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Model A
Scale 1:24   Length 16"   Wingspan 18"

Model B
Scale 1:24   Length 16"   Wingspan 18"

Photography by Action Asia Photo
© 2002-8 Action Asia Photo - All Rights Reserved
www.actionasiaphoto.com

The P-51 was designed as the NA-73 in 1940 at Britain's request. The design showed promise and American Armed Forces purchases of Allison-powered Mustangs began in 1941 - primarily for photo recon and ground support use due to its limited high-altitude performance. But in 1942, tests of P-51s using the British Rolls-Royce Merlin engine revealed much improved speed and service ceiling and, in December 1943, Merlin-powered P-51Bs first entered combat over Europe.

Providing high-altitude escort for B-17's and B-24's, Mustangs scored heavily over German interceptors and by war's end, they had destroyed 4,950 enemy aircraft in the air - more than any other fighter in Europe. Mustangs served in nearly every combat zone, including the Pacific where they escorted B-29s to Japan from Iwo Jima.

Between 1941-1945, the AAF ordered 14,855 Mustangs (including A-36A dive bomber and F-6 photo recon versions) of which 7,956 were P-51Ds.

During the Korean War, P-51Ds were used primarily for close support of ground forces until withdrawn from combat in 1953.

Length:         32 ft
Wingspan:    37 ft
Engine:         Rolls-Royce Merlin V-1650 of 1,695 hp
Speed:          437 mph maximum. cruise 275 mph
Ceiling:         41,900 ft
Range:         1,000 miles
Armament: Six .50 cal machine guns and ten 5-inch rockets or 2,000 lbs of bombs