Hobby Master Archive

With the USAAF it was a P-51K and with the RAF it was a Mustang Mk. IVA which was the last version to see service with the RAF. Improvements with this version consisted of a bubble hood that gave the pilot increased visibility and six .50 cal machine guns. The RAF Mk. IVs and Mk. IVAs along with the some Mk. IIIs were used mainly for ground attack roles using bombs. With the use of drop tanks these aircraft were also used for long-range missions. It was the combination of the Mustangs range, speed and fire-power that made it such a deadly aircraft. The Mustang Mk. IVA was in service with the 112 Squadron from February 1945 until December 1946. In early May 1945 this particular aircraft KH774, GA-S was flown by Lt. Blanchford based at Cervia, Italy. They operated along the Adriatic coast of Italy doing fighter-bomber duties but also seemed to like attacking bridge targets. The 112 Squadron remained in Italy after the war had ended to perform occupation duties and were disbanded at Treviso on December 30th, 1946. Aircraft KH774 was Struck Off Charge (SOC) on February 27, 1947. The 112 Squadron was nicknamed the “Shark Squadron” because they were the first unit from any air force to use the shark mouth pattern on P-40s.

Specifications for Mustang P-51K or Mustang Mk. IVA Power Plant Engine - Packard V-1650-7, 1,649 cid Normal Take-off HP - 1,490 Emergency HP - 1,720 Dimensions Length - 32.25 ft Height - 13.67 ft Wingspan - 37.04 ft Wing Area - 233.19 sq-ft

Performance Speed Maximum - 437 mph Maximum Altitude @ Maximum Speed - 25,000 ft Normal Cruise - 325 mph Cruise Altitude - 10,000 ft Service Ceiling - 41,900 ft Maximum Internal Fuel - 269 US gal Maximum Fuel With Drop Tanks - 489 US gal Combat Range - 950 miles @ 377 mph @ 25,000 ft Range With Drop Tanks - 1,855 miles Optimum Speed And Altitude With Drop Tanks - 280 mph @ 10,000 ft Weights Empty - 7,635 lb Normal Take-Off - 10,100 lb Maximum Gross - 12,100 lb Armament Machine Guns - 6 x .50 caliber with 1,880 rounds Also capable of carrying Bombs - 2 x 1,000 lb Or 5 inch rockets

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series HA7702 North American Aviation Mustang Mk.IVA “GA-S” No.112 Squadron RAF Italy spring 1945

1/48 scale pre-finished Die-cast metal with a minimum of plastic. Professionally painted. All markings pad applied for superb results. Cockpit slides open. Comes with a pilot that can be removed. Comes with display stand. Can be displayed with landing gear up or down.