ESM P51D Mustang 120 -150 / 26cc

HISTORY:
The original Mustangs used an Allison engine which quickly was recognized as being not up to the task of escorting long range bombers, intercepting and tangling with the AXIS Fighters. The British suggested using a Rolls Royce Merlin 61 engine, whcih would drastically improve the aircraft's high altitude performance. When this proved a successful variant it was designated the P-51B and put into full scale production. With the new engine and the improved high altitude performance, and especially the more efficient fuel economy, the aircraft proved capable of providing long range escort for allied bombers. This was especially true after the introduction of drop tanks. It entered full service in October of 1943.

After the introduction of the B version of the mustang, pilots reported that its poor rearward view was problematic, even though it was typical of most fighters of the era. Most of the RAF's fleet were fitted with a malcolm hood, which had a similar appearance to the canopy of a spitfire. A better solution was the teardrop canopy which was being fitted on the RAF's tempests and typhoons. North American Aviation modified the aircraft to accomodate this style of canopy, added two more .50 calibre machine guns, bringin the total to 6 and some minor changes to the landing gear which changed th profile of the leading edge of the wings. This variant became designated the P-51D, which proved one of the most important aircraft of all time. It was the predominant allied fighter aircraft from mid 1944 to the end of the war.

The P-51D christened "Glamorous Glen III" was flown by Captain Chuck Yeager of the 357th fighter group, 363rd Fighter Squadron in the Winter of 1944. Besides being famous as the first person to fly beyond the speed of sound after the war (in the Bell X-1), Yeager was a genuine fighter ace. He notched 11 1/2 kills during the war. However, he almost didn't make it that far. During his 8th mission he was shot down over France, and with the help of the resistance was successfully smuggled back to England by way of Spain. During the 2 months he was with the resistance he aided them in their cause against the Germans and was awarded a bronze star for helping a fellow downed aviator with an injured leg over the Pyrenees mountain range.

Upon returning to combat he distinguished himself as a pilot of unique talents. He was the first 'ace in a day' scoring 5 kills in a single day. He scored one of the first kills on an ME-262 jet fighter. After the war Yeagar was a test pilot, and later was promoted to command of several fighter units in Germany and South East Asia, which included combat service in Vietnam. He retired as a highly decorated Brigadier General (though in retirement he was honoured with a promotion to Major General). His awards included a Silver Star with an oak leaf cluster, a Legion of Merit with an oak leaf cluster, a Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 oak leaf clusters, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, Air Medal with 10 oak leaf clusters, a Distinguished unit citation with oak leaf cluster, a Presidential medal of Freedom, and three unique medals for the act of breaking the sound barrier. Yeager remains one of the most historically significant pilots of all time. ESM is very proud to offer a beautiful scale reproduction of the aircraft belonging to such a historically important person! Now you too can own a beautiful scale reproduction of his aircraft!

Features:

-All composite fuselage construction, with built up wings and surfaces.
-All scale details molded into the fiberglass parts, including panel lines and rivets.
-Factory painted to scale, and pre-applied decals, covered with clear coat. Wing Covering Material: Solartex Fabric Covered, painted, decals applied and clear coated. The aircraft has a beautiful flat, non-glossy finish. This is superior to glossy covering materials.
-Functional flaps.
-All hardware included (screws, rods, fuel tanks etc...)

 Retracts Available : Electric Retracts P51D G4 with Aluminium Hub send email for prices and stock availability

-Illustrated instruction manual included.

Specifications:
Wing Span: Approx 71"
Weight: Approx 13.5lbs
Radio: 6 channel radio 9 servos
Engine: 1.20-1.50 4-Stroke or 26CC gas

* Does not include: radio, motor, glue, and fuel line