United States
Air Force Heritage Flight Team
 The United States Air ForceHeritage Flight Program pairs a modern
state-of-the art fighter with World War Two or Korean War vintage aircraft
In this photo, taken during a Heritage Flight Show, an F-16 flies next to a
World War Two P-51 Mustang. You'll see these aircraft paired together in
flight over Lake Ontario during the Novelis Air Show. |
Performer:United States Air Force Heritage Flight Team
Type: Military, P-51 “Mustang”
Established in 1997 to support the Air Force’s 50 th anniversary, the United States Air Force Heritage Flight Team places state-of-the-art fighters flying in close formation with World War Two and Korean War vintage fighters such as the F-86 Sabre or P-51 Mustang. Its mission is to safely and proudly display the evolution of the United States Air Force. The war birds are flown by outstanding civilian pilots with a passion for flying. Many are former Air Force, Army, Navy or Marine pilots. Their ages range from 34 to 74, and many first flew P-51 Mustangs in their teens.
Heritage Flight P-51 Mustang Demonstration Pilot: Jim Beasly, Jr.
The North American P-51 Mustang
The North American P-51 was designed at the request of Great Britain in 1940 and was used for photoreconnaissance purposes and close ground support. First powered by an Allison engine the aircraft was limited in its speed and high-altitude performance. But in 1942, the P-51 using the British Rolls Royce Merlin engine revealed much improved speed and it entered combat in Europe. Providing high-altitude escort to American B-17’s and
B-24’s, the P-51 took a heavy toll on enemy aircraft destroying 4,950 planes—a record unmatched by any other fighter during the war. P-51’s served in all theaters of that war, escorting B-29’s bombers from Iwo Jima to Japan and back. During the Korean war P-51’s saw limited service until they were withdrawn from service in 1953.
The P-51 has a top speed of 437 miles-per-hour, a service ceiling of 42,000 feet and a range of 1,000 miles. It was armed with six 50 caliber machine guns, ten five inch rockets or 2,000 pounds of bombs.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Multi-role fighter
Wing Span: 37’
Length: 32’ 3”
Height: 13’8”
Weight: 12,100 pounds
Armament: Six .50 caliber machine guns and ten 5-inch rockets or 2,000 pounds of bombs
Engine: Packard built Rolls-Royce “Merlin” V-1650, 1,695 hp
Maximum Speed: 437 mph
Cruising Speed: 275 mph
Range: 1,000 miles
Service Ceiling: 41,900 ft |
