P-51 Mustang
The P-51 Mustang was the most famous fighter during World War II and was a highly respected aircraft by both the allies and the enemies. It was fast, dependable and a very well armed and capable fighting aircraft. The P-51 was designed, built and flown in only 117 days after the British asked North American Aviation to produce a high performance fighter. Mustangs had the very important job of escorting bombers deep into Germany.
FACTS & STATS:
| First Flown | 1942 |
| Range | 1,300 miles (2,093 km) |
| Length | 32 ft 3 in (9.83 m) |
| Engine | Packard V-1650-3 (Rolls-Royce Merlin 61) or V-1650-7 (P-51D), and V-1650-9 (P-51H) |
| Wingspan | 37 ft 0 in (11.28 m) |
| Max Speed | 437 mph (704 kph) |
| Ceiling | 41,900 ft (12,771 m ) |
| Weight |
Empty: 7,125 lbs (3,232 kg); |
|
Number Built
|
15,386 |
| Armament |
Six .50 cal. Browning machine guns in wings; two 500-lb. bombs |
Image Description: An historic North American P-51 Mustang in flight above American crop fields.
Image Description: P-51A Mustang 'Slick Chick', December 1944.