North American P-51D Mustang

Developed by North American Aviation, the Mustang was initially conceived to fulfill a British requirement for fighter support. First flown in 1940, it evolved significantly throughout the war, and its most notable version, the P-51D, was equipped with a powerful Rolls-Royce (or Packard-built) Merlin engine, which transformed its performance at high altitudes, making it a formidable adversary to German Luftwaffe aircraft. Renowned for its long-range, speed, and agility, the P-51 played a crucial role in gaining air superiority over Europe and safeguarding Allied bombers during their missions.

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Flown by many Kiwi pilots during the 1950's as part of the New Zealand Territorial Air Force, the P-51 is considered by many to be the finest WW2 piston engined fighter aircraft. When it was originally developed to the British Air Ministry specifications it was fitted with an Allison V-12 power plant, but the aircraft really came into its own when later when it was fitted with the Merlin engine instead.

Designed to be a long range bomber escort, the P-51 was the first allied fighter to be able to escort American bombers all the way to Berlin and back. Herman Göring, head of the Luftwaffe, is reported to have said that he knew Germany had lost the war the day he first saw Mustangs over Berlin. The Mustang served with many nations after the Second World War, and also saw active service with the USAF during the Korean War. The Dominican Air Force was the last force to retire the type from military service in 1984.

Built in 1945 this aircraft served with both the United States Air Force (USAF) and then the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) until 1959 when it was put on the civil register. She was imported into New Zealand by Sir Tim Wallis in 1984 and has flown at most major NZ airshows. The aircraft is in the colours of NZ2415 which was the mount of Squadron Leader Ray Archibald, the CO of No.3 (Canterbury) Squadron, and it’s designed to represent the 30 P-51s flown by the New Zealand Territorial Air Force during the 1950’s.

This two-seat Mustang is available for adventure flights with operator Warbird Adventure Rides for anyone interested in experiencing the feeling of flight in a genuine historic WW2 aircraft - click here for more details.

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.

Members of the NZ Territorial Air Force typically had regular civilian jobs and engaged in military training and activities during evenings, weekends, or specified training periods. This arrangement allowed New Zealand to maintain a higher level of military preparedness without the full expense of maintaining a larger standing air force. The TAF provided training in various aspects of air force operations, including flying, technical, and administrative skills. Pilots and aircrew in the TAF would train on the same types of aircraft as their regular RNZAF counterparts, ensuring operational compatibility. The TAF was formally disestablished in July 1957.

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