Is it true the USAF considered producing the P-51 D anew as a possible replacement for the A-10? Why of all designs the Mustang? Why not upgraded versions of the A-1, or even the A-26 or B-25H?
A P-51 would be a poor choice,Gasoline engine,radiator w/coolant.one engine, no room for modern avionics and computers,fragile air frame and no room for the cannon. They would be much better off up grading the A-10 design with all the trick stuff that has been developed over the years,much as they have the B-52. The A-10 has proven it is a warrior that can take a hit and get it's pilot home.
The Air Farce needs to turn over the ground support mission to the US Army. Close Air Support is a very low priority mission type within the Air Farce, one of the reasons the A-10 is repeatedly on the chopping block. They also don't practice CAS sufficiently which has led to the A-10 being involved in a high number of deadly "friendly fire" incidents.
The Air Force is looking at a turboprop aircraft for close air support and counterinsurgency, but it would be a modern aircraft; the Brazilian A-29 Super Tucano seems to be the leading contender. In particular they are looking for something to equip the Afghan Air Force. I also seem to recall a Naval Institute Proceedings article suggesting it for the Marines. The P- (or F-) 51 probably has more speed and performance than would be needed for such a role. If we were going to resurrect a prop plane, a radial engine type like the A-1 or F4U might be better.
Wasn't 65 years later...More like 40...Early 80's. And it wasn't a P-51D, but a design based very loosely on the P-51 airframe. Congress, as usual, was looking to do things on the cheap, as they were not willing to shell out the dough for the new A-10 in numbers the USAF wanted. So, Congress began looking for an alternative - The Piper PA-48 Enforcer. Piper PA-48 Enforcer - Wikipedia The PA-48 was the brainchild of David Lindsay, and was a rework of his Cavalier Turbo Mustang III. Cavalier Mustang - Wikipedia IIRC, the PA-48 had only about 10% in common with the P-51.
What about a drone version? A single enforcer with drones slaved to it? Its time now to start the transition where possible...Surveilance and ground support is a good place to start...
The Air Force, always looking for new ways to spend money without actually increasing effectiveness or capabilities. They could have just gone with an upgraded OV-10, it is effective and in the '80's was still in production, and still in service in the Marine Corps. Better yet an upgraded A1D, comparable speed, much, much greater range and loiter, 1/3 more payload carrying ability, combat proven.
One of my friends flew a drone in the driver's side window of his wife's car and out the other side.* That kind of maneuverability would have been pleasing back in the day. *Yes, she was pissed off.
