"Miss AVA P-51D Mustang" women's hoodie

The North American P-51 Mustang is an iconic fighter aircraft of World War II, renowned for its performance, maneuverability, and versatility. Initially designed to fulfill a request from the British Army for a long-range escort fighter, the P-51 became one of the most successful aircraft of the war, playing a crucial role in Allied air supremacy. Its extensive range allowed it to escort and defend bombers all the way to Germany. It took 117 days from the first stroke of the pen to the first test flight.

Initially equipped with an Allison engine, the P-51 Mustang became a formidable high-altitude fighter with the installation of a more powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin British engine. This upgraded version was designated P-51B, P-51C, and P-51D.

The TF-51 Mustang, on the other hand, is a variant of the P-51 Mustang primarily used for training purposes. The "TF-51" indicates its role as a "Trainer Fighter." It features a dual cockpit to allow the instructor to sit behind the student pilot. This version retains all flight characteristics.

This Mustang was built in 1945 as a P-51D at the Dallas factory in Texas, United States, where it entered service with the U.S. Air Force. Shortly after delivery, it was transferred to the Royal New Zealand Air Force with serial number NZ2427; a country where it continued to fly under different owners until 2016. Acquired by W Aircollection in 2021 and fully restored to TF configuration in England, it touched down at La Ferté Alais airfield in 2023. Its colors represent those of a Mustang from the 23rd Fighter Group, 75th Fighter Squadron based in the China-Burma-India theater.