P-51D Mustang

The P-51D Mustang is widely regarded as one of the best fighter aircraft of World War 2. It was designed as a bomber escort fighter and could protect allied bombers on long-range missions. It could fly higher, faster and further than most other fighter aircraft of that era, and with its six 50 Cal machine guns, it was a formidable weapon. Mustangs also served in the Korean conflict as fighter and ground attack aircraft.

Image: P-51D Mustang - Photo by Gavin Conroy

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) acquired thirty P-51D Mustangs from an intended order of 370 examples. However, with the end of WW-II, the RNZAF cancelled the remaining order. The 30 examples delivered went on to serve with the four TAF units based in Otago, Canterbury, Wellington and Auckland.

This particular Mustang is a late model P-51 manufactured in the North American plant at Inglewood, California. It was delivered to the US Air Force in 1945 and did not see active service. However, in 1951 it was transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force, remaining with them until 1959, following which it had several American private owners until 1984 when Sir Tim Wallis brought it to New Zealand. During this period, the aircraft was repainted in the colours of Nr 3 (Canterbury Territorial) Squadron, RNZAF, which operated Mustangs in the 1950s.

Graham Bethell purchased the Mustang in 1990 and has been displaying this aircraft at events around New Zealand for most of the last two decades. Graham has confirmed that at this stage, the Mustang will be back at Classic Fighters in 2023, but it does come with one condition. The aircraft is currently up for sale, so its appearance is sales-dependent. We're keeping our fingers crossed for at least one more hurrah next Easter!

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About Yealands Classic Fighters Omaka: The airshow is the main fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Blenheim, Marlborough NZ.