The Pacific Profiles book series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout the South and Southwest Pacific theatres. This Volume 12 covers the USAAF P-51 and F-6 Mustang series which served in New Guinea, the Philippines and then the Japanese islands, serving with a total of ten USAAF Fifth Air Force fighter and reconnaissance squadrons, and also with New Guinea's Combat Replacement Training Center. The book includes a final chapter of post-war transition markings for the three years until 1948.
Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside markings derivations, including squadron heraldry and codes. Until now there has been a paucity of markings material about Fifth Air Force Mustang units, especially the tactical reconnaissance and air commando squadrons. Each profile is supported by photos and/or documentation, along with a brief history of each aircraft. Wide-ranging primary reference material is cited including assignment data, squadron records, colour photography, maintenance logs, diaries and factory specifications. A brief history of each unit and the rationale of its associated markings accompanies the text.
The author is world-renowned for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before has the USAAF Fifth Air Force Mustang and its colourful markings been illustrated with such breadth, accuracy and detail.
Further History (not from this book)
The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang is an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II and the Korean War, among other conflicts. The Mustang was designed in April 1940 so entered operational service during later WW2 years. Interestingly, it was first developed for the RAF. The Mustang fast established itself as an effective bomber escort in the European theatre. The adversary, Messerschmitt Bf 109 had comparable performance at high altitudes, but its lightweight airframe was even more greatly affected by increases in armament. The Mustang's much lighter armament, tuned for anti-fighter combat, allowed it to overcome these single-engined opponents. The Mustang saw active service in the Korean War before the jet powered aircraft arrived. It was last used militarily by the Dominican Air Force in 1984. A wonderful example of WW2 fighters at their best and still hugely popular as civilian warbirds, air show exhibits and air racing aircraft. Tom Cruise flies a P-51 Mustang made in 1946...