P-51 "Mustang" - Lackland AFB - San Antonio, Texas
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 29° 23.564 W 098° 37.239
14R E 536808 N 3251558
World War II era fighter on display adjacent to the parade field at Lackland Air Force Base.
Waymark Code: WM3CR9
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 03/16/2008
Views: 44
P-51 "Mustang"
The original P-51 was designed at the request of the British Purchasing
Commission in 1940. The first prototype designated NA-73X was built in 117
days. The first order for the Mustang 1 was 850, two were sent to the U.S.
Army Air Force where they were designated as and named the Apache, this name was
later changed to Mustang. A total of 770 were built for the British.
The first 450 built for the USAAF had dual cameras installed and were designated
F-6A's for tactical reconnaissance duty. Another version adapted for dive
bombing was designated the A-36 invader. The installation of a 1600 hp
Rolls Royce Merlin engine resulted in the aircraft being redesignated as the
P-51B which first flew in November 1942. This changed the P-51 from a
ground support fighter to a high altitude, long range escort for which it became
famous. This P-51 has the colors and markings of the P-51D flown by Lt.
Col. John C. Meyer (now General Meyer) during World War II who was assigned to
the 497 Fighter Group of the 8th AAF from 14 September 1943 to 25 April 1945 and
accounted for 24 aerial victories during this time.
| Manufacturer: North American |
Quantity Produced: 15,576 |
| Wing Span: 37' |
Maximum Speed: 437 mph |
| Empty Weight: 6,500 lb |
Power Plant: Rolls Royce Merlin V-1650-11 |
| Gross Weight: 8,450 lb. |
|
Information from sign in front of aircraft.