The russians flew them effectively in the easternfront campaigns though... it's a decent dogfighter in GOOD hands. Pokryshkin stayed with this bird instead of switching to the superior La-7 fighter, which means something. Ok ok the zero... ; )
It wasn't quick enough. My grandad flew them in the Pacific against the Japs and told me how the Zeros just ate them up. He got shot down twice in 1942 flying P-39s while only scoring three himself. When the P-51c came in 1943 he became an ace shooting down 11- ending the conflict with 14...
@kamspapa Thanks for sharing this story!! My Dad served in the South Pacific in the Army Air Corps, coding and de-coding secret messages! He once told me that the best Christmas he ever received was on Christmas Eve 1944, when he saw a P-51 shoot down a Japanese Zero!! Perhaps that was your Granddad!! I'd love to know his name!!
mody underrated planes
lolpranksta 1 year ago
Where is this plane? My grandfather was one of the men in charge of making them.
RetsofNoraa 2 years ago
The aircraft is based in San Marcos Tx with the Commemorative Air Force. It goes around to many airshows throughout the year.
railfly1999 2 years ago
The russians flew them effectively in the easternfront campaigns though... it's a decent dogfighter in GOOD hands. Pokryshkin stayed with this bird instead of switching to the superior La-7 fighter, which means something. Ok ok the zero... ; )
Auki1971 2 years ago
Yep, they used them as 'can openers' or anti-tank aircraft...they loved them in that role!
pheenix42 2 years ago
@pheenix42 yeah cause it was the only plane that was fitted with a a cannon that was simalar to a stuarts cannon
darkhound891 1 year ago
That plane just looks and sounds quick!
DEP717 2 years ago
It wasn't quick enough. My grandad flew them in the Pacific against the Japs and told me how the Zeros just ate them up. He got shot down twice in 1942 flying P-39s while only scoring three himself. When the P-51c came in 1943 he became an ace shooting down 11- ending the conflict with 14...
P-51c ca
kamspapa 2 years ago 4
Well yeah, the P39 is sort-of a turn fighter below 5000m. The Zeros really win at low altitude because they turn inside most aircraft, P39 included.
A503B201 2 years ago
@kamspapa Thanks for sharing this story!! My Dad served in the South Pacific in the Army Air Corps, coding and de-coding secret messages! He once told me that the best Christmas he ever received was on Christmas Eve 1944, when he saw a P-51 shoot down a Japanese Zero!! Perhaps that was your Granddad!! I'd love to know his name!!
ATBirdMan 1 year ago
Outstanding!!
cajunhornet60 4 years ago
BEAUTIFUL!
SmiertSpionem 4 years ago