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Re: anyone know if malcolm hoods were fitted to allison P-51s
Colin - there is definitely confusion regarding the specific breakouts of the Mustang IA's which originated from the Defense Aid Contract, following the original orders for the Mustang I. Gruenhagen's book has been my most reliable source for manufacturing blocks tied to serial numbers.
Of the 150 ordered by Britain, 57 were pulled by USAAF to be modified as Photo Recon - two were pulled for experimental work on Allison engine variants - leaving 55 of the camera/20mm gun variants to go to US unit assignment. One of the 55 was modified at NAA and the rest (54) went to Mod centers.
The Airplane went from P-51A-1NA to F6A. IIRC the 111th squadron deployed to the MTO right about the time of the invasion of Sicily.
All of the F6B's were follow on P-51A/Mustang II's modified for cameras and w/o 20 mm guns.
I have heard of Malcom Hood variants for the IA, seen scale models of the Mustang IA w/Hood but have not seen specific serial number validation in literature so I do not know for sure.
Candidly
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