Juha
And now note that P-51D was optimised for low altitudes, having similar settings as LF Spitfires. Simply there was no demand for performance at higher altitudes, hence the modification.
Weight is always an enemy of performance and some facts should be reconsidered by T-bolt fans. Next in line of piston army fighters was lightweight Mustang with reduced mass. Navy developed Bearcat, this being a significant mass reduction comparing to Hellcat. There was no line of development of heavy piston single engined fighter.
Additionally I think FAA considered Seafire an only naval fighter able to fight on equal terms with German fighters and no Hellcats nor Corsairs were emplyed in range of German fighters.
PS I always state Cobra is underestimated!
