspective you get to see the planes and pilots who " got their hands " on the awesome Merlin/Mustang creation and took the fight to the Germans and helped turned the tide for the bombers. Alot of great details however are mixed in with all the politcs. How Packard automotive stoped making cars and focused on mass-producing British designed Merlins. The " secrets " of the NAA P-51, the Laminar flow wing, radiator scoop and other 'clean' aerodynamics of the Mustang. The fuselage fuel tank which added range but altered the CG. The Great drop tank debacle which affected all fighters in Europe. Etc. Etc. A ' dry ' but great read and a must for the library of any WW2 fighter enthusiast.

Rating:
Summary: The "war winner" that almost never was
Review: Instead of a " In detail and scale " type of book I thought this was going to be, Mr. Ludwig has put forth quite an exhaustive look at the politics....and sometimes almost criminal aspects which almost kept the P-51 from front line combat in WW2. I thought there would be a more " nuts and bolts " look at the P-51, plus a performance aspect from a pilot's point of view. Instead...this is more like a 'year book' look at the history of the P-51....from the North American Aviation prototype...up to the mating of the mighty Merlin engine and the introduction of the P-51B into Europe, and escort duties. However that's it though....not much mention of the P-51D....or D models in the Pacific. This book could really use a Part 2! Along the way...there is a look at why the P-47 and P-38 didnt quite " make the grade " as long range escorts. And also many prototype failures the military minds of the time waisted time and money on, while the Mustang was pushed aside. Curious, there are alot of photo's of pilots and fighter groups, and aircraft side views but not much discusion of them. I guess from the readers perspective you get to see the planes and pilots who " got their hands " on the awesome Merlin/Mustang creation and took the fight to the Germans and helped turned the tide for the bombers. Alot of great details however are mixed in with all the politcs. How Packard automotive stoped making cars and focused on mass-producing British designed Merlins. The " secrets " of the NAA P-51, the Laminar flow wing, radiator scoop and other 'clean' aerodynamics of the Mustang. The fuselage fuel tank which added range but altered the CG. The Great drop tank debacle which affected all fighters in Europe. Etc. Etc. A ' dry ' but great read and a must for the library of any WW2 fighter enthusiast.