With both parents in the RAF during World War Two, I was interested in the variation of stories, by Messrs Holt, Wade, Rimmer and Rendell, of the introduction of the Mustang to the RAF.

However, their differences may not be as great as they assume if their basic logic was a little sounder.

For example, Glen Rimmer criticises James Wade for stating that it was built to British Standards by Americans but later in the same letter says it was of American design. Logically, this is not a contradiction. British Standards are not the same as British design.

I've worked, both as a design and planning engineer, on British-designed cars but to German standards or specifications. Q.E.D.1. Also, Glen criticises Derek Holt for stating that the Mustang was unfit for intercepting enemy aircraft while saying later that it was fighter aircraft. Now, using the car analogy again, the MGB was sold as a 'sports car' but was awful going around corners that family hatchbacks would take with ease.

Just remember we are talking the Mustang in the USA where profit comes before quality as a matter of course – something the Chinese have learned to our detriment in a big way – so just calling a plane a fighter doesn't genuinely make it one. Q.E.D.2.

I suggest that these four gentlemen get together over a relaxing drink, bringing with them all the information they have to hand and agree to come to a common agreement without any catfights, leaving the dogfights to the professionals.

MICK HEAVEY Oxford Road Old Marston Oxford