Differences between the P-51 D-5 and D-20

[Jackfraser24]

I was just playing IL-2 1946 and I was trying to spot the differences between the P-51 D-5 and D-20 and I just couldn't. Is there actually any physical differences between the two sub-variants, or are they given different numbered designations because they differ in performance? 

[David_4555]

A bit late to the party, but one difference I'm sure about is that the D-15 has a standard gunsight while the D-20 has the "ace maker" gyro gunsight which you can toggle after binding a key to it

[Jackfraser24]

On 8/11/2025 at 10:37 PM, David_4555 said:

A bit late to the party, but one difference I'm sure about is that the D-15 has a standard gunsight while the D-20 has the "ace maker" gyro gunsight which you can toggle after binding a key to it

Thanks for getting back to me. I very much appreiciate it. 

[Avimimus]

On 7/26/2025 at 11:55 AM, Jackfraser24 said:

I was just playing IL-2 1946 and I was trying to spot the differences between the P-51 D-5 and D-20 and I just couldn't. Is there actually any physical differences between the two sub-variants, or are they given different numbered designations because they differ in performance? 

 

If I recall the D-5 lacks the extension to the vertical stabiliser a well, and so should have a bit less directional stability (if I'm remembering correctly, and I may not).

[Jackfraser24]

15 hours ago, Avimimus said:

 

If I recall the D-5 lacks the extension to the vertical stabiliser a well, and so should have a bit less directional stability (if I'm remembering correctly, and I may not).

Thank you too for getting back to me. I don't know if this is appropriate to say here but I really hope we get the P-51 D-5 before development all wraps up. It would be great for Normandy as well as Bodenplatte.