Help with P-51D-30NA

[Kutscha]

Yes Alex. The -3 was used in the B/C but later models of the B/C used the -7. http://joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p51.html

The -3 had a higher FTH than the -7.

[Ted51abcdk]

Originally Posted by Stig Jarlevik

Hi Ted
I see you are reading straight from the record card.
Problem with them is that the Base Units are listed but not the actual unit using said base.
I have just started with the C-46 but I suspect the P-51s were no different.

One day I will get the P-51s myself....

Cheers
Stig

C-46 info:
214 MACRs from 430508-461116
779 Form 14s from 430215-451216 (foreign only)
26 Cumulative Losses in ETO from 450324-450508
Please send me a PM if you can. Ted51

[Graham Boak]

Not so much less powerful overall but with a different supercharger. (See RR Merlin 61 vs 66) The -7 had a slightly lower full throttle height, giving it better performance at lower altitudes. When the D appeared in the 8th AF a few individuals preferred to retain their B/C because it went faster higher up.

I've not seen any previous reference to a -3 in a P-51D but if you had a spare one I suspect it would fit without problems. As for the manual, perhaps there was some concern that enough -7s would not be available in time for early D production - and perhaps this happened?

[Kutscha]

That is what I was thinking Graham about the -3 being installed.

The B/C only faster over 25kft.

[drgondog]

The order from Material Command to change to 1650-7 from 1650-3 was issued in November 1943. The P-51B-10 was the first block insertion accepted in February, 1944. The P-51C-5 insertion was about the same time but might have been in mid block.

Until the P-51H and XP-82, and NA-105, 105A and 105B - all production P-51s delivered after January 1944 were a.) NMF and b. equipped with 1650-7


That said, the engines were often swapped in the ETO after overhauls at BAD2 Warton, and returned to the field.

[Kutscha]

Thanks Bill.
Are you saying at BAD2 that -3 engines would be swapped in?

[drgondog]

Yes, also at Fighter Base Service squadrons where engines from overhaul were sent as spares.

[Kutscha]

Thank you very much Bill.