[akdavis]

Seriously, read the quote at the top of the page that says "No External Loads Used" and then it lists out the data on fuel, guns, ammo, etc.

All data for P-51 tests should be assumed to have come from similar configurations (and in fact a cursory review of several other P-51 tests shows that this is the case). Basic fighter configuration for the P-51 is with an empty fuselage tank and no external stores. This gives a gross weight of 9611 lbs. (note that in your "proof" the gross weight is listed as 9600 lbs.). The Wright Field test was in fact a full load of ammunition, full oil and full wing tanks, weighted (not lightened) by an additional 25 lbs of fuel in the fuselage. In addition, it was not flown truly clean as wing racks were installed. Testing was also performed to obtain speed loss at two altitudes for various external stores. It is very clear that every effort was made to obtain the full combat performance of the aircraft. Your "combat conditions" point is a red herring. Performance figures obtained in combat are meaningless if not corrected to standard atmosphere as all performance tests are. Furthermore, the whole idea of controlled testing in combat is absurd.

Once again, the North American figures for P-51D weight and max speed conform almost perfectly to your "proof" of P-51K performance.