The North American P51 Mustang was one of the best known fighter planes of World War II. Its long range let it escort bombers deep into Germany and back.
Later versions used the British Rolls Royce Merlin engine, built under license in the United States, which greatly improved performance at high altitude.
Tuskegee Airmen
The Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military pilots in the U.S. Army Air Forces, flew P51s with red painted tails while escorting bombers.
Today
Dozens of Mustangs still fly at air shows, and Ohio’s National Museum of the U.S. Air Force displays examples.
See It in Person
Ohio is a great place to see military history up close. The National Museum of the United States Air Force near Dayton is free and displays hundreds of aircraft, and local veterans memorials, county historical societies, and VFW and American Legion posts across the state often display vehicles and artifacts. Thank a veteran when you visit.
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