Seems like there is a fight here and I am not about to get into it other than to note that I have never seen any source that claimed the P-51D was more maneuverable than even a Spitfire XIV.
The 407 mph figure from TAIC testing was a J2M2 or Jack 11. The J2M3 Jack 21 (I believe the tail number was S 12) was about 10 mph faster. I have seen multiple sources quote this but haven't seen the actual US test results. The most recent quote I found was from Famous Airplanes Of The World. I can get a scan from that if anyone wants, but I will warn you in advance that it is all in Japanese.
Regarding fast climbing fighters, even the J2M3 has the Spitfire IX beat by a LOT. The Spitfire XII and Spitfire XIV also have the Mk.IX beat. The early FW 190A and early Spitfire IX were about evenly matched for climb up to about 20,000 feet.
Just to throw another wrench into things, did you all know that the P-51A was the fastest wartime version of the Mustang below 10,000 feet? Surprised me when I saw this. Another surprising thing is that its top speed is about 410 mph but at only 10,000 feet.
- Ivan.
The 407 mph figure from TAIC testing was a J2M2 or Jack 11. The J2M3 Jack 21 (I believe the tail number was S 12) was about 10 mph faster. I have seen multiple sources quote this but haven't seen the actual US test results. The most recent quote I found was from Famous Airplanes Of The World. I can get a scan from that if anyone wants, but I will warn you in advance that it is all in Japanese.
Regarding fast climbing fighters, even the J2M3 has the Spitfire IX beat by a LOT. The Spitfire XII and Spitfire XIV also have the Mk.IX beat. The early FW 190A and early Spitfire IX were about evenly matched for climb up to about 20,000 feet.
Just to throw another wrench into things, did you all know that the P-51A was the fastest wartime version of the Mustang below 10,000 feet? Surprised me when I saw this. Another surprising thing is that its top speed is about 410 mph but at only 10,000 feet.
- Ivan.