INTRODUCTION

        Revised performance calculations for the subject airplane have been prepared on the basis of wind tunnel data, estimated engine performance, and correlations with the results of flight tests. These calculations were necessary to provide complete performance data for airplane equipped with an engine incorporating a carburetor for fuel metering instead of the speed density pump originally anticipated in preparing report NA-8284 dates September 25, 1944. This report presents the results of the revised calculations together with a discussion of the data and methods used.

        Performance data are presented in both graphical and tabulated form in the summary. General performance data are shown for the design condition only; combat radius of action data are shown for seven loading conditions.

SUMMARY OF CALCULATED PERFORMANCE

All performance figures are based on N.A.C.A. standard atmospheric conditions and gross weight as given in item (2) except as noted.

 
(1)ConditionDesign
 
(2)Gross Weight9450 lbs.
 
(3)Fuel255 gals.
 
(4)Wing Loading40.5 lbs./ft.2
 
(5)Maximum Speed – Combat Rating
       (3000 R.P.M. – 90” Hg. M.P. – W.I.)		 
 
In High Blower at A.C.A.* 471 m.p.h./22,700 ft.
In Low Blower at A.C.A.* 449 m.p.h./9000 ft.
In Low Blower at Sea Level 413 m.p.h.
 
(6)Maximum Speed – Combat Rating
       (3000 R.P.M. – 80” Hg. M.P. – W.I.)		 
 
In High Blower at A.C.A.*466 m.p.h./25,700 ft.
In Low Blower at A.C.A.*447 m.p.h./12,700 ft.
In Low Blower at Sea Level395 m.p.h.
 
(7)Maximum Speed – War Emergency Rating
       (3000 R.P.M. – 67” Hg. M.P.)
 
In High Blower at A.C.A.*447 m.p.h./29,800 ft.
In Low Blower at A.C.A.*433 m.p.h./17,800 ft.
In Low Blower at Sea Level360 m.p.h.
 
(8)Maximum Speed – Combat Rating
       (3000 R.P.M. – 61” Hg. M.P.)
 
In High Blower at A.C.A.*441 m.p.h./32,000 ft.
In Low Blower at A.C.A.*431 m.p.h./20,400 ft.
In Low Blower at Sea Level342 m.p.h.
 
(9)Maximum Speed – Combat Rating
       (3000 R.P.M. – 46” Hg. M.P.)
 
In High Blower at A.C.A.*407 m.p.h./32,000 ft.
In Low Blower at A.C.A.*397 m.p.h./21,900 ft.
In Low Blower at Sea Level301 m.p.h.
 
(10)Maximum Rate of Climb – Combat Rating
       (3000 R.P.M. – 90” Hg. M.P. – W.I.)
 
In Low Blower at Sea Level5120 ft./min.
In Low Blower at A.C.A.*5210 ft./min/4600 ft.
In High Blower at A.C.A.*3970 ft./min/18,300 ft.
 
(11)Maximum Rate of Climb – Combat Rating
       (3000 R.P.M. – 80” Hg. M.P. – W.I.)
 
In Low Blower at Sea Level4520 ft./min.
In Low Blower at A.C.A.*4590 ft./min/8300 ft.
In High Blower at A.C.A.*2150 ft./min/21,500 ft.
 
(12)Maximum Rate of Climb – War Emergency Rating
       (3000 R.P.M. – 67” Hg. M.P.)
 
In Low Blower at Sea Level3130 ft./min.
In Low Blower at A.C.A.*3370 ft./min/13,400 ft.
In High Blower at A.C.A.*2400 ft./min/26,100 ft.
 
(13)Maximum Rate of Climb – Military Rating
       (3000 R.P.M. – 61” Hg. M.P.)
 
In Low Blower at Sea Level2700 ft./min.
In Low Blower at A.C.A.*2970 ft./min/16,200 ft.
In High Blower at A.C.A.*2030 ft./min/28,400 ft.
 
(14)Maximum Rate of Climb – Normal Rating
       (2700 R.P.M. – 46” Hg. M.P.)
 
In Low Blower at Sea Level1630 ft./min.
In Low Blower at A.C.A.*1840 ft./min/18,100 ft.
In High Blower at A.C.A.*1210 ft./min/29,000 ft.
 
*A.C.A. – Airplane Critical Altitude
 
(15)Time to Climb to 20,000 ft.
 
With Combat Power (90”) Hg. M.P.  4.58 min.
With Combat Power (80”) Hg. M.P.  4.81 min.
With War Emergency Power  6.37 min.
With Military Power  7.03 min.
With Normal Power11.35 min.
 
(16)Service Ceiling
 
At 3000 R.P.M.40,100 ft.
At 2700 R.P.M.37,100 ft.
 
(17)Take-off Distance
       (Hard Runway – No Wind)
Ground Run1037 ft.
Total Distance to clear a 50 ft. obstacle1864 ft.
 
(18)Take-off Distance
       (Hard Runway – No Wind)
Ground Run1393 ft.
Total Distance to clear a 50 ft. obstacle2260 ft.
 
(19)Landing Speed*98.3 m.p.h.
 
(20)Stalling Speed, Flaps 45°, Gear Down, Power Off98 m.p.h.
 
(21)Cruising:
 
(A)Yardstick Range**
 
(a)At 15,000 ft. with 255 gals. fuel and full military load.
 
       Take-off Gross Weight9450 lbs.
       Average True Airspeed240 m.p.h.
       Endurance6.21 hrs.
       Range1495 miles
 
(b)At 15,000 ft. with 425 gals. fuel
(205 internal and 2 – 110 gal. combat tanks***)
and full military load
 
       Take-off Gross Weight10994 lbs.
       Average True Airspeed238 m.p.h.
       Endurance10.67 hrs.
       Range2514 miles
 
(B)Combat Radius of Action****
 
(a)Design Condition492 miles
 
(b)Long Range Fighter (2 – 110 gal. tanks)1002 miles
 
(c)Long Range Fighter (2 – 165 gal. tanks)1024 miles
 
(d)Fighter-Bomber (2 – 500 lb. bombs)445 miles
 
(e)Fighter-Bomber (2 – 1000 bombs)409 miles
 
(f)Rocket-Fighter (10 – 5.0" HVAR’s)421 miles
 
(g)Long Range Rocket-Fighter (6 - 5.0"
HVAR’s plus 2 – 165 gal. tanks)		1009 miles
 
*Based on landing gross weight (design condition less ½ fuel) = 8685 lbs.
**No fuel used for warm up, taxi, take-off, and climb to altitude.
***Combat tanks dropped when empty.
****Based on Definition given on page 65.
 
P-51H (NA 126) Airplane, Altitude Performance
Brake Horsepower vs Altitude
 
 
 

WWII Aircraft Performance   Mustang Performance