North American A-36

Length: 11.2776m (37ft.)
Wingspan: 9.8298m (32ft. 3in.)
Height: 3.7084m (12ft. 2in.)

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North American A-36

The North American Apache was the name for the A-36 ground-attack/dive-bomber version of the North American P-51 Mustang, from which it could be distinguished by the rectangular, slatted dive brakes above and below the wings, and by the "nostril" intake of the Allison engine. After the RAF saw the Mustang's less than spectacular performance, with the Allison engine, they decided not to order any P-51A's, which they called the "Mustang Mk1." As the USAAC considered the use of the P-51A, they realized that it's low-altitude performance, ruggedness and speed were more than sufficient in a ground-attack/support role. They changed the designation and gave the P-51A a new one, the A-36 Apache. The name "Apache" was seldom used and the A-36's used by the USAAC in Italy were usually referred to as "Mustangs".

There were several reasons for the P-51 to be modified as a dive-bomber. The Americans were impressed by the German Ju 87 Stuka dive-bomber and wanted a dive-bomber of their own. The other reason is that the Mustang was still ill-considered by the USAAF as a high altitude escort fighter because of poor performance above 20,000 feet, and that no credits could be obtained for it. The Mustang was quickly modified with dive brakes and bomb racks, and pressed into service.

The A-36 was used with great success as a dive-bomber, acquiring a reputation for precision, sturdiness and silence. The A-36 was used throughout the war, and even had air to air kills over Luftwaffe fighters. A myth exists that the dive brakes on the A-36 were dangerous and that they were wired shut.

"I flew the A-36 for 39 of my 94 missions, from 11/43 to 3/44. They were never wired shut in Italy in combat. This 'wired shut' story apparently came from the training group at Harding Field, Baton Rouge, LA." Capt. Charles E. Dills, 27th Fighter Bomber Group, 522nd Squadron, XIIth Air Force.