Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>P-51B>HA8505

General Background

The only difference between the North American P-51B and C variants was the B was built in Inglewood and the C in Dallas. The B variant first flew on May 5, 1943 and the C variant first flew on August 5, 1943. The B variant saw 1,988 built while the C variant saw 1,750 built. On December 1, 1943 the P-51B Mustang flew its first combat mission and in March 1944 provided bomber escort to Berlin.

The Aircraft

Captain Forrest H. Parham was born in Canada but was raised in Minnesota and served with the US military in WWII and Korea. Forrest Parham was a member of the legendary Flying Tigers in the 75th FS/23rd FG based in Luliang, China. In August and September 1944 Capt. Parham scored his first three victories while flying a P-40N and in November 1944, now equipped with a P-51C Mustang “Little Jeep” he scored his last victories making him an Ace. In April 1945 Parham was shot down in a P-51D and evaded capture.

Specifications :

P-51B/C Production:	3,738
B:	1,988 produced at Inglewood plant
C:	1,750 produced at Dallas plant
Dimensions:
Length:	32.25 ft
Wingspan:	37.04 ft
Height:	13.67 ft
Weight
Empty:	6,985 lbs
Normal T/O:	9,800 lbs
Maximum Gross:	11,800 lbs
Performance
Power Plant:	1 X Packard (Rolls Royce) V-1650-3-7 producing 1,380 hp in the B variant and 1,490 hp in the C variant
Maximum Speed:	439 mph @ 25,000 ft
Service Ceiling:	41,800 ft
Range:	B – 1,180 miles
	C – 1,900 miles
Armament	4 x .50 cal machine guns with 1,260 rounds
	2 x 1,000 lb bombs or rockets