Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>P-51B>HA8507

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

North American P-51C 42-103968 c/n 26522 was one of the 1,000 P-51Cs manufactured in 1942. This aircraft was flown by Tuskegee airman Lt. Charles McGee of the 302nd FS/332nd FG who named the aircraft using his wife’s nickname “Kitten”. Lt. McGee flew this particular aircraft for 136 of his 408 combat flights flown during 3 wars. After WWII McGee flew another P-51 “Kitten” in Korea followed by the Vietnam War as the C/O of the 16th TRS and flew RF-4s. Charles McGee dedicated 31 years in service to his country.

Specifications :

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