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North American P-51 Mustang
                     

Originally designed for the British the P-51 is considered to be one of greatest single seat fighters of WWII. Its original design called for the use of a 1,100 hp Allison V-1710-39 engine, but this version proved to have limitations in combat operations at higher altitudes. When the Allison was replaced by the British Rolls Royce Merlin engine the Mustang jumped into combat as an excellent fighter. Its ability to fly long distances in the escort fighter role earned it fame during the long missions to Germany and over the expanses of the Pacific. A related aircraft is known as the A-36 , which was just an early version of the P-51 provided with dive brakes and     underwing racks, to operate in a close-support role.
Unquestionably the P-51 Mustang is the greatest fighter of World War Two!

                                       
Type:           Fighter
Crew:           1 (Pilot)
Armament:       Six.50 cal machine guns
                                                          
                                                                   Don Gentile - Ace (right)
Specifications:
        Length:         32' 3"          (9.80 m)
        Height:         13' 8"           (4.17 m)
        Wing span:      37'            (11.30 m)
        Max Weight:     12100 lbs    (5487 kg)
Propulsion:
         Engine: 1
         Powerplant:     Rolls Royce (Packard) Merlin V-1650
        1650 hp
                                            
Performance:                                             
        Range:          1000 miles       (1610 km)
        Cruise Speed:   275 mph     (442 km/hr)
        Speed:      437 mph      (703 km/hr)
        Ceiling:        41900 ft             (12770 m)

Click here for more Mustang Pictures

                                           
                                                                                                           (Paul Treleven Collection)


South African Airforce P51 of 2 Squadron "The Flying Cheetahs" flown by Lt Dennis Earp (who later became chief of the SAAF with the rank of General) in action in Korean war. Lt Earp's wing was attacked by 3 Mig 15's, seeing that they were out gunned (as they were carrying only air to ground rockets), made a decision and fired his air to ground rockets at the Migs. The Mig pilots assumed these to be guided missiles and broke off the attack. Lt Earp saved his wing. the painting is called "QuickThinking".

Lt Earp was shot down a few days later , becoming the spokesperson for all the USAF P.O.W.s He is still very closely linked to the USAF and
is held in high esteem in the USA. He was awarded the US DFC.

This print can be bought on the Paul Treleven art collection website.