Code: MI-81302 Quantity in Basket: none Status: Low Stock Price: $44.99
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Merit Museum Masterpiece Series 81302 P-51D Mustang Display Model USAAF, "Shangri La", Don Gentile 1:24 Scale     Length     Width North American P-51D Mustang     16"     18.5" American figther ace Dominic Gentile earned his wings - and his first combat victories - while flying with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942. After transferring to the US Army 8th Air Force, he established an extraordinary combat record, ultimately destroying 30 enemy planes. Gentile flew the P-51B in combat and this P-51D during a war-bond tour of the U.S. The legendary P-51 Mustang was one of the most capable fighters of World War II. WIth a blistering top speed of 437 mph and a range of a thousand miles, the was a superb bomber escort and a lethal foe of enemy interceptors. During World War II, P-51s destroyed 4.950 enemy aircraft in air-to-air combat. The North American P-51D Mustang was originally ordered in April 1940 by the British air purchasing commission, and made its first flight for the US Army Air Force in September 1942. Initially under-powered, the aerodynamically clean single-seat fighter’s performance was perfected by fitting it with the Packard V-1650 Merlin engine, resulting in the P-51B and D versions. In the European theater, the principal role of the P-51D, introduced in May 1944 and fitted with drop tanks, was to escort the US 8th Air Force heavy bomber formations all the way from British bases to targets deep into Germany , including Berlin and beyond. During the Korean conflict, P-51Ds were used primarily for close support of ground forces until withdrawn from service in 1953. The P-51 served with air reserve and National Guard units until after 1957. After the war, the Mustang proved popular with over 55 nations and in 1960’s it was put back into production for the US Air Force. Merit Museum Masterpiece Series The Merit International "Museum Masterpiece Series" presents detailed, ready-made plastic models of military aircraft. Merit International "Museum Masterpiece Series" display airplanes feature" Molded plastic construction. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details. Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals. Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors. Permanently extended landing gear. Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards. [See more Merit Museum Masterpiece Series products] North American P-51D Mustang Designed to meet an urgent British requirement for fighters for the Royal Air Force, the P51 was first flown on October 26th, 1940.[See more North American P-51D Mustang products]