I have a World War two airplane question!!! Need help!!!?

Question

Alright, so here's the story:

My friend and I were talking about World War two planes during lunch. He is from
england, so naturally, he thought that the SPITFIRE supreme or whatever it was called was the best. I personally thought that U.S. had a better plane: the P-51 Mustang. It could be armed with 6 heavy machine guns or 4 20-mm cannons. It could match any plane in terms of range, agility, etc. In fact, it could even outperform almost any plane in World War II. It was flown by some of America's best aces. Every pilot who flew it fell in love with its streamlined sleekness, amazing speed, powerful armaments, superb range, unmatchable maneuverability, and everything else.

But my friend says that the spifire supreme can beat the mustang anyday, anywhere...

Can someone help me prove him wrong, or give why the mustang is better or why the spitfire is better?

Thnx.

Answer 1

The P-51 is the best

Answer 2

In this case, you are both right. The P-51 Mustang (P-51A) and the Spitfire were developed at about the same time. The Early models of Spitfire were superior to the P-51 in performance. Later, the Spitfire was equipped with probably the most famous engine in the world, the Rolls-Royce Merlin, while the P-51 was using an Allison V-10. Later, the United States took the best of both aircraft. The Spitfire had a bubble canopy and the powerful, supercharged Merlin engine, while the P-51 had a more rugged airframe, better armament (the .50 cal machine gun actually had the same accurate range as the Hispano 20mm and greatly outclassed anything in .30 caliber), and it could also carry disposable fuel tanks ('drop' tanks). When you put all of that together, you come up with the P-51D Mustang, which was superior to it's contemprary models of spitfire, but was eventually outclassed (very quietly) by the P-47 Thunderbolt, which had everything except top end speed at high altitude over the P-51.

I know this probably isn't the answer you were looking for, but there is is.

Answer 3

Hate it when I can't find my references – but I have read that the mustang was superior to the spitfire at some point. I do know for sure that after the war, quite a few mustangs were converted into racers and not so many spitfires – this may be a speed issue or whatever. Also I think there are about 50 surviving spitfires around the world flying and over 150 mustangs. This may have to do with how many were made originally though.

Answer 4

I know the Spitfire was a much loved aircraft and the mainstay of the RAF and was flown into the 1950's and was responsible for Britain defeating the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain but the P51 was a much more manuverable and tigher turning aircraft with more armanent than the Spitfire. It's engine is what set it apart...a two speed, two stage, supercharged 12 cylinder engine initially built by Packard and refined by Allison and was along the lines of the Rolls Royce Merlin which also powered the Spitfires but the P51
was able to achieve greater speeds and better manuverability as I said at these speeds and what set it
apart.

It was an aircraft killer in the sky...just look at the losses the Luftwaffe suffered when the P51 was introduced as fighter escorts and also a tank killer on the battlefield. They were both great aircraft but the P51 is definitely the better aircraft.

Answer 5

Further to the many excellent answers here, there were many marks of the Supermarine Spitfire, and it was in service with the RAF from 1938-1952. Some types would have been able to piss all over the P-51, which was a most excellent aircraft in its own right.

However, the Spitfire is even today, such an British Icon (like Churchill), you are never going to get a straight answer!

Answer 6

All of the answer above give good information and the P-51 was probably a better plane. It certainly had a longer life time and was used at the beginning of the Korean War.

I think that it is important to note that it was also was developed and introduced later than the Spitfire. It was also developed at the request of the British Government before the US entered WW II. The P 40 was the only North American Plane that suited their needs.

Answer 7

I'd say the argument is a bit pointless. Some would argue that the Mustang is as much British as American. It was designed for and named by the British and came into existence as a result of British need in the Battle of Britain. They were getting their butts kicked by the Germans with their Focke-Wulf Fw 190.

The Spitfire is an older design from the 30's. The British needed a better performing "modern" airplane design.
So technically yes, the Mustang was a superior aircraft. But, the British knew that hence the reason why they commissioned it in the first place.

My personal favs from that era, P-38 and the F4U

Answer 8

If memory serves, I believe the Spitfire was instrumental in winning the Battle of Britain, won in the air. Later, however, the P-51 came along and, outfitted with a Rolls Royce Merlin engine protected Allied bombers and reeked immeasurable havoc on Axis planes and ground forces.
Two great planes, many awesome pilots both American and British. But my money is on the P-51 Mustang.

Answer 9

Both the Spitfire and the 2nd model Mustang were powered by the same Merlin engine, but the Mustang definitly had the edge in important considerations.
1. Ceiling....Mustang could fly higher.
2. Speed....Mustang was faster at altitude and on the deck.
3. Range...Mustang with drop tanks could fly further.
4. Survivability...Mustang was better armored.
5. Production...The USA could produce the Mustang in huge numbers.

If your Brit friend is still wedded to national pride in selecting the Spitfire Ultramarine or any of the later models of Spits, then he can be proud that it was the BRITISH MERLIN ENGINE that made the Mustang the kick-*** machine it was.

Answer 10

Early in the war the Supermarine Spitfire was the best fighter the RAF had but the introduction of the Mustang later in the war it had superior performance.
If they had been put up against one another the RAF pilots would probably out fly the Green USAAF pilots in their Mustangs
I believe the Spitfire would out manoeuvre the Mustang as well

Answer 11

As with any A/C...pilot can be deciding factor. However, will put my money on the Mustang. Have not seen any spitfires running any air races. Do still see Mustangs. Great A/C.