The North American P-51 Mustang was a long-range fighter aircraft used by the air forces of the United States and Great Britain during the Second World War (1939-45). Widely considered one of the most effective fighter planes of the war, the single-seater Mustang could operate as a reconnaissance aircraft, interceptor fighter, fighter-bomber, and long-range bomber escort. Used in most theatres of the war from 1944, the Mustang gained legendary status and continued to see action in the Korean War (1950-53).
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Definition
Timeline
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Apr 1940The first prototype of the North American P-51 Mustang is commissioned.
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Oct 1940The first flight of the North American P-51 Mustang prototype (NA-73X).
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Apr 1942The British RAF flies the first North American p-51 Mustang fighters, known as Mark I’s.
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Sep 1942The USAAF first deploys North American P-51 Mustangs as dive-bombers.
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Dec 1943North American P-51 Mustang's first fly with disposable fuel tanks, greatly extending their range.
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1944 - 1945The North American P-51 Mustang is deployed in most major theatres of WWII.
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1950North American P-51 Mustangs see service in the Korean War.
