North American P-51 Mustang
From Our Contribution
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 Post WW2 CAC Mustangs in formation | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Type | long range fighter |
| Role | Aerial combat and ground support |
| Designer | RAAF / North American |
| Manufacturer | North American Aviation |
| Produced | 15,000+ |
| Number built | 8,956 D Models |
| Primary users | US Army Air Force; RAF; RAAF; RNZAF; RCAF |
| In service | January 1942 RAF |
| Out of service | 1984 (Dominican Air Force) |
Remarks
In 1943, the Australian government arranged for the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) to manufacture the Mustang Mk IV (P-51D) under licence from North American Aviation. The first CAC Mustangs were built mainly from imported semi-finished parts, but none saw operational service prior to the conclussion of WW2 bu served in Japan and Korea.
After the P-51 was paired with the proven Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, the aircraft became an enormous success. The P-51D models became one of the finest Allied fighters of World War II, and was just as capable at long-range escort as short ground-attack sorties. Fitted with a bubble canopy in place of the earlier 'Razorback' fuselage, the P-51D was the most widely produced version of the Mustang, with 8,956 built. The aircraft operated by the RAAF were supplied under lend-lease arrangements, assembled in Australia.
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Length: 32 ft 3 in (9.83m)
- Wingspan: 37 ft (11m)
- Height: 13 ft 4.5 in (4.08m)
- Empty weight: 7,635 lbs (3,464 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 12,000 lbs (5,488 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Packard (Rolls Royce) V-1650-7 Merlin
- Maximum speed: 440 mph (710 km/h)
- Range: 1,650 miles (2,660 km)
- Service ceiling: 41,900 ft (12,800 m)
- Armament
- Guns: 6 x 0.50 caliber AN/M2 Browning machine guns
- Bombs: 1 x 100lb (45kg) or 1 x 250 ln (110kg) or 500lb bomb on a hard point undereach wing