Military planes have been around for centuries. There is a multitude of types and sizes. Each plane has its own unique look, feel, and special features. One, in particular, the P-51 Mustang, comes in different versions and is among the fastest in military aircraft.
What makes the P-51 Mustang so special and how fast can a P-51 Mustang go? Let’s find out!
P-51 Mustang: The History
This plane has been in commission since the 1940s, during WWII. The chief designer of North American Aviation suggested building a plane from the ground up, rather than continuing to produce another licensed fighter for that time, the Curtiss P-40. The result was the P-51.
Created as a monoplane, with only one passenger; the P-51 was built as a low-wing style fighter fueled by an in-line, liquid-cooled Allison engine. This created a turbo-supercharge for the plane – a first of its kind.
This design was later called “Mustang” by the British, thus receiving its full name: P-51 Mustang. These planes joined the war in 1942 as low-altitude fighters. It was not possible for them to rise more than 15,000 feet. Despite this limitation, they did contain ample firepower and options for photography that most of the other fighter planes of the time sported.
Specifications
The P-51 took its first flight in May of 1941, at a speed of 425 miles per hour. With a 37-foot wingspan taking up 233 square feet of area, this plane sported many firsts of its kind. Later models of the P-51 were even equipped with a warning radar in the rear to alert of approaching aircraft from behind.
This plane was deemed “the most aerodynamically perfect pursuit plane in existence” by the Truman Senate War Investigation Committee in 1944.
Evolution of the P-51 Mustang
Over the years, new features and technology were added to the P-51 to keep it updated with the times. These updates began as early as 1942 when the Mustangs were equipped with the British Merlin engine for speed. Adding the Merlin engine increased the speed of the P-51A (original Mustang) by 110 mph.
This new prototype was brought back to the U.S. and mass produced in California and Texas. These new models were classified as the P-51B (California) and P-51C (Texas). Due to their new speed and classifications, the B and C models were able to fly higher and have a longer range. These details allowed the Mustangs to become the escorts for the U.S. bombing against Germany in 1943.
As time went on, the Mustang continued to update to the model we know today. By the spring of 1944, the Mustang had moved to the P-51D model. This new plane was equipped with a canopy, called the bubble-top, to protect the pilot and improve his vision. There were also updates made to the machinery as well. Extra guns and a new gunsight were added to the plane, along with a new feed system for the ammunition to reduce jams in the guns.
By the end of the war, the P-51H was in commission but did not arrive in time to hit the front lines of battle. This newest model was 50 mph faster than the D model and was considerably lighter than most of the previous models.
By 1946, there were over 15,000 Mustangs in existence – all types included. With WWII over, these planes were part of the U.S. Airforce. New aircraft and fighters began to emerge and force the Mustang to a second position for war. By the Korean War, the Mustang was transferred to the Air National Guard or surplused.
As it turned out, the long-range attributes of the P-51D brought the Mustang back into commission during the Korean War, as it could hit targets the other jet fighters couldn’t. Proving its usefulness, the Mustang remained with the Reserve and the Air National Guard until they were phased out in 1957.
Today’s P-51 Mustang
The last Mustang in service currently resides on display with the Air Force tactical unit. It is a recreation of the P-51D flown by Colonel C.L. Sluder, commander of the 325th fighter group stationed in Italy in 1944. The name on the plane is “Shimmy IV” and is a production of his own creation to honor the Colonel’s daughter, Sharon, and his wife, Zimmy.
Today, the Unlimited Class at the STIHL National Championship Air Races in Reno regularly features modified P-51 Mustangs. In 2017, The P-51 Mustang, Voodoo, raised the bar for the P-51 models. Voodoo broke speed records for a plane powered by an internal combustion engine on the course. The pilot, Steven Hinton, has won multiple times in the Unlimited Class.
In 2017, Voodoo reached an average speed of 531 mph. This far exceeded the previous speed record in the books. Voodoo is currently the fastest of the P-51 models and is ranked as the fasted piston in the world. These planes have fought and served with and for the Armed Forces over the years and now they battle in a race for the best of the best.
The P-51 Mustang has so much history to its name. This plane has fought in many wars for the United States and has been flown by so many of the great military men of the times. Today, it’s breaking records in races and continuing to prove its worth. From the original P-51 Mustang of WWII, through today’s P-51D, like Voodoo; the comparison of these models with other military fighter jets is simply incomparable.
Nothing compares to the speed and aerodynamics of the P-51, as the slimmest fighter with long-range capabilities and speed like no other. The broken records, dating back to its inception, prove the P-51 Mustang is one of the top-performing planes in military history. What more could the U.S. Air Force ask for in a fighter? This plane does it all and has it all. Make sure to grab your tickets for the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races in Reno, NV for your chance to watch these amazing warbirds race head to head right before your eyes.
The GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone is returning in September bigger and better than ever. The annual activation at the STIHL National Championship Air Races is free to area youth. Registration is now open.
“The STEM Discovery Zone is an incredible opportunity for youth to experience some fun, engaging STEM-based hands-on activities in an amazing setting, NVBAA and GRADD do a great job,” said Tony Logoteta, COO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “We’re excited to expand the program again this year and are thankful to all who contribute by purchasing Air Race license plates through the Nevada DMV, or by direct donation and sponsorship. Those contributions make a difference and without that support we would be unable to continue to grow this program and inspire so many youth.”
The education hub is one of the largest of its kind at an airshow. More than 6,000 youth were introduced to different aspects of aviation through STEM-based learning during the 2018 races.
“STEM learning is making such a difference in our youth’s education and career trajectories,” said Reza Karamooz, President of the Nevada Business Aviation Association. “It’s amazing to watch their expressions as they create light with a mini Tesla coil, experience flight in the simulators, drive ground robots, and watch tangible items being printed on the 3D printers.”
This year the STEM education zone will have drone workshops and an expanded drone flying zone, flight simulators, 3D printers, electronic computer-controlled guitars, a large-scale 3D printed Nevada State Capitol Building, hydraulic robotic arm, picture booths, STEM Arcade with 3D printing pens, PACMAN game in a Samsonite briefcase, a Bell 500 rotary cell phone and much more. Youth who participate in the STEM Discovery Zone also receive free access to the races for the remainder of the week.
Those interested in bringing classes and youth groups to the 2019 STEM Discovery Zone at the STIHL National Championship Air Races can contact Reza Karamooz at [email protected], or visit NVBAA.org to register.
After nearly a decade the world-famous Thunderbirds are returning to the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races.
When the U.S. Air Force pilots take to the Nevada skies Sept. 14-15, spectators will be captivated by their impressive formation flying and daring solo routines. The Thunderbirds will perform nearly 40 maneuvers including a ground show and air demonstration that shows off the training and skill of the elite team of pilots as well as the extreme capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Although an impressive sight to see, it’s not all for show. The Thunderbirds are part of the combat force and, if called to duty, can immediately integrate into a fighter unit at Nellis Air Force Base located just outside of Las Vegas, Nev.
The demonstration unit was formed in 1953 at Luke Air Force Base, just six years after the U.S. Air Force was created. Today, the unit is composed of eight pilots, four support officers, four civilians and more than 100 enlisted personnel performing in almost 30 job specialties.
THE STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES INCLUDED AS A FEATURED EVENT IN THE GRUNT STYLE AIR SHOW MAJORS TOUR BEGINNING IN 2019
–Expanding the Audience of the World’s Fastest Motorsport –
RENO, Nev. [October 23, 2018] – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is pleased to announce that the STIHL National Championship Air Races will be included in the Grunt Style Air Show Majors Tour beginning in 2019. Grunt Style Air Show Majors is the air show industry’s premier tour showcasing a collection of America’s most prestigious air shows and now will also feature air racing on the tour at the Reno National Championship Air Races.
By becoming an official tour stop, the STIHL National Championship Air Races will receive national promotion through a variety of marketing efforts, event visibility and promotion at the other participating air shows along with additional mainstream recognition and benefits through partnering with tour creators, Red Frog Events, and title partner, Grunt Style.
“We are honored to be included in this distinguished group of aviation events and further provide aviation enthusiasts with increased opportunities to observe some of the world’s best pilots in both air racing and aerobatics. We’re excited to join the Grunt Style Air Show Majors Tour beginning in 2019 and expand our audience for the world’s fastest motorsport at the STIHL National Championship Air Races and provide fans with a one-of-a-kind experience,” said Fred Telling, CEO and Chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association.
Created by Red Frog Events in 2018 as the industry’s first unifying brand platform, the mission of Grunt Style Air Show Majors is to celebrate aviation, honor the military and increase mainstream awareness of aviation events in the air show industry. The STIHL National Championship Air Races joins SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo, the Bethpage Air Show, the Cleveland National Air Show, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Wings Over Houston Airshow and Thunder Over Michigan.
“We’re thrilled to add the Reno National Championship Air Races to the Grunt Style Air Show Majors,” says Scott Howard, Chief Revenue Officer at Red Frog Events. “This well-established event is among the best in the air show industry. We’re proud to now have a collection of six of the most prestigious shows in the country as we work to expand their reach nationally and engage new audiences and continue to elevate interest in air shows and aviation events. The goal is for aviation enthusiasts to immediately know that any event that is a part of the Grunt Style Air Show Majors is a best-in-class, must-attend event.”
The six 2019 Grunt Style Air Show Majors tour dates and locations include (in order of occurrence):
April 2 – 7, 2019: SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo, Lakeland, Florida
May 25 – 26, 2019: Bethpage Air Show, Jones Beach, Wantagh, New York
August 3 – 4, 2019: Thunder Over Michigan, Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan
August 31 – September 2, 2019: Cleveland National Air Show, Cleveland, Ohio
September 11 – 15, 2019: STIHL National Championship Air Races, Reno, Nevada
October 19 – 20, 2019: CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow, Houston, Texas
To learn more about Grunt Style Air Show Majors, visit airshowmajors.com
Here is your chance to experience the ride of a lifetime! Everyone with Reserved Grandstand tickets for Thursday, September 13th will be automatically entered to win an exclusive FREE ride with the John Klatt Airshow team! This ride will take place at the end of the day following the races and after all performances on Thursday’s schedule.
Feel the speed and thrill of riding with one of our performers at the 55th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races!
Rider must meet requirements:Must be 18 years or older, generally in good health, under 6’2’’ in height and must weigh less than 225 pounds.
The Patriots Jet Team will return to the Reno sky this year to entertain and thrill the spectators with its exhilarating aerobatic performances!
The Patriots Jet Team is the largest civilian-owned aerobatic jet team in the western hemisphere and features pilots who were formally U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Patriots Jet Team owner, Randy Howell had a vision of creating a six-jet aerobatic demonstration team that could entertain, inspire and educate today’s youth and he made this vision a reality beginning in 2004. The volunteer pilots all share the same genuine passion for entertaining audiences at air shows and events. The Patriots Jet Team encourages the nation’s youth to pursue careers in the aviation and aerospace fields.
As a team, the Patriots have logged over 105,000 hours of flight time and performed more than 1500 air shows. In the summer of 2012, the Patriots Jet Team moved locations to Byron, CA and into a 35,000 square foot Jet and Event Center, where the team can house all seven jets, and two MiG-17s, and the team’s mechanics are able to perform maintenance under the same roof. This state-of-the-art facility is also home to the Patriots Jet Team Foundation which brings aviation, space and hands-on STEM based curricula to America’s youth and provides students with a learning experience of a lifetime. Kids travel from all over to attend its science and aviation classes.
The Patriots Jet Team is very excited to be back this year to perform at the Reno Air Races,” said Randy Howell, Owner of the Patriots Jet Team. “We love the spectators, and we love the races.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
