P-51 Mustang

The P-51 Mustang was a single engine, single-seat fighter, and was the first USAAF version of the famous P-51 Mustang Series. The Allison engined aircraft was developed and flown in 1940 in an incredible 120 days after the British Purchasing Commission requested a fighter to stave off German air attacks during the Battle Of Britain. P-51's served exclusively in the North African and Italian campaigns. Many of these aircraft flew tactical recon missions, cameras and four 20 mm cannons...a lethal combination. Powered by an Allison 1150 hp liquid cooled engine, the P-51 had a top speed of 382 mph with an altitude ceiling of 31,000 ft. The model shown in the photo is finished in the colors of an aircraft from the 154th Recon squadron in Tunisia during 1943.