North American P-51D Mustang

Developed for the RAF in early 1940, the P-51 was designed by North American Aviation in response to the requirement for a high-performance fighter. The type’s exceptional range, speed and maneuverability, along with its armament, made it one of the most formidable fighters of World War Two.

Mustang NZ 2423 taxis out at its RNZAF Ohakea base.  Photo: © Supplied

 Year: 1940  Built: 16,766  Registration: ZK-BHT  Top Speed: 710 km/h Stall: 160 km/h Wingspan: 11.28m  Height: 4.077m  Length: 9.83m Engine: 1490hp Packard V-1650 Merlin V-12 inline Ceiling: 12,800m  Range: 2,660km Armament: 6 x 12.7mm (0.50in) machine guns and up to 230kg of external bombs, or up to 10 x 127mm (5.0in) HVAR rockets

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    • The initial Mustangs were equipped with the Allison V-1710 engine, but the introduction of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine in the P-51B/C models significantly enhanced its performance at high altitudes, making it superior to most contemporary German Luftwaffe fighter aircraft.

    One of 320 Mustangs purchased by the RNZAF to replace their battle-weary Corsair fighters, this aircraft was built in Inglewood, California (with serial 45-11513) and it arrived at RNZAF Hobsonville (NZ) in August 1945. Several months later it was placed into storage where it remained before joining No 2 (Wellington) Territorial Air Force Squadron in July 1954.

    This aircraft was operated by the TAF for just over 12 months the aircraft then returned to No. 42 Squadron at RNZAF Ohakea for drogue towing, communications and general flying duties.

    Mustang ZK-TAF, flown by Graham Bethell is shown here during a display the Classic Fighters airshow held at Omaka Aerodrome, Blenheim, New Zealand. ZK-BHT video coming soon

    The New Zealand Territorial Air Force (TAF) was a part-time reserve component of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). Established in the years following World War II, it was akin to the air force reserves in other countries. The primary purpose of the Territorial Air Force was to supplement the regular RNZAF in times of national emergency or war, as well as to maintain a pool of trained airmen and pilots who could be called upon when needed.

    The aircraft was withdrawn from service in early 1957 and it made the last ever RNZAF Mustang flight from Ohakea to RNZAF Woodbourne on the 30th May 1957. It was withdrawn from service and then sold in 1958, eventually finding its way to the property of John Smith in Mapua, where it was stored, in as-is condition, for over 55 years. The aircraft was then purchased and meticulously restored to flying condition, and its original TAF colour scheme, by the Biggin Hill Trust collection which is based at Ohakea.

    More Videos:

    • NZ2415 Display

    • Two P51s At Omaka

    • P-51 Mustang In The UK

    • Bright Yellow P-51


    More Photos:

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