North American P-51D Mustang
The North American P-51 Mustang is widely considered to be the best American fighter of World War II. However, if it were not for the British Royal Air Force the Mustang would never have been built. In January 1940, the British approached several American aircraft companies with their requirements for a new fighter and required that a prototype be ready within 120 days. North American Aviation responded with the Mustang. The early versions of the aircraft proved to be underpowered at high altitudes but when it was redesigned to use the excellent Rolls-Royce Merlin engine the Mustang proved to be a superb fighter at all altitudes. The P-51D features a cut down rear fuselage and a bubble canopy to improve rearward visibility and six .50 caliber machine guns in the wings in place of the four guns in most earlier versions. The Mustang remained in military service in the United States Air Force until 1957 and the last combat Mustang was retired by the Dominican Air Force in 1984. Mustangs remain popular in civilian hands with nearly 100 flying in private hands.

Service History
This P-51 has been constructed from a combination of original parts of various Mustangs and newly manufactured parts made by the Pima Air & Space Museum’s aircraft restoration staff and volunteers. Approximately 60% of the aircraft is original North American Aviation built parts. The paint scheme represents the aircraft flown by Louis E. Curdes with the 3rd Air Commando Group in the Philippines in 1945.

Wingspan37 ft
Length32 ft 3 in.
Height12 ft 2 in.
Weight11,600 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed437 MPH
Service Ceiling41,900 ft
Range950 miles (without drop tanks)
EngineOne Packard V1650-7 Merlin with 1,490 horsepower
Crew1
ManufacturerNorth American
Markings3rd Air Commando Group, 4th Fighter Squadron (Commando), Laoag Airfield, Luzon, Philippines, 1945
DesignationP51D “Bad Angel”
Serial Number44-63272