Thunderbolts and Mustangs versus the Jagdwaffe (split topic)

[Franek Grabowski]

Originally Posted by Ruy Horta

Since this is an air war forum we tend to focus on the air war. As such the Mustang's added range becomes something mythical. However, if we look at the crucial air campaign during the Normandy invasion and break out, that range becomes less important. The main battle is not over the Reich. At the time the P-47 was still the most numerous American fighter in the theatre.

Ruy
It is a clear case of non understanding the Normandy air war. Actually, the range of both P-47s and P-51s was a decisive factor in annihilating the Luftwaffe and it cannot be underestimated.
Direct comparison of both types is not possible, as too many factors are decisive. Nonetheless British decision to use Mustangs instead of Thunderbolts in the ETO is a clear evidence of the former's superiority.
In regard of numbers, quite often Big Week argument is used. Indeed, most of the job has been done by Thunderbolts, but those were Mustangs flying over Berlin.