North American Aviation P-51D Mustang

Coester22 🇺🇸

28 Apr 2026 · © Unknown

North American P-51D Mustang, iconic WWII fighter, in classic 'Little Friends' checkered nose livery at sunset.

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Aircraft

P-51D Mustang P51

World War II 361st Fighter Group \'Little Friends\' checkered nose, USAAF

Manufacturer

North American Aviation

Achievements

Retro Wings, Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Golden Hour Glory, Livery Legend, Military Maverick

6 badges earned

Insights

Aviation History

The North American P-51 Mustang is one of the most famous and effective fighter aircraft of World War II, known for its long range, high speed, and major role in gaining air superiority over Europe. This paint scheme is associated with the 361st Fighter Group (\'Yellow Jackets\') of the USAAF Eighth Air Force.

Fleet Rarity

Only a few hundred airworthy P-51s survive worldwide today, out of more than 15,000 built.

Record Flights

The P-51 was used in extremely long-range escort missions deep into enemy territory, which was unprecedented for fighters of its era.

Safety & Events

Famed for bomber escort missions, air combat over Europe, and later use in air races and historic flights.

Future Outlook

Most P-51s are kept in museums, private collections, or fly at airshows; some are converted for racing or civilian sport flying.

Specifications

Packard V-1650-7 Merlin V12 (Rolls Royce Merlin, license-built)

Engine

11.28 meters

Wingspan

9.83 meters

Length

2,755 kilometers

Range

610 kilometers per hour

Speed

1 (pilot only), occasional small rear seat in some post-war conversions

Capacity

5,488 kilograms

MTOW

4.17 meters

Height

Piston engine, approx. 1,490 hp (not measured in thrust)

Thrust

N/A (pre-ICAO noise standards), typically over 100 dB for piston warbirds

Noise