North American P-51D Mustang 1:72 Airfix 01004B

Plastic model airplane to assemble: North American P-51D Mustang 1:72 Airfix 01004B

The plastic model to assemble North American P-51D Mustang in 1:72 scale from Airfix is an excellent proposition for aviation and modeling enthusiasts. This kit allows you to build one of the most iconic American fighters from World War II, which played a key role in ensuring the air superiority of the Allies.

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Model length: 13.6 cm
• Wingspan: 15.7 cm
• Model height: 5.67 cm
• Number of parts: 53
• Contents of the kit: plastic model to assemble, instruction sheet, painting layout sheet, and decals

Number of painting schemes: 1

• North American P-51D Mustang, Aircraft flown by Lt. Col. Joseph L Thury, 505th Fighter Squadron, 339th Fighter Group, 8th AF, Royal Air Force Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire, England, 1944.

History and significance of the P-51D Mustang: The North American P-51D Mustang is an American long-range fighter that gained fame due to its role in World War II and the Korean War. Designed in 1940 by a team led by James H. Kindelberger from North American Aviation, the Mustang was initially to be built at the request of the British purchasing commission. Instead of producing the older Curtiss P-40 model, North American Aviation proposed a modern design that quickly gained recognition.

Initially, the Mustang was equipped with an Allison V-1710 engine, which limited its performance at high altitudes. A breakthrough occurred when the Rolls-Royce Merlin 65 engine was introduced in 1942, significantly improving its performance. The P-51D version, powered by the Packard V-1650-7 engine, was armed with six .50 caliber machine guns and became one of the most effective escort fighters, capable of protecting bombers during raids on Germany.

Mustangs were used by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) and the Royal Air Force (RAF) in various theaters of war, including North Africa, the Mediterranean, Italy, and the Pacific. Mustang pilots reported the destruction of 4,950 enemy aircraft during World War II.

After the war, Mustangs continued to be used, and during the Korean War, they became the main fighters of the USA before their role was taken over by jets such as the North American F-86 Sabre. Nevertheless, Mustangs remained in service in some air forces until the early 1980s. After military service, Mustangs became popular civilian aircraft and participants in air races.

Kit for self-assembly and painting. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.