Soon after the commencement of the aerial offensive against the Third Reich it became apparent that the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) needed a reliable, low-cost and long-range fighter that would be able to accompany the bombers to their targets at high altitude. The first versions of the P-51/P-51A Mustang, equipped with an Allison engine, performed capably in the fighter and reconnaissance role when operating at lower altitudes, however the lack of a second engine compressor stage made it impossible to achieve satisfactory performance at heights in excess of 4,500 metres. To complicate matters, the P-47 fighter was limited by its range, while the P-38 was not available in sufficient numbers. A solution to the problem was found by fitting the P-51A with the British Rolls-Royce Merlin 66 engine (used in the Spitfire IX/XVI). Importantly, this power plant had a two-stage compressor and was already being manufactured in the United States under licence by Packard with the designation V-1650. The version of the aeroplane thus developed – the P-51B Mustang – was easily capable of flying from England to Berlin as an escort on daytime bombing raids.

Features:

• Highly detailed plastic pieces molded in light grey Includes clear pieces for added detail 
• Accurately reproduced of P-51 B/C Mustang
• Highly detailed 
• Illustrated instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Type: Aircraft Model

Please note: Plastic model kit requires glue and paint to complete (not included)