Spitfire, Hurricane and Mustang; the three WWII fighters that most people think of when asked about, well, WWII Fighters.
The trio share more than an enviable place in history; they also have the same engine. Rolls Royce's 27 litre Merlin was fitted to all three. The example in this P-51 was manufactured by Packard in the States. It's place of manufacture doesn't make much difference to performance, but the addition of an enormous supercharger certainly does. In this example 1,720hp is produced. More power and more range in fact. The P-51 was capable of escorting bombers all over Europe, to the target and back again and could be fitted with drop-able long range tanks to go even further.
We're delighted to be able to welcome back 'Miss Helen' operated by the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford. Thanks to George Romain for the wonderful pictures.