North American P-51 Mustang: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Mustang - Thoroughbred Stallion of the Air

Covers the P/F-51 Mustang and each of its many variants and spinoffs including the A-36 Apache, F-6 Photo Mustang, F-82 Twin Mustang and others. It discusses the Mustangs used by all US allies and friends in many foreign air forces.
Also, it adds to the story of its creation through the wise choices made by the British government and its Royal Air Force, especially the transition from its original Alison V-12 to the wizard-like Rolls-Royce V- 12 called the Merlin.

The book is profusely illustrated with high quality mono and colour images, many of which have not been published before, and features beautifully drawn profiles and numerous appendices. It also features numerous first-hand accounts of the Mustang in battle during World War 2, the Korean War and other conflicts.

The Mustang was employed by more than 55 nations during its military lifetime and this book is a definitive work on this fabulous war horse.

Product details

Author:	Steve Pace
Details:	224 pages, 10.8 x 8.9 x 0.87 in (27.5 x 22.5 x 2.2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	150 b&w and 50 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Fonthill Media (GB, 2012)
ISBN:	9781781550519

North American P-51 Mustang Manual - An insight into owning, restoring, servicing and flying (Haynes Aircraft Manual)

The North American P-51 Mustang holds an important place in US aviation history as its finest fighter aircraft of all time. During the Second World War it was the only Allied fighter capable of flying to Berlin and back from Britain without refuelling.

Pages of the book "North American P-51 Mustang Manual - An insight into owning, restoring, servicing and flying"

Read about the Mustang's illustrious combat history and take a close-up look at how it is constructed. Discover what it takes to own and fly this classic fighter, and find out how engineers keep it airworthy.
Centrepieces of this manual are co-author Maurice Hammond's Second World War-vintage Merlin-engine P-51Ds - Janie and Marinell.

More information about Haynes Aircraft Manuals

Product details

Author:	Jarrod Cotter, Maurice Hammond
Details:	160 pages, 10.6 x 8.25 x 0.35 in (27 x 21 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	many b&w and color photos
Language:	English (technical dictionaries in 19 languages are available for free download here)
Publisher:	Haynes Publishing (GB, 2016)
Series:	Haynes Aircraft Manual
ISBN:	9780857338594

The Merlin: The Engine That Won the Second World War

The Rolls-Royce Merlin is one of the most famous aircraft engines in history. It powered key aircraft of World War II, including the Spitfire and Hurricane, which defended Britain during the Battle of Britain in 1940. It also powered the Lancaster and Halifax bombers on missions over Germany and the Mosquito, known for its precision bombing and reconnaissance.
For the United States, the Merlin was used in the P-51 Mustang, which escorted B-17 and B-29 bombers on daytime raids. The Mustang also saw action in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific. The engine played a crucial role in securing Allied victory.
The Merlin remains iconic, and its distinctive sound can still be heard over England today, notably during Battle of Britain Memorial Flight displays. It was most recently featured in the RAF's centenary celebrations, with a Lancaster leading Spitfires and Hurricanes in formation.
Retired pilot Gordon Wilson explores the development and wartime use of this engine, sharing accounts from aircrew who relied on it. His book provides insight into the engineering and human stories behind one of the most significant aircraft engines ever built.

Product details

Author:	Gordon A. A. Wilson
Details:	256 pages, 7.7 x 4.9 x 0.71 in (19.5 x 12.5 x 1.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	50 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Amberley Publishing (GB, 2020)
ISBN:	9781398103252

Mustang : The Racing Thoroughbred

Describes the P-51 in its post-WWII racing capacity up to the present emphasizing engine design, speed, modifications, and personalities.

Product details

Author:	Dustin W. Carter and Birch J. Matthews
Details:	208 pages, 11 x 8.5 x 0.94 in (28 x 21.5 x 2.4 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	180 b&w and 50 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2004)
ISBN:	9780887403910

P-51 Mustang vs Fw 190 - Europe 1943-45 (Osprey)

Discover the history of a classic duel as the finest American and German pilots are pitted against each other in the war-torn skies over Europe, in two of the most advanced fighter planes of the age, the P-51 Mustang and the Fw 190.

This book describes the design and development of these rivals and analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of each fighter through an examination of the key elements of airframe, engine, armament and flying characteristics.
Also explored is the training the combatants received, providing an insight into the lives of the pilots. Cockpit digital artwork allows the reader to relive the thrill and terror of a dogfight as these two evenly matched opponents battled for supremacy in the skies above Europe.

Contents: Introduction - Chronology - Strategic situation: A discussion of the situation facing Nazi Germany and the Allies in the final three years of the war - Design & Development - Technical Specifications - Combatants - Combat: A review of specific combat actions accompanied by biographical detail, first-hand accounts and photographs - Analysis: Statistical data showing the numbers of P-51s and Fw 190s lost in battle - Conclusion - Bibliography and further reading list.

Product details

Author:	Martin Bowman
Details:	80 pages, 9 x 7.3 x 0.24 in (24 x 18.5 x 0.6 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	photos and drawings (in b&w and color)
Language:	English
Publisher:	Osprey Publishing (GB, 2007)
Series:	Duel (1)
ISBN:	9781846031892

Allison-engined P-51 Mustang (Osprey)

While the introduction of the Merlin engine did improve the Mustang's performance and produce the bubble-canopied fighters with which we associate the name, credit must be given to the Allison-engined variants that preceded it. From its inception in early 1940, the Mustang's development was extraordinarily rapid - such was the need for a fighter at the time, and the confidence in its design.
By early January 1942, the Mustang was in service with the RAF, flying low-level armed reconnaissance operations over Northern France. Despite later Merlin variants arriving in-theatre, this remained a hunting ground for the Allison Mustangs through to D-Day and beyond - a remarkable service length. In American hands the Allison-engined Mustangs performed as dive-bombers and fighters, serving with distinction in North Africa and the Far East.

Contents: Introduction - Design and Development - Technical Specifications and Variants - Operational History - Conclusion - Bibliography and Further Reading.

Product details

Author:	Martyn Chorlton
Details:	64 pages, 9.8 x 7.3 x 0.24 in (25 x 18.5 x 0.6 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	photos and drawings (in b&w and color)
Language:	English
Publisher:	Osprey Publishing (GB, 2012)
Series:	Air Vanguard (1)
ISBN:	9781780961514

Me 262 vs P-51 Mustang : Europe 1944-45 (Osprey)

Arguably two of the finest fighters built during the course of World War II, the Me 262 and P-51 Mustang heralded new dawns in aircraft performance. Making its operational debut in the summer of 1944, and powered by the Jumo 004 jet engine, the Me 262 outclassed Allied planes in terms of speed and firepower ratio, offering a formidable punch with four 30 mm MK 108 nose-mounted cannons.

However, in the P-51, fitted with the Rolls-Royce (Packard) Merlin engine and drop tanks, the USAAF finally had a fighter that had the 'legs' to escort its heavy bombers deep into Reich airspace and back.
If flown to its strengths, the P-51 was more than capable of taking on the feared Me 262 on an equal footing, despite the differences in power and top speed.
Indeed, the Mustang proved to be the Luftwaffe fighter arm's nemesis. When the P-51D sortied over Germany from the summer of 1944 onwards, it shredded through the ill-trained and depleted Gruppen of the Luftwaffe's defence wings.

This book examines the two fighters in detail, exploring their history and development and containing accurate descriptions of the combats between the P-51 Mustang and the Me 262 in what were some of the most bitter and large-scale aerial actions fought over Europe in 1944-45.

Product details

Author:	Robert Forsyth
Details:	80 pages, 9.7 x 7.3 x 0.24 in (24.5 x 18.5 x 0.6 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	55 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Osprey Publishing (GB, 2019)
Series:	Duel
ISBN:	9781472829559

Mustang: The Untold Story

The North American Mustang is one of the most well-studied aircraft. However, much of what is commonly understood about it, particularly its early, Allison-powered variants, is not entirely correct.

This book examines the history of the aircraft afresh, within the orbit of tactical doctrine, strategy and even politics, as well as the changing nature of World War II.
The Allison Mustang proved to be no worse than the best aircraft of the war in the roles where it found its niche and, through this new study, it is hoped that the significance of this vital aircraft can finally be appreciated.

Product details

Author:	Matthew Willis
Details:	304 pages, 9 x 6.3 x 1.34 in (24 x 16 x 3.4 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	140 photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Key Publishing Ltd (GB, 2022)
ISBN:	9781913295882

NAA P-51 Mustang - The Cadillac of the Skies

This book is the latest in a reference series for aircraft modellers called "Spotlight On" and is a showcase for the superb aviation artwork created for the publisher by the remarkable Polish aviation artist Tomasz Kaca.

The book contains 22 colour plates showing 22 famous P-51 Mustang fighter depicted in the air. Aircraft of the famous fighter aces are shown based on the latest research.

Product details

Author:	Tomasz Kaca
Details:	44 pages, 11.6 x 8.25 in (29.5 x 21 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	22 drawings in color
Language:	English
Publisher:	MMP Books (PL, 2022)
ISBN:	9788367227025

North American Mustang P-51 - Long-Range Fighter (Profiles of Flight) (Profiles of Flight)

The Mustang was born from a British WW2 specification to North American during 1940. The prototype was completed within 117 days but the RAF was not happy with the aircraft's performance and suggested replacing the V-12 Allison engine with the more powerful RR Merlin. The result was a superbly fast and manoeuvrable aircraft that had the range to escort Allied bomber forces on raids deep into occupied Europe. A total of 15,469 of the type were built and were also used in combat during the Korea War.

This book contains the famous colour profiles created by Dave Windle of the type in different operational modes, configurations and colour schemes. Martin Bowman has written detailed descriptions and supplied superb photographs to create the perfect enthusiast's reference.

Product details

Author:	Dave Windle, Martin Bowman
Details:	88 pages, 6.9 x 9.8 x 0.55 in (17.5 x 25 x 1.4 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	30 profile illustrations in color, 50 b&w photos.
Language:	English
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Ltd (GB, 2011)
Series:	Profiles of Flight
ISBN:	9781848845817

P-51 Mustang (Pilot's Flight Operation Instructions)

Used primarily as a long-range bomber escort in raids over Germany, the North American P-51 Mustang earned a reputation for toughness and agility in dogfights. Carrying a two-stage supercharged V-12 Merlin engine and armed with six .50 caliber machine guns, the P-51 helped the Allies gain air superiority in the skies over Europe.

P-51s were flown by the famed Tuskegee Airmen, and remained in service during the Korean War. World airforces made extensive use of the Mustang, some into the 1980's.

Originally published by North American Aviation and classified "Restricted", this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. This affordable facsimile has been reformatted, and color images appear as black and white. Care has been taken however to preserve the integrity of the text.

Product details

Author:	United States Army Air Force, North American
Details:	112 pages, 9.8 x 8.1 x 0.28 in (25 x 20.5 x 0.7 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	many photos and drawings
Language:	English
Publisher:	Periscope Film (USA, 2009)
Series:	Pilot's Flight Operation Instructions
ISBN:	9781935327813

P-51 Mustang - Rare photographs from Naval Archives (Images of War)

Today, the Mustang is a living legend and is remembered as probably the finest long-range single-seat piston-engined fighter ever built.
Here, in words and images, the esteemed aviation historian Martin Bowman tells the story of an aircraft that continues to provoke enthusiastic praise.
We look at the Mustang's involvement in the Second World War and the Korean War, as well as other conflicts and engagements.

This new addition to the Images of War series serves as a tribute to an aircraft with a particularly impressive wartime record, the legacy of which is still felt today.

Product details

Author:	Martin Bowman
Details:	144 pages, 9.7 x 7.5 x 1.06 in (24.5 x 19 x 2.7 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Ltd (GB, 2022)
Series:	Images of War
ISBN:	9781526746399

P-51 Mustang (Vol. 1) - North American's Mk. I, A, B, and C Models in World War II (Legends of Warfare)

The North American P-51 Mustang remains one of the most famous aircraft in history. Known for its speed and agility - qualities that keep it popular in air racing today - the Mustang was a key fighter of World War II.

This first volume focuses on the early models, often called "Razorback Mustangs, " which played a vital role in countering Axis forces. The book presents the history of the P-51 Mk. I, A, B, and C through carefully selected archival photos and images of preserved aircraft.
Large, clear photographs, along with detailed captions, provide insight into both the combat role and design of this legendary fighter.

Product details

Author:	David Doyle
Details:	112 pages, 9.25 x 9.25 x 0.71 in (23.5 x 23.5 x 1.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	133 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2018)
Series:	Legends of Warfare
ISBN:	9780764356742

P-51 Mustang (Vol. 2) - The D, H and K Models in World War II and Korea (Legends of Warfare)

Nearly 80 years after its first flight, the North American P-51 Mustang remains one of the most iconic aircraft in history. Known for its speed and agility - qualities that still make it popular in air racing - the Mustang played a crucial role in World War II.

This second volume focuses on the "bubbletop" variants, which escorted Allied bombers deep into enemy territory, helping bring the war to Germany and Japan. The book presents the history of these late-war Mustangs through carefully selected archival images and photographs of preserved aircraft.
Large, clear photos, paired with detailed captions, provide insight into both the operational role and construction of this legendary fighter.

Product details

Author:	David Doyle
Details:	112 pages, 9.1 x 9.1 x 0.71 in (23 x 23 x 1.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	162 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2020)
Series:	Legends of Warfare
ISBN:	9780764359385

P-51 Mustang - Missions de combat

"P-51 Mustang, missions de combat" takes the reader to the controls of one of the best fighters of the Second World War. The tactics of American fighter pilots are described here, bringing to life the violence and tension present during missions in the European theater of operations.

Contents:
- Over 70 testimonies from P-51 Mustang pilots, including renowned aces.
- Detailed accounts of every type of P-51 operation, from high-altitude bomber escort missions over the Reich to Luftwaffe strafing of airfields in occupied France.
- Official explanations of the development and technical characteristics of the P-51.
- Over 300 archive photographs.

Product details

Author:	Martin Bowman
Details:	156 pages, 11 x 10 in (28 x 25.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	300 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2014)
ISBN:	9791028300180