The P-51 actually began its career as the A-36 Apache dive bomber. The first aircraft was designed and built for the British Royal Air Force in only 117 days. Its first flight took place before the attack on Pearl Harbor while America was still at peace. Once the US was fully engaged in the Pacific war, the newly renamed and re-engined P-51s began arriving in the China Burma India theater CBI). With their superb maneuverability and firepower, Mustang pilots soon began to beat the feared Japanese Zero and Oscar fighters. Shortly after the American forces secured the island of Iwo Jima, very long range P-51s began flying 650 mile, 8-hour round trip B-29 escort missions. If a pilot could complete 15 missions to Japan, he would then earn a trip home. The P-51 Mustang with its range and speed has to be classified as one of the greatest fighters ever built.

Matted print of artist Doug Kinsley's aviation illustration. Measures 7" x 10.75".