"The PonyD's might be since HT flew one, but I don't think so."
The version of P-51D we have in AH (most likely a P-51D-25-NA) had the K-14 lead-computing gunsite, while the plane as modeled in AH obviously lacks that particular item. The missing gunsight is an acknowledged and acceptable gameplay concession.
The P-51B we have in AH is an early model with the V-1650-5 engine, most likely a P-51B-5-NA. This engine had a different supercharger gear ratio with a higher critical altitude than the -7 engine used in later production models. This means the AH P-51B performs distinctly better than the P-51D above 25K. Most of the WW2 pilots who preferred the "B" over the "D" (such as Col. "Bud" Anderson) flew B models with the V-1650-5 engine. The engine change and consequent loss of performance at 25-30K was much hated, as that's where they were doing most of their fighting.
At very low altitudes (ie, where most fighting in the AH MA takes place), the P-51B performs worse than the P-51D in several ways, and its advantages are mostly marginalized if you choose the 4-gun option on the "D". The AH P-51B makes for a fine perk farmer, but understand that it doesn't really shine unless you take it up really high.
If we could have a P-51B/C with the V-1650-7 engine and 150-grade fuel performance (72'' MAP at WEP instead of 67''), that'd make for an extremely fun fighter for MA conditions.
J_A_B
