North American P-51D Mustang survivors
The aim of this webpage is to locate, identify and document Mustangs preserved in the USA. Many contributors have assisted in the hunt for these aircraft to provide and update the data on this website. Photos are as credited. Any errors found here are by the author, and any additions, corrections or amendments to this list of Mustang survivors would be most welcome and may be e-mailed to the author at hskaarup@rogers.com.
(U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Barley)
North American P-51D Mustang survivor flying in formation with a Lockheed Mrtin F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah and a Belgian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon on 10 Sep 2022, Kleine Brogel Air Base, Belgium.
North American Aviation P-51 Mustang
The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang is an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during the Secoond World War and the Korean War, among other conflicts. The Mustang was designed in 1940 by a team headed by James H. Kindelberger of North American Aviation (NAA) in response to a requirement of the British Purchasing Commission. The commission approached NAA to build Curtiss P-40 fighters under license for the Royal Air Force (RAF). Rather than build an old design from another company, NAA proposed the design and production of a more modern fighter. The prototype NA-73X airframe was completed on 9 September 1940, 102 days after contract signing, achieving its first flight on 26 October.
The Mustang was designed to use the AllisonV-1710 engine without an export-sensitive turbo-supercharger or a multi-stage supercharger, resulting in limited high-altitude performance. The aircraft was first flown operationally and very successfully by the RAF as a tactical-reconnaissance aircraft and fighter-bomber (Mustang Mk I). In mid 1942, a development project known as the Rolls-Royce Mustang X, replaced the Allison engine with a Rolls-Royce Merlin 65 two-stage inter-cooled supercharged engine. During testing at Rolls-Royce’s airfield at Hucknall in England, it was clear the engine dramatically improved the aircraft’s performance at altitudes above 15,000 ft (4,600 m) without sacrificing range. Following receipt of the test results and after further flights by a number of USAAF pilots, the results were so positive that North American began work on converting several aircraft developing into the P-51B/C (Mustang Mk III) model, which became the first long range fighter to be able to compete with the Luftwaffe’s fighters. The definitive version, the P-51D, was powered by the Packard V-1650-7, alicense-built version of the two-speed, two-stage-supercharged Merlin 66, and was armed with six .50 caliber (12.7 mm) AN/M2 Browning machine guns.
From late 1943, P-51Bs and P-51Cs (supplemented by P-51Ds from mid-1944) were used by the USAAF’s Eighth Air Force to escort bombers in raids over Germany, while the RAF’s Second Tactical Air Force and the USAAF’s Ninth Air Force used the Merlin-powered Mustangs as fighter-bombers, roles in which the Mustang helped ensure Allied air superiority in 1944. The P-51 was also used by Allied air forces in the North African, Mediterranean, Italian, and Pacific theaters. During the Second World War, Mustang pilots claimed to have destroyed 4,950 enemy aircraft.
At the start of the Korean War, the Mustang, by then redesignated F-51, was the main fighter of the United States until jet fighters, including North American’s F-86 Sabre, took over this role; the Mustang then became a specialized fighter-bomber. Despite the advent of jet fighters, the Mustang remained in service with some air forces until the early 1980s. After the Korean War, Mustangs became popular civilian warbirds and air racing aircraft. (Wikipedia)
Survivors
(Goshimini Photo)
North American P-51D-20NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-11153), “Kimberly Kaye“, Reg. No. N451TB, Gardner Capital Management Corp. in Little Falls, New Jersey. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-12853), Reg. No. N4793, being restored by Tom Reilly.
North American P-51D-20NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-12858), “Sonny Boy“, Reg. No. N858F, Vista Charters LLC in Edmonds, Washington. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-13009), in storage, Reg. No. N31RK, Richard Knowlton, South Portland, Maine.
(Chris Finney Photo)
North American P-51D-20NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-13105), “Strega“, Reg. No. N71FT, Bill Destefani, Bakersfield, California. Airworthy.
(USAAF Photo)
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72308), nicknamed “Ridge Runner III“, piloted by Pierce McKennon, c1944.
(Kogo Photo)
North American P-51D-20NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-13250), painted as (Serial No. 44-72308), coded A-WD, “Ridge Runner III“, Reg. No. N151DM, Flying Pig P-51 LLC in Blaine, Minnesota. Airworthy.
(USAAF Photo)
North American P-51D-20NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-13704), “Ferocious Frankie“, ca 1945. (First photo of a Mustang collected by the author c1961).
(USAAF Photo)
North American P-51D-20NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-13763), coded 0-E9, ca 1945.
(USAAF Photo)
North American P-51D-5NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-13926), coded E2-S, assigned to Lieutenant Abe P. Rosenberger with the 375th Fighter Squadron, ca Aug 1944. This aircraft crashed on 9 August 1944, and the pilot was killed.
(USAF Photo)
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-44-73558), coded FF-558, Florida, c1951, now flown as “Crazy Horse 2” dual-control (TF-51D) trainer, Stallion 51 Corp.
(Valder137 Photo)
North American P-51D-5NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-13257), “Slender Tender & Tall“, Reg. No. N51DL, Lindair Inc. in Sarasota, Florida. Airworthy. Cavalier Mustang.
(USAAF Photo)
North American P-51D-5NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-13354), on a flight line assigned to the 355th Fighter Group at Steeple Morden, England. The 355th FG was a part of D-Day, 6 June 1944, in the first phase of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of occupied France.
(Hill AFB Miuseum Photo)
North American P-51D-5NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-13371), “Audrey“, NMUSAF on loan to the Hill AFB Museum, Utah.
North American P-51D-5NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-13571), unnamed, painted as a post-Second World War fighter, Eglin Field armament evaluation aircraft, United States Air Force Armament Museum, Eglin AFB, Florida. Cavalier Mustang.
(Alan Wilson Photo)
North American P-51D-5NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-13704), composite aircraft, “Ferocious Frankie“, B7-8. Warner Robins AFB Museum, Georgia.
(Armchair Aviators Photo)
North American P-51D-10NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-14320), c/n 122-31381, “Geraldine“, Reg. No. N5500S, Oschkosh, Wisconsin.
(Michael Barera Photo)
North American P-51D-10NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-14570), painted as (Serial No. 44-14237), “Moonbeam McSwine“, Barksdale Global Airpower Museum, Bossier City, Louisiana.
North American P-51D Mustang (Serial No. 44-14777), Commonwealth Aircraft CAC (Serial No. A68-100), “Flying Dutchman“, Reg. No. N51AB, SJ Craigs Farm LCC in Lawrence, Kansas. Airworthy.
(Valder137 Photo)
North American P-51D-10NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-14826), Commonwealth Aircraft CAC (Serial No. A68-39), unnamed, Reg. No. N551D, Erickson Aircraft Collection in Madras, Oregon. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-10NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-14985), “Millie G“, Reg. N551W, Trent Latshaw, Latshaw Drilling and Exploration Co. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Airworthy.
(jeggernot Photo)
North American P-51D-15NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-15651), “Galloping Ghost“, Racer No. 177, lost in a crash on 16 Sep 2011 at the Reno Air Races, Nevada.
North American P-51D Mustang (Serial No. 44-15757), Commonwealth Aircraft CAC (Serial No. A68-1), “Jeannie Too“, Reg. No. N51WB, Wiley Sanders Truck Lines Inc., Troy, Alabama. Airworthy.
(Frank Kovalchek Photo)
North American P-51D Mustang (Serial No. 44-63272), “Bad Angel“, Pima Air & Space Museum, adjacent to Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, Arizona.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63350), “Lou IV“, Reg. No. N51TK, Fast Toys for Fast Boys Inc. in Wenatchee, Washington. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63476), “KWITCHERBITCHEN“, Reg. No. N63476, Tom Duffy, Claire Aviation Inc., Millville, New Jersey. Airworthy.
(Bill Larkins Photo)
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63542), previously “Sizzlin’ Liz“, now “Jacqueline“, Reg. No. N51HR, F4U Inc., Farmingdale, New York. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63576), unnamed, Reg. No. N51DH, Michael King Smith Foundation in McMinnville, Oregon. Black Pearl 51 LLC. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63577), “Was That Too Fast“, Reg. No. N151JT, Lawrence Classics LLC, Bentonville, Arkansas. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63615), “Bunnie“, Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63655), Reg. No. N6153U, being restored to airworthy status by Ambhib Inc. in Lake Zurich, Illinois.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63663), “Miss Marilyn II“, Reg. No. N41749, Christopher Goldsbury Jr. in San Antonio, Texas. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63675), “Sierra Sue“, and “Gul Kalle“, Reg. No. N1751D, Paul Ehlen, Rare Birds LLC. in Bloomington, Minnesota. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63701), “Grim Reaper“, Reg. No. N26PW, Sal Rubino Jr., Almanor Aviation Inc. in San Jose, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63762), Swedish Air Force (Serial No. AF Fv26129), FAD 1908, being restored, Reg. No. N551LR, Centerline Holdings, Camden, Delaware.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63791), FAD 1926, Reg. No. N151GP, being restored to airworthy status by Brown Helicopter Inc. in Pensacola, Florida.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63807), “Daddy’s Girl“, Reg. No. N20MS, Chris Somers, Pacwest P-51 LCC, Sacramento, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (44-63810), painted as (Serial No. 45-11367), “Angels Playmate“, Reg. No. N451BC, Joe Newsome, P-51 Mustang LLC in Cheraw, South Carolina. Airworthy.
(Tim Felce Airwolfhound Photo)
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63864), “Twilight Tear“, Reg. No. N251L, Ron Fagen, Fagen Fighters WWII Museum in Granite Falls, Minnesota. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63865), “Tempus Fugit“, Reg. No. N151TF, Triple Tree Aerodrome in Woodruff, South Carolina. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63889), “Queen of Hearts“, Reg. No. N4034S, Aircraft Guaranty Corp., Onalaska, Texas. Being restored in Germany.
(USAAF Photo)
North American P-51D-10NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-14888), “Glamourous Glen III” of the 8th AF, 357th FG, 363rd FS, flown by Chuck Yeager when he achieved most of his 12.5 kills, including two Me 262s, shown here with twin 108-gallon (409-l) drop tanks fitted in England during the Second World War, ca winter of 1944/1945.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-63893), c/n 122-31619, RCAF (Serial No. 9560), “Glamorous Glen III“, Reg. No. N3333E, Nautical Investments, Uvalde, Texas. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-64005), c/n 122-31731, RCAF (Serial No. 9561), “Mary Mine“, Reg. No. N51CK, Skyfire Corp.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-64122), “Kansas City Kitty“, Reg. No. N339TH, Wes Stricker, Ozark Management Inc., Jefferson City, Missouri. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72028), Reg. No. N514L, being restored to airworthy status by Centerline Holdings in Camden, Delaware.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72051), “Sweet Revenge“, Reg. No. N68JR, Ron Fagen, Fagen Fighters WWII Museum in Granite Falls, Minnesota. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72059), Reg. No. N951HB, being restored to airworthy status, Herman Bayerdorffer, Vintage Aero Inc. in Wilmington, Delaware.
(Master Sgt. Philip Speck, USAF Photo)
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72086), painted as (Serial No. 44-15137), LH-R, “Baby Duck“, Reg. No. N251PW, Mustang Historic Military Aircraft LLC. This aircraft crashed in 2017.
(Jonathan Payne Photo)
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72145), “Petie 3rd“, Reg. No. N51PT, Jeff Pryor, Santa Barbara, California. Airworthy.
(BrokenSphere Photo)
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72192), previously “Straw Boss 2“, currently painted as (Serial No. 44-14111), “Little Sanbdra“, Reg. No. N5460V, California Warbirds in Hollister, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72299), FAD 1934, Reg. No. N926EW, being restored to airworthy status by Eric Waters, Bulverde, Texas.
(Armchair Aviators Photo)
(Valder137 Photo)
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72339), “The Brat III“, Reg. No. N251JC, Cavanaugh Flight Museum, Addison, Texas. Airworthy.
(Goshimini Photo)
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72364), “Upupa Epops“, Reg. No. N723FH, Vulcan Aircraft Inc., The Flying Heritage Collection, Everett, Washington. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72395), FAD 1930, Reg. No. N395WR, being restored to airworthiness by Centerline Holdings, Camden, Delaware.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72400), Reg. No. N13Y, being restored for static display by New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
(TRAP Photo)
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72410), Reg. No. N71L. This Mustang was acquired to gather data around tornadic storms, as part of the Tornado Research Airplane Project (TRAP). Dryline studies were also conducted based on data gathered with an instrumented Lockheed P-38 Lightning. parts of this aircraft are with Pioneer Aero Services, Chino, California.
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72438), “Hell-er Bust“, Reg. No. N7751T, Mustang High Flight LCC, Boise, Idaho. Airworthy.
(Tomas Del Coro Photo)
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72483), previously painted as (Serial No. 44-13250), “Ridge Runner III“, currently painted as (Serial No. 44-63684), “Double Trouble Two“, Reg. No. N151DM, Jerry Yagen, Military Aviation Museum, Pungo, Virginia. Airworthy.
(Tomas Del Coro Photo)
North American P-51D-20NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72739), “Man O War“, Reg. No. N44727, Commemorative Air Force (Southern California Wing) Camarillo, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72777), previously painted as “Sparky“, currently painted as “Blondie“, Reg. No. N151D, Brant Seghetti in Klamath, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72826), c/n 122-39285, (RCAF Serial No. 9563), “Scat VI“, Reg. No. N51YS, George Hickman, Scat VI LLC in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Airworthy.
(Historic and Classic Aircraft Sales Photo)
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72902), c/n 122-39361, RCAF (Serial No. 9564), “American Dreamer“, Reg. No. N335, Frederick G. Kohler Trustee, Marathon, Florida.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72907), “Red Dog XII“, Reg. No. N334FS, Duane Doyle, Castro Valley, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72936), Reg. No. N7711C, being restored to airworthy status by Marvin L. Crouch, Encino, California.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72942), “Petie 2nd“, Reg. No. N5427V, Anthony Buechler, Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Airworthy.
(Bill Larkins Photo)
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72948), “Wham Bam“, NMUSAF, on loan to Charleston Air National Guard Base, West Virginia.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72989), unnamed, NMUSAF, on loan to Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin.
North American P-51D-NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-72990), unnamed, Reg. No. N6322T, in storage at the US Army Aviation Museum, Fort Rucker, Alabama.
(John Davies – CYOW Airport Watch Photo)
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73029), “Bald Eagle“, Reg. No. N51JB, Jim Beasley, JEB P51D LLC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Airworthy.
(Bill Larkins Photo)
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73079), “Primo Branco“, Reg. No. N451EA, Linda Andreini, Air Shows Inc., Half Moon Bay, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73081), Reg. No. N5074K, in storage, Mike Coutches, American Aircraft Sales LLC, Hayward, California.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73098), Reg. No. G-BMBA, being restored, Daytona Beach, Florida.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73129), “Merlin’s Magic“, Reg. No. N151SE, Stuart Eberhardt, Danville, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73140), c/n 122-39599, RCAF (Serial No. 9567), “Petie 2nd“, Reg. No. N51GE, GE Air Inc. in New Iberia, Louisiana. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73142), “E Pluribus Unum“, Reg. No. N51GY, Gary Yelvington, Yelvington Sales LCC in Port Orange, Florida. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73163), Reg. No. N51MR, being restored to airworthy status by Kempf Brothers Aviation Partnership, Hot Springs, North Carolina.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73206), “Hurry Home Honey“, Reg. No. N3751D, Paul Besterveld, Corpus Christi, Texas. Airworthy.
(johnyates 2011 Photo)
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73210), “Miracle Maker“, B-WD, Reg. No. CF-IKE, Ike Enns, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Airworthy.
(Julian Herzog Photos)
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73254), c/n 122-39713, RCAF (Serial No. 9571), “Louisiana Kid“, Reg. No. N6328T. This aircraft was sold in 2012 to Wilhelm Heinz, Degerfeld Airfield, Germany. Airworthy.
(Jacobst Photo)
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73260), painted as (Serial No. 44-84410), “Cincinnati Miss“, Reg. No. N83KD, David O’Malley, Tri-State Warbird Museum, Batavia, Ohio. Airworthy.
(Cory W. Watts Photo)
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73264), “Gunfighter“, Reg. No. N5428V, Commemorative Air Force (Gunfighter Sponsor Group), Council Bluffs, Iowa. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73275), “Never Miss“, Reg. No. N119H, Russel Cecil, Dave Murphy, MMC Inc., Perth, New York. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73279), “Sweet and Lovely“, Reg. No. N451D, Robert Baker, Alva, Oklahoma. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73282), Reg. No. N151SQ, TF Restoration. Pioneer Aero, Chino, California.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73287), “Worry Bird“, Reg. No. N951M, Air Combat Museum in Springfield, Illinois. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73323), Reg. No. N151MD, being restored to airworthy status by Marvin L. Crouch in Encino, California.
(Mike Freer – Touchdown-aviation Photo)
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73339), c/n 122-39798, painted as (Serial No. 44-74008), “Comfortably Numb“, Airworthy. Reg. No. N510TT. Terry Tardeti, T&T Trucking Inc, Lodi, California.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73343), “Live Bait“, Reg. No. N551JV, Lewis Fighter Fleet LLC, Texas. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73350), “Archie“, Reg. No. N33FF, Lee Maples, Vichy, Missouri. Airworthy.
(D Ramey Logan Photo)
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73415), “VooDoo“, ex-RCAF (Serial No. 9289), Reg. No. N551VC, Planes of Fame Museum, Chino, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73420), unnamed, Reg. No. N151AM, Andrew McKenna, Allied Fighters in Sun Valley, Idaho. Airworthy.
(Articseahorse Photo)
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73436), painted as (Serial No. 44-13926), “American Beauty“, Reg. No. N51KD, Brian Reynold, Olympic Flight Museum in Olympia, Washington. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73437), Reg. No. N376TM, being restored to airworthy status by May Mustang LLC, Dover, Delaware.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73454), “This Is It“, Reg. No. N2051D, General Aircraft Services LLC, New Castle, Delaware. Airworthy. Cavalier Mustang.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73458), “Galveston Gal“, Reg. No. N4151D, Lone Star Flying Museum, Galveston, Texas.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73518), “Precious Metal“, Reg. No. N5483V, being restored, Don Whittington, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73543), “Sweetie Face“, Reg. No. N151TP, Bavarian Barnstormers 2 Inc. in North Fort Myers, Florida. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73574), Reg. No. N5478V, Richard Ransopher, Kemersville, North Carolina.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73656), painted as (Serial No. 44-12473), “Moonbeam McSwine“, Reg. No. N51VL, Warbird Heritage Foundation, Waukegan, Illinois.
(Tomas Del Coro Photo)
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73683), “Bunnie“, 332nd Fighter Group colours, Reg.No. N5551D, San Diego Aerospace Museum, San Diego, California.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73693), painted as (Serial No. 44-13253), previously “Risky Business“, currently “Goldfinger“, Reg. No. N551MB, Mike Brown. Airworthy.
North American P-51D Mustang (Serial No. 44-73704), previously “Maggies Mixer“, painted as “Weaver’s Nude“, FF-704, Reg. No. N6168C, Michael Malcolm, Monterrey, California. Airworthy.
(Valder137 Photo)
(Airwolfhound Photo)
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73751), previously “Dixie Boy”, now painted as “Miss Kandy“, Reg. No. N5444V, Darren Morre, Torrence, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73822), c/n 122-40362, “Lil Margaret“, Reg. No. N5484V, Henry Schroeder III, Danville, Illinois. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73843), “Old Red Nose“, Reg.No. N10601, Commemorative Air Force (Dixie Wing), Peachtree City, Georgia. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73856), “Double Trouble Two“, Reg. No. N71F, Comanche Warbirds Inc., Houston, Texas. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73972), unnamed, California ANG colours, US Air National Guard Base Fresno, California.
(Corsair133693 Photo)
North American P-51D Mustang (Serial No. 44-10755), shown in this photo when it served with the RCAF (Serial No. 9281), in 1956. It was subsequently flown during the 1969 Football War in Central American, then later returned to the USA by Jerry Janes and flown as “Cottonmouth”.
Canada had five squadrons equipped with Mustangs during the Second World War. RCAF Nos. 400, 414, and 430 squadrons flew Mustang Mk. Is (1942–1944) and Nos. 441 and 442 Squadrons flew Mustang Mk. IIIs and Mk. IVAs in 1945. The RCAF purchased 150 Mustang P-51Ds post war, and these aircraft served in two Regular Force squadrons, Nos. 416 “Lynx”, and No. 417 “City of Windsor”) and six auxiliary fighter squadrons (Nos. 402 “City of Winnipeg”, 403 “City of Calgary”, 420 “City of London”, 424 “City of Hamilton”, 442 “City of Vancouver” and 443 “City of New Westminster”). The Mustangs were declared obsolete in 1956, but a number of special-duty versions served on into the early 1960s. A very large number of the Mustangs currently preserved in the USA came from the aircraft sold off in Canada at the end of their RCAF service.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73973), painted as (Serial No. 44-10755), “Cottonmouth“, Reg. No. N151DP, previously with Stine Welding, Michigan, currently being restored to airworthy status by Fast Toys for Boys Inc., Wenatchee, Washington.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73990), “Alabama Rammer Jammer“, Reg. No. N51TH, being restored to airworthy status by Alabama Rammer Jammer LCC, Geiger, Alabama.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74009), “Ain’t Missbehavin“, Reg. No. N51KB, Wes Stowers and Billy Strickland, Mustang Pilots LCC in Shoal Creek, Alabama. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74012), unnamed, Reg. No. N6519D, Stonehenge Air Museum in Lincoln County, Montana. Airworthy.
(Valder137 Photo)
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74202), “Swamp Fox“, Reg. No. N5420V, Fox51 LLC in Concord, North Carolina. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74204p), Reg. No. N51U, restoration project, K. Shell Estate, California.
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74216), “Derailer“, NMUSAF, on loan to Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74230), “Gentleman Jim“, Reg. No. N551J, Jack Roush, Livonia, Michigan. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74311), c/n 122-40851, RCAF (Serial No. 9577), Reg. No. N151KM, in storage. Ken McBride, San Martin, California. Painted as RCAF (Serial No. 9577), coded PV-577, with No. 424 Squadron markings.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74389), ex RAAF (Serial No. A68-175), “Speedball Alice“, Reg. No. N64824, Julia Vance in Sebastopol, California. Airworthy. (This serial number was originally allocated to an RCAF Mustang Mk. IV (Serial No. 9580), which had been scrapped).
(Tony Hisgett Photo)
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74391), previously painted as February“, currently “Hun Hunter“, and “Texas“, Reg. No. N351MX, Comanche Fighters LCC, Houston, Texas. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74404), “Dazzling Donna“, Reg. No. N151RJ, Robert and Donna Odegaard Family Ltd. LLP II, Kindred, North Dakota. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74407), unnamed, on loan from the NMUSAF, US Air National Guard Base Fargo, Hector Field Heritage Park, Fargo, North Dakota.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74423), c/n 122-40963, RCAF (Serial No. 9595), painted as (Serial No. 44-10216) Miss Van Nuys“, Reg. No. N64CL, H. Clay Lacy, Los Angeles, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74444), Reg. No. N4451C, Ken McBride, San Martin, California.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74445), 122-40985, RCAF (Serial No. 9594), “Pecos Bill“, Reg. No. N4132A, Paul Besterveld, Camarillo, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74453), c/n 122-40993, RCAF (Serial No. 9597), “Frances Dell“, Reg. No. N51ZW, Carl Patrick, Broomfield, Colorado. Airworthy.
(Valder137 Photo)
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74458), painted as (Serial No. 44-15326), “Sizzlin’ Liz“, Reg. No. N351DM, Barnstorm Aviation in Jacksonville, Florida. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74466), “Barbara Jean“, Reg. No. N19607, Harry Barr in Raymond, Nebraska. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74469), “Red Dog“, Reg. No. N514RP, Collectible Aircraft LCC in Chandler, Arizona. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74483), unnamed, Reg. No. N51GP, Sonoma Valley Aircraft Sales Inc. in Vineburg, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74494), “Mustang Sally“, Reg. No. N72FT, Aircraft Guaranty Corp. in Onalaska, Texas. Airworthy.
(Valder137 Photo)
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74497), “Little Witch“, H-SX, Reg. No. N51LW, Aircraft Guaranty Corp. in Kissimmee, Florida. Airworthy.
(Valder137 Photo)
North American TP-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74502), “Crazy Horse 2“, Reg. No. N351DT, CH Two LCC in Kissimmee, Florida. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74506), “Lady B“, Reg. No. N151FT, Fredrick Telling in Port Orange, Florida. Airworthy.
(Edward O’Connor Photo)
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74524), “Dakota Kid“, “Long Island Kid“, Reg. No. N151HR, Texas Flying Legends Museum in Houston, Texas. Airworthy.
(Balon Greyjoy Photo)
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74536), “Miss America“, Reg. No. N991R, Oklahoma Museum of Flying in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74543), c/n 122-41083, Reg. No. N5500S, being restored to airworthy status by Richard Vartanian in Sierra Madre, California.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74582), “Crusader“, Reg. No. N51JT, Joseph Thibodeau in Denver, Colorado. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74602), unnamed, Reg. No. N3580, Jack Hovey in Ione, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74739), “Ole Yeller“, Reg. No. N51RH, Legacy of Flight Museum in Rexburg, Idaho. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74774), “Old Crow“, Reg. No. N451MG, Old Crow LLC in Wilmington, Delaware. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74813), “Cripes a Mighty”, Reg. No. N151BW, Thomas Ungurean, Ohio.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74832), “Boomer“, Reg. No. N551TM, Fargo Air Museum in Fargo, North Dakota. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74839), Commonwealth Aircraft CAC (Serial No. A68-187), “La Pistolera“, Reg. No. N50FS, Lewis Air Legends in San Antonio, Texas. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74865), “My Sweet Mary Lou“, Reg. No. N8677E, Mallette Family LLC in Provo, Utah. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74813), 122-41353, “Stang“, Reg. No. N251KW, Thomas Ungurean in Coshocton, Ohio. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74878), unnamed, Reg. No. N6306T, Tom Wood Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. Airworthy.
(Goshimini Photo)
(Jwissick Photo)
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74908), “Bunny“, Reg. No. N151BP, Palm Springs Air Museum in Palm Springs, California. Airworthy.
(Bill Larkins Photo)
(Alan Wilson Photo)
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74910), c/n 124-44817, “Miss Judy“, Reg. No. N74920, Yanks Air Museum in Chino, California.
(NMUSAF Photo)
(NMUSAF Photo)
(NMUSAF Photo)
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74936), “Shimmy IV“, National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74939), “Willit Run?“, National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74950), “Slender, Tender and Tall“, Commonwealth Aircraft CAC (Serial No. A68-175), Reg. No. N51DT, Open Cockpit LLC in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74960), Reg. No. N50191, being restored to airworthy status by Stewart McMillan in Valparaiso, Indiana.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74962), Reg. No. N51DK, being restored to airworthy status by Mike Vandeboncoeur, Danville, Illinois.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74976), “Obsession“, Reg. No. N651JM, Jeffrey R. Michael in Port Orange, Florida. Airworthy.
(Armchair Aviators Photo)
(Andre Wadman Photo)
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74977), “Charlotte’s Chariot II“, Reg. No. N251CS, Southern Heritage Air LCC in Helena, Montana. Airworthy.
(Kogo Photo)
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-74996), “Dago Red“, Reg. No. N5410V, Hoffman Aircraft Holdings LLC in Kerman, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-75007), “Paul I“, Reg. No. N3451D, EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-75009), “Rosalie“, Reg. No. N51TC, Contri Family LP, Carson City, Nevada. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-75024), Reg. No. N96JM, being restored to airworthy status by War Eagles Air Museum, Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
(D Miller Photo)
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-75452), “Happy Jack’s Go Buggy“, Reg. No. N74190, FTR ESC LLC in San Antonio, Texas. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-77902), Reg. No. N74190, being restored to airworthy status by Wilson Edwards in Big Spring, Texas.
(Tomas Del Coro Photo)
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-84390), “Section Eight“, Reg. No. N2869D, Doug Driscoll, American Falls, Idaho.
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-84489), Reg. No. VH-POB, Peter Anderson, California.
(Armchair Aviator Photo)
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-84615), previously “Cloud Dancer“, Racer No. 9, “Estrellia One”, Racer No. 8, “Betty Boop“, currently “Blood Brother“, 352nd FG, Reg. No. N55JL, Philip Petrik DBA in Sidney, Montana. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-84634), Reg. No. N6165U, Tom Kuchinsky.
(Chris Light Photos)
North American TP-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-84655), “Touloose Nuts“, Reg. No. N551CF, Collings Foundation,New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-84658), “The Friendly Ghost“, Reg. No. N51TF, War Eagles Air Museum in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-84745), “Crazy Horse“, Reg. No. N851D, Stallion 51 Corporation in Nashua, New Hampshire. Airworthy. Cavalier Mustang. TF-51D.
(Goshimini Photo)
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-84753), painted as (Serial No. 44-72481), “Buzzin Cuzzin“, Reg. No. N251BP, Cielos LCC, Holderness, New Hampshire. Airworthy.
(Bill Larkins Photo)
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-84850), “Su Su“, Reg. No. N514NH, being restored to airworthy status by Walter Bagdasarian, La Mesa, California.
(Bill Larkins Photos)
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-84864), unnamed, Reg. No. N4223A, NACA 126 LCC in Hayward, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-84896), Reg. No. N5416V, being restored to airworthy status by Brown Helicopter Inc. in Pensacola, Florida.
(Glenn Research Center Photo)
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-84900), NACA 127, Reg. No. N51YZ, William C. Allmon in Las Vegas, Nevada. Airworthy.
(Bill Larkins Photos)
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No.), NACA 130, 1958.
(NACA Photo)
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. unknown), with a NACA research pilot running up the engine on the taxiway adjacent to Rogers Dry Lake at the NACA High-Speed Flight Station in 1955. A P-51 Mustang, redesignated an F-51 Mustang, was transferred from the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory to the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station (now the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center) at Edwards Air Force Base in California, in 1950. The P-51 Mustang was the first aircraft to employ the NACA laminar-flow airfoil design and could dive to around Mach number 0.8. As an F-51, it was used as a proficiency aircraft at the High Speed Flight Station. Records show that the aircraft was also used as a chase and support aircraft 395 times. Neil Armstrong was among the pilots using it to chase some of the X-planes (that is, provide safety support). The P-51 was retired in 1959 as the result of a taxiing mishap.
(Armchair Aviators Photo)
(D Ramey Logan Photo)
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-84933), c/n 124-44789, “The Rebel“, 12, Reg. No. N151CF, Global Aviation Management Inc. in Wellington, Florida. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-84952), “Sarah Jean“, Reg. No. N210D, Tide Aircraft LCC in Wilmington, Delaware. Airworthy.
(Tomas Del Coro Photo)
(Alan Wilson Photo)
(Tomas Del Coro Photo)
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-84961), c/n 124-44817, painted as (Serial No. 44-13334), “Wee Willy II“, Reg. No. N7715C, Planes of Fame in Chino, California. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-25NT Mustang (Serial No. 44-84962), Reg. No. N9857P, in storage by Lee Schaller, New Athens, Illinois.
North American P-51D-30NT Mustang (Serial No. 45-11391), “Boo Man Choo“, Reg. No. N51MV, JR Consulting NV LLC in Midland, Texas. Airworthy.
(Cshashatay Photo)
North American P-51D-30NT Mustang (Serial No. 45-11439), “Quicksilver“, Reg. No. N51HY, Rancho Linda Vista LLC in Maxwelton, West Virginia. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NT Mustang (Serial No. 45-11471), “Diamondback“, Reg. No. N51ZM, Mustang High Flight LCC in Boise, Idaho. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NT Mustang (Serial No. 45-11479), Reg. No. N305PM, being restored to airworthy status by Whitney Beck, Wahpeton, North Dakota.
North American P-51D-30NT Mustang (Serial No. 45-11483), Commonwealth Aircraft CAC (Serial No. A68-198), “Short-Fuse-Salle“, Reg. No. N286JB, Hudson Flight Limited LCC in Pampa, Texas. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NT Mustang (Serial No. 45-11495), “Little Rebel“, Reg. No. N5551D, Robert Baker, Alva, Oklahoma. Airworthy.
(Valder137 Photo)
North American P-51D-30NT Mustang (Serial No. 45-11507), painted as (Serial No. 44-13321), “Cripes a Mighty 3rd“, Reg. No. N921, Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Florida. Airworthy.
(Articseahorse Photo)
(Articseahorse Photo)
North American P-51D-30NT Mustang (Serial No. 45-11525), “Val-Halla“, FF-525, Reg. No. N151AF, Heritage Flight Museum in Eastsound, Washington. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NT Mustang (Serial No. 45-11553), “Shangri-La“, Reg. No. N51VF, Fiftyone Flight LLC in Montgomery, Texas. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NT Mustang (Serial No. 45-11558), unnamed, Reg. No. N514DK, DK Warbirds Inc. in Los Angeles, California. Airworthy.
(Valder137 Photo)
North American TP-51D-30NT Mustang, adopted (Serial No. 45-11559), “Mad Max“, Reg. No. N51MX, Black Pearl Fighters, Kissimmee, Florida. Former Salvadorean Air Force (FAS) Cavalier Mustang, FAS-401.
North American P-51D-30NT Mustang (Serial No. 45-11571), Reg. No. N51T, being restored to airworthy status by John D’Alessandris, Bandon, Oregon.
(CindyN Photo)
(Tomas Del Coro Photos)
North American P-51D-30NT Mustang (Serial No. 45-11582), previously “Spam Can“, painted as “Dolly“, Reg. No. N5441V, Planes of Fame in Chino, California. Airworthy.
(Tomas Del Coro Photo)
North American P-51D-30NT Mustang (Serial No. 45-11586), painted as (Serial No. 44-13551), “Little Horse“, Reg. No. N51PE, Texas Flying Legends Museum in Houston, Texas. Airworthy.
(Mike Freer – Touchdown-aviation Photo)
North American P-51D-30NT Mustang (Serial No. 45-11628), “Ho Hun“, Reg. No. N151X, Dulcinea Enterprise LLC in Mesa, Arizona. Airworthy.
(Airwolfhound Photo)
(Tomas Del Coro Photo)
North American P-51D-30NT Mustang (Serial No. 45-11633), “Lady Alice“, Reg. No. N151MW, Wagner P-51 Corp. in Wilmington, Delaware. Airworthy.
North American P-51D-30NT Mustang (Serial No. 45-11636), “Stang Evil“, Reg. No. N11636, Flying Tiger Aviation LLC in Lakewood, Colorado. Airworthy.
North American P-51D Mustang (Serial No. unknown), “Bunnie“, “Miss Kentucky State“, National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.
(Frank Kovalchek Photo)
(Goshimini Photo)
North American P-51D Mustang (Serial No. unknown), painted as (Serial No. 44-63607), “Feeble Eagle“, Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington.
(USAF Photo)
North American P-51D-25NA Mustang (Serial No. 44-73699), assigned to the 157th in 1946. Note the “NG” on the tail, indicating the photo was taken before the Air National Guard was established in September 1947.
North American P-51D Mustang (Serial No. unknown), South Carolina Air National Guard Memorial Park, McEntire Air National Guard Station, South Carolina.
North American P-51D Mustang (Serial No. unknown), assembled from multiple P-51 hulks, multiple serial numbers; painted as (Serial No. 44-13371), “Audrey“, Hill Aerospace Museum, Hill AFB, Utah.
(USAAF Photo)
USAAF P-51D Mustang on a test flight with Bazooka Rocket Launchers, 1944.
(USAAF Photo)
USAAF P-51D Mustang with V-1 pulsejet engines.
(USAAF Photo)
North American F-51D Mustang (Serial No. 44-63528), fitted with a pair of Marquardt Aircraft Company C-30 ramjets.
(USAF Photo)
North American P-51D Mustang in Korea.
(USN Photo)
North American P-51D Mustang during aircraft carrier qualification testing, 1944. On 15 November 1944, LT. Bob Elder performed the first “trap,” or carrier landing, of an Army Air Forces aircraft with a North American P-51D Mustang. Appropriately re-named the Seahorse for Navy duty, the P-51 successfully landed aboard the USS Shangri-la (CV-38) while being evaluated along with the Grumman F7F Tigercat and North American PBJ (B-25) for possible carrier operations, none of which came to passThe testing program was short, involving only about 25 landings and takeoffs.
(USN Photo)
The Mustang’s great range made it attractive for use from carriers in the Pacific war, but compared to purpose-designed Navy fighters, its poor low-speed handling, vicious stall characteristics, and tendency to snap roll if power was applied too rapidly made it unsuitable. To correct the problems involved a redesign of its laminar flow wing, which would have robbed it of some of its speed and range. Also, the landing gear would need to be beefed up to withstand carrier landings over the long haul, which would have added more weight and caused performance to suffer more. It was 1944 before this was even considered, and the Navy was satisfied with the airplanes they had or were coming on line shortly, so the project was abandoned. (Thomas L. Rouse)
(USAF Photo)
Lineup of the North American F-51D-25-NA Mustangs, sn. 44-72843 / FF-843, 44-74482 / FF-482, 44-74880 / FF-880, 44-73788 / FF-788 together with two unidentifiable Mustangs from the Iceland Defense Force IDF at Keflavik AB, Iceland, in late 1952.One of the last overseas deployments of a F-51D Mustang unit by the U.S. Air Force was in late 1952 when 25 aircraft of the 131st Fighter-Bomber Group (FBG), were assigned to the Iceland Defense Force (IDF) at Keflavik air base in Iceland. Most of the 25 Mustangs came from the 192d Fighter-Bomber Squadron (FBS), Nevada Air National Guard (NEV-ANG), with fillers from the 110th FBS, Missouri Air National Guard (MO-ANG) and 170th FBS, Illinois Air National Guard (ILL-ANG), as no squadron in the 131st had the originally required number of 35 airplanes to be readied for the mission.
The photograph shows a lineup of six IDF Mustangs at the Keflavik AB (identifiable serial numbers are 44-72843 / FF-843, 44-74482 / FF-482, 44-74880 / FF-880, 44-73788 / FF-788). Distinctive “arctic-red” markings were applied to all IDF-Mustangs before their transfer from USA to Iceland. This included the painting of the outer wingspan, fuselage aft end, and tail empennage (minus control surfaces) in Insignia Red. The sliding canopy frame, propeller spinner, and tips of wings and tail empennage were Dark Insignia Blue (the standard color trim for the 192nd FBS). The windshield fame and the anti-glare panels (between the propeller and the windshield) were black and some Olive Drab (often not distinguishable from black in color photos). Some aircraft had stainless steel panels around the exhaust stacks painted glossy black for easy cleaning. The landing gear strut fairings had a 6 inch color at the panel bottom for separate flight identity, blue, red, and yellow. The panels over the filtered air intakes on the lower nose were painted red.
According to written personal notes from Col. Robert W. Gruenhagen (flight chief, line chief, and quality control inspector of the F-51 Mustangs stationed at Keflavik airbase in 1952) the deployment procedure was as follows:
“P/F-51 assignment, Iceland
During august 27, 1952, 35 Mustangs were readied for launch from George AFB, Victorville, California with destination og Keflavik, Iceland by 1 September, 1952. The aircraft were prepared in A/W T.O. 00-25-4 for overseas transfer and modified with APX-6 transponders to provide the latest IFF capability.
Two groups of 17 and 18 aircraft were flown across the U.S. in a northern and southern routing through bases coordinated for en-route support. Two C-119 aircraft were manned with 15 man crews to follow the flights and repair ant turn and launch the Mustangs at each base. Intend was to reach the east coast with 30 aircraft and proceed on with the best 25 for the final destination. The serials listed below were in place in Keflavik and on alert by 15 September of 1952.
The aircraft were assigned to the 192 Ftr Bmr Sqdn. (TAC) with support crews made up from three squadrons of the 146 Ftr Bmr Wg, the 178th, 186th and 190th.
Serial: 44-72708 44-73788 44-74482 44-74880 44-74845 44-74717 44-73769 44-74586 44-74963 44-72843 44-74377 44-74522 44-84769 44-74382* 44-73996 44-73826 44-74870 44-73409 44-74317 44-74811 44-84834 44-74975 44-74959 44-74368 45-11364
The aircraft served until April, 1953 and were replaced by F-94B interceptors assigned to the 82nd FIS. The Mustang unit designation changed to the 436th Ftr Sqdn on 1 December, 1952.
The Mustangs were flown to England, (Renfrew) and transferred to AMC at Brookley field, Mobile Alabama and eventually to Norton AFB Sam Bernardino California were they were scrapped in May of 1954.
*) 44-74382 was left at BW-1 (Narssasuak, Greenland) enroute for an engine change which was completed in one week. A B-26 Navigation aircraft accompanied the Mustangs on all the overwater legs and the later pick-up of 382.
The final jet equipped unit remaining in Iceland was designated the 57th FIS. And equipped with F-89C interceptors in October of 1954. The 435th returned to George AFB and was established as a regular Air Force Squadron equipped with F-86F aircraft. Except for a few remaining on active duty, the three support units returned to Air National Status.
During this period, the Mustang units in Korea were converted to jet aircraft with the mustangs being assigned to the ROK air Force and these units along with the Icelandic units were the last overseas assignment of the Mustang with the USAF.
This form checked 15 April, 2008. R. W. Gruenhagen.”
(Included is a RWG correction, 16 August, 2017)
NB. At the time of the arrival of the Mustang unit in Keflavik on 1st of September 1952 the unit was part of the 131st Fighter-Bomber Group FBG. The Mustang unit designation changed to the 436th FS on the 1st of December 1952. The designation was changed again to 435th FBS on the 2nd of December 1952 and remained so until the end of the Iceland deployment in the spring of 1953.
Further sources of information on the Mustang deployment and photographs showing the IDF Mustangs in Keflavik, Iceland, can be found in the following books:
1. Col. Robert W. Gruenhagen: “Mustang – The Story of the P-51 Fighter” Arco, N.Y., Revised edition, 1976, ISBN-10: 0668039124, ISBN-13: 978-0668039123
Sleeve notes from his book state the following about the author: “Col. Robert W. Gruenhagen, USAF (Retired) began his military service in 1947. His long and active career included the 186th Fighter Squadron, SAC, TAC, and the Icelandic Defense Force. He is a member of the Air Force Association, the American Aviation Historical Society, and the Association of P-51 Historians and Enthusiasts. He serves as consultant and advisor with matters related to historic aircraft during the World War II. He is the author of Mustang: The Story of the P-51 Fighter and a well-known expert on the P-51. Among his numerous decorations and awards, Col. Gruenhagen received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, and the Texas State Meritorious Service Award.”
2. Jeffrey L. Ethell: „P-51 Mustang, A Documentary History“, Jane’s Publishing, UK 1981, ISBN 10: 0710600704, ISBN 13: 9780710600707
Jeffrey was the son of Major Ervin “Erv” C. Ethell (1920-2003) who commanded the IDF-Mustangs during the first half of their seven month service time in Iceland before being replaced by F-94B interceptors assigned to the 82nd FIS.
3. Nicholas M. Williams: “Aircraft of the United States’ Military Air Transport Service, 1948–1966”, Midland Publishing Ltd. UK, 1999, ISBN-10: 1 85780 087 7, ISBN-13: 978-1857800876
4. David W. Menard: “USAF Plus Fifteen: A Photo History 1947-62”, Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., USA, 2004, ISBN-10: 0887404839, ISBN-13: 978-088740483