WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk Warbirds of Liberty: The Fantastic Fighting 4th - The Blakesleewaffe (Part 3)
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Feb 17, 2026 Long-range P-51 Mustangs and how the Rolls-Royce Merlin turned them into high-altitude killers. Don Blakeslee's push to equip and train the Fourth Fighter Group on Mustangs and his hard-nosed leadership. How Mustang escorts changed bombing campaigns, Big Week missions, and air operations over Berlin. Tactics, roaming strikes on the ground, and the group's role preparing for the Normandy invasion.
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Merlin Engine Transformed The Mustang
- The Mustang became transformational when fitted with the Rolls‑Royce Merlin, turning range and altitude performance into decisive strategic advantage.
- Its efficient airframe, extra tanks and Merlin made it faster and able to escort bombers deep into Germany.
Mustang's Design Gave Unexpected Thrust
- The Mustang's rear radiator intake produced a small jet‑thrust effect that improved high‑altitude efficiency.
- That effect plus sleek wings made it faster above 25,000–30,000 ft than any fighter then flying.
Strict Radio And Combat Discipline
- Maintain radio and air discipline, gain speed and height, and never turn away from a head‑on attack.
- These were Blakeslee's explicit rules he drilled into new pilots to survive combat.