North American Aviation - North American P-51D Mustang

About North American Aviation - North American P-51D Mustang

The North American P-51D Mustang, bearing registration N5420V and affectionately known as 'Swamp Fox,' is a legendary single-engine, single-seat fighter aircraft. Originally built for the USAAF in 1944 as 44-74202, this P-51D-25NA model is celebrated for its exceptional speed, range, and dogfighting capabilities. It features a distinctive bubble canopy for superior pilot visibility and is powered by a powerful Packard-Rolls Royce V-1650 Merlin engine. This specific aircraft has a rich operational history, serving with various USAAF units and then with the Colorado Air National Guard, before being declared surplus in 1957. Since then, it has been meticulously restored and maintained, achieving its first flight in airworthy condition in 2012. It now actively participates in airshows and events, frequently winning accolades such as the EAA Airventure Best Fighter award. Its remarkable performance and status as a coveted warbird make it a prominent example of restored aviation heritage. RESTORATION The P-51D Mustang underwent a complete restoration from 2007 to 2012. The restoration was managed by Jeff Harris at Allied Fighters in Chino, California with Mike Breshears of Vintage Airframes in Caldwell, ID doing a majority of the work. Also providing support during the restoration was Fighter Rebuilders (Chino, CA) and Westpac Restorations (Colorado Springs, CO). Roush Aviation in Michigan overhauled the Packard Merlin engine. After several decades on the ground, N5420V’s first flight after restoration was mid-May 2012. The current owner bought the plane in June of 2012 and had it painted as the last mount of then, Lt. Will Foard – “Swamp Fox” C5-A, 364th Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, based out of Leiston, England. The current owner considers themselves trustee of this important piece of history and want to preserve it by honoring all those past present and future that have served the U.S. Armed Forces. On December 2, 2012, Lt. Col. Will Foard, USAF (ret), surrounded by family and friends, had the opportunity to see this Mustang restored as his during WWII. After lunch, Lt. Col Foard strapped into the rear seat of Swamp Fox and rode with Robert as they flew in formation with two other 357th FG P-51s (Gentleman Jim & Ain’t Misbehavin’). Lt. Col Will Foard, USAF (ret), then a young USAAF Lt., grew up in the Carolina’s. Since he was flying and fighting out of England, Will thought it would be funny to name his plane after the famous American Revolutionary hero from South Carolina, Col Francis Marion. Marion was hated by the British and gave him the moniker “Swamp Fox”. HISTORY Delivered to the USAAF on May 7, 1945, 44-74202 remained state side for its military service. It was sold surplus at the famous McClellan AFB auction in 1957. It flew for several years and was then taken apart and stored for many years until 2007 when it was sold and entered a five year restoration by Vintage Airframes / Allied Fighters. The restoration as completed in 2012 and the Mustang was painted to represent a 357th FG Mustang “Swamp Fox”. It has been a regular airshow performer for the past twelve years. P-51D-25NA, s/n 44-74202 (now painted as s/n 44-15660) ​Manufactured by North American Aviation, Inglewood CA and delivered to the USAAF on 7 May 1945 May 1945 – To 445th Fighter Squadron (Fourth Air Force), Bakersfield AAF CA JUL 1945 – To Santa Maria AAF CA OCT 1945 – To 412th Fighter Group (Continental Air Force), Santa Maria AAF CA DEC 1945 – To 420th AAF Base Unit (CAF), March AAF CA FEB 1946 – To 4160th AAF Base Unit (Air Materiel Command), Hobbs AAF NM (storage) JUN 1947 – To San Antonio Air Materiel Center, Kelly AFB TX (storage) JUL 1948 – To 27th Fighter Group (Strategic Air Command), Kearney AFB NE (to F-51D, deployment to Bergstrom AFB TX) MAR 1949 – To 120th Fighter Squadron (Air National Guard), Buckley Field CO NOV 1950 – To 140th Fightet Wing (ANG), Buckley Field APR 1951 – To 140th Fighter-Bomber Wing (Tactical Air Command), Buckley Field MAY 1952 – To Clovis AFB NM JAN 1953 – To 50th Fighter-Bomber Wing (TAC), Clovis AFB JUL 1953 – To 165th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (ANG), Standiford AP KY OCT 1956 – To Sacramento Air Materiel Area, McClellan AFB CA SEPT 1957 – Dropped from inventory as surplus Engine: Packard V-1650-7 Time since overhaul 518.1 Hrs. by Roush Aviation 0 Hrs. since top overhaul by Fighter Enterprises Spares: 2 x V-1650-7 Cams – NOS – inspected by Roush Aviation 1 x Header Tank – overhauled by Roush Aviation 1 x box Miscellaneous Merlin engine parts 1 x Hamilton Standard 24D50 Propeller Hub and Dome / NOS 1 x set Exhaust Stacks 1 x set Outer Exhaust Shrouds – New 1 x set Inner Exhaust Shrounds – Serviceable 1 x Coolant Door Actuator 1 x spare radiator 1 x Oil Cooler regulator 1 x Hydraulic Tank 1 x Flap actuators 2 x Generators 4 x Starters 1 x Vacuum pump 2 x Boost fuel pumps 1 x box of Miscellaneous brakes 2 x Brake master cylinders 1 set P-51 landing gear – complete

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