Walk Around Photo Feature:       North American P-51D Mustang "The Rebel"

This is a Walk Around of a P-51D called 'The Rebel', I took these photos at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum's WWII Weekend and Air Show in June 2013. 

Doug Matthews and Classic Fighters of America are the owners and  operators of this North American P-51D Mustang "The Rebel" (Serial No. 44-84933)

Doug's Mustang is painted in the scheme of the Mustang flown by Joseph H. Joiner as a Captain in the 336th Fighter Squadron during World War II. Captain Joiner was decorated with the Air Medal (10 Oak Leaf Clusters) and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He flew with the 336th Fighter Squadron in the 8th Air Force’s 4th Fighter Group from May 25, 1944 to February 20, 1945. During this time, Captain Joiner had a total of 4.5 Air Victories and 4 ground victories.

The Mustang at a Glance:

The P-51 Mustang was a meeting of two developments that together became what is considered the best figher aircraft of WWII.  The airframe that was created by the American Aircraft Industry was extremely advanced both structurally and aerodynamically, and it was created in less than 120 days. The engine that was created by the British Motor Industry was very advanced for it's time and was a perfect compliment for the airframe, that engine being the now famous Rolls-Royce Merlin engine.

Over 15,000 aircraft were build and many remained in service until the Korean War, well into the Jet age.

There were 7,956 of the P-51D version built,  the main improvents were to the pilots vision by using the now trademark teardrop clear canopy which improved all around visibility.  Also a more powerful engine and an increased offensive armament improved its combat performance.

• Data Sheet 
• North American P-51D
• USA Fighter 1944
• Engine - Packard V-1650-7, 12 cylinder V, liquid-cooled, 1,612 hp
• Wingspan - 37 feet
• Length - 32 ft 3 in
• Height - 13 ft 8 in
• Takeoff weight 11,615 lbs
• Maximum speed 436 mph at 25,065 ft
• Ceiling 42,009 ft
• Range 949 miles
• Armament - 6 machine guns, 2,002 lbs of bombs
• Crew - 1

History / Previous Identities:

1944 Manufactured in Dallas Texas
1945 until 1957 U.S. Air Force #44-84933N
1957: sold surplus (McClellan AFB) 
1957: N2874D (Earl Dakin) 
1958: (Doug Brown) 
1962: (Kathleen Murphy) 
1964: (Edward Fleming) 
1965: CF-RUT 
1965: (Don McGillivary) 
1967: (Charles Roberts) 
1967: N201F (Futrell Aircraft Sales) 
1969: (Suffolk Flight Assoc.) 
1978: (John Mark)
2005: (Harry Barr) 
2007: (Doug Matthews) June - qualified at Reno for Sept. races 
2008: Registered as N151CF