The iconic P-51 Mustang is an American long-range fighter and fighter-bomber from World War II, designed by North American Aviation. The aircraft entered service in the middle of the war as a long-range escort fighter and also served in the early part of the Korean War and several other wars. The last war in which the P-51 was used was the 1969 Soccer War between El Salvador and Honduras.
The P-51 Mustang was conceived, designed and built by North American Aviation (NAA), led by chief designer Edgar Schmued. Not only the RAF was a buyer; the US Army Air Force (USAAF) needed a new reconnaissance aircraft that could also serve as a fighter and ground attack aircraft. In the US Army, the Mustang was first given a ground attack task, as a dive-bomber. This included escorting long-range bombers, such as the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator, over Germany beyond Berlin and the B-29 Superfortress over Japan. In 1944, the P-51D was given 6 machine guns instead of 4, giving it improved firepower.
Kris Christiaens is a professional aviation photographer who always tries to portray the power, manoeuvrability and history of aircraft and helicopters in the most original and impressive way possible... Read more…