Hobby Master Archive

The ML-KNIL received 40 P-51D’s during April and May of 1946. P-51D serial N3-640 was put in service with the 121 Squadron. Approximately one year later the number was changed to H-340 and in early 1949 went to the 120 Squadron to replace an old P-40. Eventually the ML-KNIL aircraft were handed over to the Indonesian Air Force (AURI) when they achieved independence. H-340 was renumbered as F-340 when it was turned over. There were several variations to these aircraft. H-322 and H-340 had blue spinners while H-307, H-309, H-319 and H-321 had red. Another difference was H-319, H-321 and H-340 had stencil style lettering while H-307 and H-309 solid lettering.

A point of interest concerning the Dutch P-51:

• H307 had a red spinner and solid style lettering
• H309 had a red spinner and solid style lettering
• H319 had a red spinner and stencil style lettering
• H321 had a red spinner and stencil style lettering
• H322 had a blue spinner and solid style lettering
• H340 had a blue spinner and stencil style lettering