The speed of sound, measured as a percentage of Mach, proved to be an impenetrable barrier for propeller-driven aircraft. The increased speed presented difficulties including aerodynamic instability, structural limitations, and engine performance constraints. But the ability of fighters to operate at high Mach speeds - regardless of their maximum level flight speed - proved to be critical at high altitudes.
The Fw-190 and Me-190 had an early head start, able to sustain combat capability at Mach 0.75.
But the US fighters initially sent to escort high altitude B-17 Flying Fortresses - P-38 Lightnings (0.68) and P-47 Thunderbolts (0.71) - lost flight control at significantly lower speeds.
Only the introduction of Mustangs as escort fighters gave the Allies an aircraft able to sustain the high altitude speeds necessary to "mix it" with the 190s and 109s over Germany.
But the highest ever Mach speed for a piston-engined fighter was achieved by the short-range interceptor Spitfire.
Test conducted by British test pilots, including Eric 'Winkle' Brown, reached Mach 0.86 for a standard Spitfire MK IX, to Mach 0.92 for a Spitfire PR Mk XI flown by his colleague, Squadron Leader Anthony F. Martindale.

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