The P-51 Mustang was the first US built fighter in action after the fall of France, successfully engaging every air-born opponent from early Junkers to the Messerschmitt. Fast, powerful and maneuverable with 75 gallon tanks under each wing, its ability to fly six hour missions was unheard of at the time. In 1944 the Truman Senate War Investigation Committee gave the Mustang it's highest rating as " the most aerodynamically perfect pursuit plane in existence"
