An invaluable modeller’s guide to the P-51D/K Mustang and Cavalier
F-51D conversion
The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang, designed and built by North
American Aviation, was a long-range single-seat World War II fighter aircraft.
Less than three months after the contract was signed, the prototype NA-73X
airframe was rolled out, and although it was still minus an engine, this was a
remarkable feat of aviation engineering that changed the face of aerial
warfare.
The first production Mustangs were used by the Royal Air Force as
tactical-reconnaissance aircraft and fighter-bombers; then as bomber escorts in
raids over Germany
by the USAAF's Eighth Air Force.
The D- model development began in 1943, with a view to improving the
poor rearward visibility and inadequate firepower of the four machine guns,
which were prone to jamming. The P-51D included a Plexiglass bubble canopy
mounted in a very deep, rubber-lined metal sill and six .50 calibre machine
guns, mounted upright instead of at an angle to minimise jams. The P-51K Mustang
was similar to the P-51D, but had a Aeroproducts propeller instead of the
Hamilton
propeller used for the B, C and D models.
Many P-51Ds were refurbished and renamed as Cavaliers F-51Ds after
their military service, gaining a new lease of life as well-equipped civilian
business aircraft.
This book contains invaluable information on these two lives of the
P-51 Mustang for the enthusiast and modeller, including many black and white
photos never seen before, and highly detailed colour profiles of the D/K
variant, by far the most numerous P-51 model and also the best
known.
