Hobby Master 1/48 HA7757 P-51D-5-NA Mustang “Mildred” 357 FG, 362 FS, USAAF, Leiston, UK, June 1944 - £74.99

This Limited Edition of only 400 model worldwide

Reserve this model today for only £1, with the balance (£73.99) due once the model is received into stock. With free Cancel anytime prior to dispatch.

In June 1944, the 357th Fighter Group operated the P-51D Mustang 'Midred' from RAF Leiston in England during the period surrounding the Normandy invasion. The aircraft flew long range escort missions protecting Allied bombers over occupied Europe and Germany. Like other Mustangs of the 357th FG, 'Midred' carried distinctive nose art and squadron markings reflecting pilot identity and unit pride. The P-51D provided excellent speed, range, and maneuverability, allowing effective engagement of German fighters. Pilots of the 357th Fighter Group contributed heavily to gaining air superiority during the critical summer campaign of 1944.

Designed to meet an RAF requirement for fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, the P-51 Mustang was first flown on October 26th, 1940. This versatile aircraft was capable of escorting bombers on long-range missions, engaging in dogfights, and dropping down to destroy German targets on the ground. At least eight versions of the P-51 were produced, but it was the definitive P-51D that gave the Mustang its classic warbird appearance. Britain and the US both tested the airframe with the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, which gave the aircraft tremendous performance gains. The Truman Senate War Investigating Committee called the Mustang "the most aerodynamically perfect pursuit plane in existence."