Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series HA7709
North American P-51D Mustang Diecast Model
IDF/AF 105th (Scorpion) Sqn, Egypt, Suez Crisis 1956 | |
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American P-51D Mustang | | 8" | | 9.25" |
"Operation Musketeer" is perhaps better known in the West as "The Suez Crisis of 1956." It is also known in Israel as "The Sinai War." August 20th 1950 saw the creation of an operational training body within the "First Fighter" Squadron. Within a few months the unit had expanded and became a separate squadron. It began to operate their Spitfires from the Ramat David Air Base as the 105 Squadron "Barak" (Scorpion). In the summer of 1956 the squadron traded their Spitfires for approximately 20P-51D Mustangs. Because of blockades of the Suez Canal and the Sea of Aqaba as well as repeated Fedayeen attacks and the statements being made by some Arab countries Israel felt it necessary to carry out a pre-emptive strike against Egypt. The first mission took place on October 29, 1956 when P-51d's from the 105th Squadron attacked Egyptian communication facilities. It was thought that if the telephone lines were destroyed this would force the Egyptians to use radios and their transmissions could be intercepted and the Israelis would know their intentions. Flying as low as 50 feet above the ground three flights of four Barak Mustangs headed out to sever the telephone lines. Approaching the target a 100 foot cable was lowered from the tail to snag the lines and break them. It is said one pilot used his propeller blades to do the job. It is reported that all but 1 aircraft returned and the loss was attributed to anti-aircraft fire. On October 31, 1956 the Mustangs entered the actual fighting. Because of their capability to fly long distances they were used on strike missions against enemy forces, outposts, fortified points, roads, shipping and other targets. The Mustangs flew 184 missions during the Suez Crisis campaign, losing 7 aircraft. With the advances in jets and anti-aircraft weapons the P-51 was retired from the Israeli Air Force on January 15th, 1961. Designed to meet an RAF requirement for fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, the P-51 Mustang was first flown on October 26th, 1940. This versatile aircraft was capable of escorting bombers on long-range missions, engaging in dogfights, and dropping down to destroy German targets on the ground. At least eight versions of the P-51 were produced, but it was the definitive P-51D that gave the Mustang its classic warbird appearance. Britain and the US both tested the airframe with the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, which gave the aircraft tremendous performance gains. The Truman Senate War Investigating Committee called the Mustang "the most aerodynamically perfect pursuit plane in existence." © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. Hobby Master's 1:48 scale P-51 Mustang is a well-thought-out, quality product, constructed almost entirely from diecast metal with intelligent use of plastic components. The sliding canopy opens to reveal pad printed flight controls, instrument panel and radio equipment boxes. The all-metal propeller spins freely, and the wing flaps and radiator cowling are also movable. Separately applied metal exhaust stacks have six flanged pipes on each side, and pad printed rivets can be seen on the flaps, engine cowling and rudder. Landing gear and doors are constructed as a complete subassembly for easy configuration. Releases in this series include a variety of wing mounted external fuel tanks and ordnance. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. The Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature: - Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. |
