P-51 Mustang
Specs, top speed, range and facts
The P-51 Mustang is a world War II long-range escort fighter built by North American in the USA. It first flew in 1940 and entered service in 1942. Combine a low-drag airframe with the Merlin engine to escort bombers deep into Germany and back.
- Top speed703 km/h (437 mph)
- Range2,755 km (1,712 miles)
- First flight1940
- Wingspan11.3 m (37 ft)
P-51 Mustang specs
| Top speed | 703 km/h (437 mph) |
|---|
| Range | 2,755 km (1,712 miles) |
|---|
| Service ceiling | 12,770 m (41,896 ft)P-51D. |
|---|
| Length | 9.8 m (32 ft) |
|---|
| Wingspan | 11.3 m (37 ft) |
|---|
| Height | 4.1 m (13 ft) |
|---|
| Max takeoff weight | 5.5 t (12,125 lb) |
|---|
| Crew and capacity | 1 pilot |
|---|
| Engines | 1 × Packard Merlin V12 |
|---|
| First flight | 1940 |
|---|
| Entered service | 1942 |
|---|
| Built by | North American (USA) |
|---|
P-51 Mustang facts
- A long-range escort fighter that could shepherd bombers all the way to Berlin and back.
- Powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin built under license by Packard.
Quick quiz
When did the P-51 Mustang first fly?
In 1940.
Who built the P-51 Mustang?
North American, in the USA.
How fast can the P-51 Mustang fly?
Its top speed is 703 km/h (437 mph).
How far can the P-51 Mustang fly?
About 2,755 km (1,712 miles).
Photos, a true-scale silhouette, quizzes, flashcards, the Size Lab and the Sky Run game.
P-51 Mustang vs similar aircraft
More historic aircraft
All historic aircraft · All aircraft