The P-51 Mustang was one of the most effective fighter aircraft of World War II. It was actually designed in 1940 to fill a British requirement, and was originally equipped with an 1100hp Allison engine. However, the Allison engine lost horsepower at altitudes above 12000 ft., so starting with the "B" model, the proven airframe was combined with the Roll-Royce Merlin engine, and a thoroughbred was born. The "B" model commenced production in 1943, and almost 2,000 aircraft were built in the Inglewood, CA factory. Besides the Merlin engine, it featured a structurally reinforced airframe, and a different aileron design. It had a top speed of 440 mph, and a typical armament of 4 .50 cal machine guns. This color P-51B Mustang print flown by Captain Robert M. Barkey of the 319th Fighter Squadron, which was named "Dorothy II" after his wife. During his tour with the Checkertails, he flew 53 combat missions in either a P-47 or this P-51B, and logged over 200 hours combat flying time. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with 12 Oak Leaf clusters, three battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation. He was credited with 5 Bf 109 kills and another probable. |
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