Merit 81302
North American P-51D Mustang Display Model
USAAF, "Shangri La", Don Gentile |
| 1:24 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| North American P-51D Mustang | | 16" | | 18.5" |
American figther ace Dominic Gentile earned his wings - and his first combat victories - while flying with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942. After transferring to the US Army 8th Air Force, he established an extraordinary combat record, ultimately destroying 30 enemy planes. Gentile flew the P-51B in combat and this P-51D during a war-bond tour of the U.S. The legendary P-51 Mustang was one of the most capable fighters of World War II. WIth a blistering top speed of 437 mph and a range of a thousand miles, the was a superb bomber escort and a lethal foe of enemy interceptors. During World War II, P-51s destroyed 4.950 enemy aircraft in air-to-air combat.
The North American P-51D Mustang was originally ordered in April 1940 by the British air purchasing commission, and made its first flight for the US Army Air Force in September 1942. Initially under-powered, the aerodynamically clean single-seat fighter's performance was perfected by fitting it with the Packard V-1650 Merlin engine, resulting in the P-51B and D versions. In the European theater, the principal role of the P-51D, introduced in May 1944 and fitted with drop tanks, was to escort the US 8th Air Force heavy bomber formations all the way from British bases to targets deep into Germany , including Berlin and beyond. During the Korean conflict, P-51Ds were used primarily for close support of ground forces until withdrawn from service in 1953. The P-51 served with air reserve and National Guard units until after 1957. After the war, the Mustang proved popular with over 55 nations and in 1960's it was put back into production for the US Air Force.
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 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Merit International range presents detailed, ready-made plastic models of military vehicles.
Merit International display models feature"
- Molded plastic construction.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
