10 Things that made the P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft so outstanding

10: The Wing is the thing

Because of its mid-war development timing, the Mustang was the first aircraft to implement a new aerodynamic theory called “laminar flow”. This effect, contrasted with turbulent flow, is an elusive condition that is possible with the right wing shaping and attention to detail. All wings have a small amount of laminar flow at their leading edges (the front of the wing). A laminar flow design extends this region to a majority of the wing surface and can reduce the wing drag by an incredible 25%-50%.

Unfortunately, the practical application usually falls short of the theoretical promise. Manufacturing flaws, battle damage, and bug guts alter the surface of a wing, and the laminar flow benefits fade away when the shape is not pristine.