The P-51 was the most successful long-range fighter escort of World War II. The first Mustangs were built with Allison engines; while remarkable at low altitudes, these variants were considered under-powered and disappointing at higher altitudes. In late 1942 the aircraft was transformed after fitting the Rolls Royce Merlin engine in P-51B & C models.  

The P-51D’s range was an incredible 2,055m (3,327km), thanks to its huge fuel capacity of 1,000 litres internally and 815 litres in drop tanks. Equally impressive was a level maximum speed of 437mph (703kph) at 25,000 feet, a max diving speed of 505mph (818kph) and a service ceiling of 41,900 feet (12,800m).

The above painting shows “Ferocious Frankie”, in the distinguishing colours of Wallace E. Hopkins the aircraft being named after his wife Frankie.