Dragon Wings Warbirds Series Diecast Model North American P-51D Mustang USAF "Shark's Mouth" USAF 12th FBS, 18th FBG, January 1951 1:72 Scale - 50040 Wingspan: 6.25" Each Model Features: - Accurate mold
- 1/72 authentic scale
- High quality diecast metal
- Historically accurate
- Removable missiles
- Detailed cockpit
- Open or Closed Canopy option
- Engraved panel lines
- Moveable flight control surfaces
- Rotating propeller
- Ready to display
- Display In Flight or In Landing Mode (stand included)
About this aircraft:
At the start of the Korean War, the Mustang once again proved its usefulness. With the availability of F-51Ds in service and in storage, a substantial number were shipped via aircraft carriers to the combat zone for use initially by both the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) and USAF. Rather than employing them as interceptors or "pure" fighters, the F-51 was given the task of ground attack, fitted with rockets and bombs. After the initial invasion from North Korea, USAF units were forced to fly from bases in Japan, and F-51Ds could hit targets in Korea that short-ranged F-80 jet fighters could not. A major concern over the vulnerability of the cooling system was realized in heavy losses due to ground fire. Mustangs continued flying with USAF, Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), South African Air Force (SAAF) and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) fighter-bomber units on close support and interdiction missions in Korea until they were largely replaced by Republic F-84 and Grumman Panther jet fighter-bombers in 1953. The South Africans continued to fly their 95 Mustangs in Korea but lost many of them by 1952. |