FAST PLANES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 229, 27 September 1943, Page 6

FAST PLANES

MUSTANG FIGHTERS

MASS PRODUCTION IN U.S.A.

(0.C.) SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 6. Quantity production of the p. 51 Mustang fighter, powered with the new Packard built Rolls-Royce Merlin engine for high altitude combat, is now under way, President J. H. Kindelberger announced in Los Angeles. Although production of the Merlin powered Mustang has been reported, Mr. Kindelberger released hitherto restricted mechanical and performance data. The new type engine is said to give even greater speed than the "400 miles an hour-plus" previously attributed to the Mustang, and a new-type supercharger is said to raise its ceiling a couple of miles This will permit it to protect highaltitude bombers at tremendous heights. Previously the Mustang had been renowned chiefly for its efficiency as a fighter and a fighter-bomber at medium and co-called "'zero" altitudes, Mr. Kindelberger said. To produce the new Mustangs in'large quantities, the Texas plants will taper down on combat trainer output. One is producing Liberator bombers, the other Mustangs and Texan trainers. The Inglewood plant, near Los Angeles, is building B-25 Mitchell bombers and Mus tangs.