One of the reasons that Europe went for the in-line engine designs was, I think, a legacy of the work done for the Schneider Trophy races. By 1939 these V12 engines were getting highly refined. Small frontal area was significant in reducing drag. The downside was that because of limited airflow around the cylinders they had to be liquid cooled, adding to the overall weight. Not so relevant to the V12 versus radial decision, but British fighters, even into the jet age, had a different philosophy. Because of European geography an interceptor needed to be able to climb to combat height as quickly as possible with range being a lessor consideration. US fighters were more concerned with distance - compare the range of the P51 with that of the Spitfire for example.
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