North American Mustang III 306 Polish Squadron Christmas Card by Aviation Artist Chris French FGAvA
Snow Pony - The North American Mustang
Although the aircraft will forever be synonymous with its role in the USAAF and the 8th Air Force in particular, the P-51 was brought into fruition through a request by the British Purchasing Commission, who wanted the North American company to produce the Curtiss P-40 for them under licence. North American President. James "Dutch" Kindelberger was not enthusiastic about building another manufacturer's aircraft and proposed a new, better fighter to fly within 120 days. This aircraft, the NA-73 would become the prototype of over 15000 aircraft in the Mustang family, the British name given to the thoroughbred upon entering squadron service with 26 Squadron in January 1942.
Continually updated, the aircraft's biggest performance improvement came once re-engined with the Rolls-Royce Merlin, giving rise to the P-51B and C variants. These aircraft would also see service with RAF units as the Mustang III, many being fitted with the 'Malcolm' hood for better visibility and it is one of these that we see in Chris French's atmospheric Aviation Christmas Card
Product Features
- Card Size: 177mm x 127mm (7" x 5")
- Envelope Included
- Available as a Single card or a 4-pack of the the same design (Please select from dropdown menu)
- "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" printed inside.
