I remember looking at P-51H, P-47M and P-47N performance data last year; so dificult to analyse and figure out the difinitive performance
Especially on the P-51H. Whilst speed is unanimously stated as faster than the P-51D, climb rate varies enourmously. One test states climb rate is little different than the P-51D only being around 300-500ft at a weight ~ 9500lbs better whilst other charts have the P-51H just short of 3900ft/min @20,000ft and 3300ft/min @25,000ft at a weight of 9500lbs. Furthermore there is non definitive stipulation of what classes as a clean configuration, and whether the engineer tests were in true clean, wings racks or not?This produced other questions. The effect of the P-51H's ~2000hp+ engine at WEP and how this engine scales with altitude and how this effects its power to weight ratio, climb and speed (likely two different charts)? The effect of the wing racks (bomb and rocket) on speed and climb rate? The effect of the P-51H's wing? and overall aerodynamics. Was it built for high speed or climbing?
(It always impresses me how well the P-47 climbed even with the Hamilton Paddle-Blade climbed with such a poor overall power to weight ratio in comparison to other fighter; until it reached 25,000ft+ where it started to increase realtive to starved engines on other fighters.)
Whilst I continue my research at a later date the A2A P-51H can't come soon enough. Yes I have very little in the way of obligations
(a life).
