The P-51 was created for the RAF to replace the P-40 Warhawk. It took 117 days for North American to design, build and fly the P-51, this was so quick, in fact, that the engine wasn’t ready.
The latest Laminar-flow wing reduced drag. The wheels from the AT-6 and an existing Allison engine were used to complete the P-51.
The poor high altitude performance of the P-51A was soon rectified with the arrival of the newly designed Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. The Mustang was flown by eleven allied air forces in addition to the USAAF. At a range of 750 miles the P-51 would often meet bombers near the Dutch/German border to relieve the shorter ranged P-38 and P-47. No combat airplane in the war could fly as far, go as high and fight as hard as the popular Mustang. This surplus P-51A was used as a civilian racing plane in Cleveland, Ohio. This “razorback” was restored to original condition, note the F.24 cameras behind the pilot’s seat. This is the only surviving F-6B of the 35 modified.
This aircraft came to Yanks incomplete until a belly scoop, landing gear door, windscreen and clam shell doors were found in an old barn. The entire restoration took 12 years.
| DISPLAY STATUS | COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | CURRENT LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Own | United States | Legends Hangar |
| PURPOSE & TYPE | MATERIALS | ERA & DATE RANGE |
| Bomber, Fighter | Steel | World War II 1939 – 1945 |
| PRODUCTION & ACQUISITION |
SPECIFICATIONS | SERVICE HISTORY |
| MFG: North American Aviation First Produced: 1939 Number Built: 15,686 total; (155) P-51A-10 Models; (35) F-6B Models Armament: (4) .50 caliber machine guns in wings, (2) 500 lb bombs
|
Wingspan: 37’ Wing Area: 233 sq ft Length: 32’3” Height: 12’2” Empty Weight: 6,430 lbs Gross Weight: 8,000 lbs Powerplant: Allison V1710-81 Thrust: Cruise Speed: 307 mph Maximum Speed: 290 mph Range: 2,500 miles |
Delivered: April 26, 1943
4/1943 To Wacross AAF GA 5/1943 To Memphis AAF TN 8/1943 To 4th Fighter Training Unit, Nashville, TN 8/1944 To 4th Operational Training Unit (Fighter), Brownsville AAF TX 3/1945 To Greenwood AAF MS 8/1945 To Altus Ok and disposed as surplus 1978 Acquired by Yanks Air Museum |