P-51 Geneology

[Paul.Kile@Aerojet.com (KILE, PAUL D)]

Rick Morrison points out that the P-51 was designed by North American
for the British, hence the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine.  Actually,
although the plane was built to a British spec, the Merlin was not
installed until the advent of the P-51C.  The airplane suffered from
poor high-altitude performance due to a lack of a two-stage supercharger
on the original Allison engine. The Merlin transformed the airplane into
a stellar performer.

Just to set the record straight...

Cheers, 
Paul Kile