The P-51 Mustang: A Case Study in Defense Acquisition

Abstract : In the rapidly changing global situation, defense acquisition needs to be equally agile and innovative. We must look to every source--government, industry, and academia--for ideas to make warfighter systems more capable and affordable. This article presents a historical case study of the World War II P-51 Mustang fighter plane development that illustrates ways the aircraft designers embraced the challenge to build a world-class fighter aircraft in the face of a challenging enemy, entrenched bureaucracy, and immature industrial capability. Enduring lessons are presented for today's acquisition professional.