North American P-51D/ K Mustang and Cavalier F-51D Conversion (SMI Library)

• An invaluable modelers guide to the P-51D/K Mustang and Cavalier F-51D conversion

The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang, designed and built by North American Aviation, was a long-range single-seat World War II fighter aircraft. Less than three months after the contract was signed, the prototype NA-73X airframe was rolled out, and although it was still minus an engine, this was a remarkable feat of aviation engineering that changed the face of aerial warfare.

The first production Mustangs were used by the Royal Air Force as tactical-reconnaissance aircraft and fighter-bombers; then as bomber escorts in raids over Germany by the USAAF's Eighth Air Force.

The D- model development began in 1943, with a view to improving the poor rearward visibility and inadequate firepower of the four machine guns, which were prone to jamming. The P-51D included a Plexiglass bubble canopy mounted in a very deep, rubber-lined metal sill and six .50 caliber machine guns, mounted upright instead of at an angle to minimize jams. The P-51K Mustang was similar to the P-51D, but had a Aeroproducts propeller instead of the Hamilton propeller used for the B, C and D models.

Many P-51Ds were refurbished and renamed as Cavaliers F-51Ds after their military service, gaining a new lease of life as well equipped civilian business aircraft.

This book contains invaluable information on these two lives of the P-51 Mustang for the enthusiast and modeler, including many black and white photos never seen before, and highly detailed color profiles of the D/K variant, by far the most numerous P-51 model and also the best known.