NORTH AMERICAN F-51D MUSTANG

The North American P-51 Mustang is an American, single-engine, long-range fighter and attack aircraft with a classic tail and all-metal construction. The flight of the prototype took place on October 26, 1940. The P-51 Mustang has earned a reputation as one of the best, if not the best, WWII fighter. Replacing the Allison V-1710-39 engine from the first project with a Rolls-Royce Merlin motor (P-51 Mustang Mk.Ia version) made the Mustang, like never before, reached perfection. The single-seat fighter impressed with its maximum speed, range, maneuverability, and powerful weapons. The combination of all the most important parameters for the assessment of the aircraft made the Mustang prove itself in virtually every role entrusted to it: it gained air superiority, escorted, carried out reconnaissance missions, attacked ground targets. The class of design is evidenced by the fact that the Mustang remained in active service until the 70's! One of the most important versions was the P-51D, based on the P-51B. It received a drip cab fairing, ensuring excellent visibility, and a new engine - Packard V-1650-7, which significantly improved performance. Technical data (P-51D version): length: 9.83m, wingspan: 11.28m, height: 4.08m, maximum speed: 703km / h, rate of climb: 16.3m / s, maximum range: 2755km, ceiling practical: 12800m, armament: fixed - 6 12.7mm M2 machine guns, suspended - up to 908 kg of bombs or 10 127mm HVAR rocket launchers.