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The North American P-51 Mustang played a pivotal role in World War II, significantly impacting the air campaign in favor of the Allies. According to the Military Aviation Museum, 15,586 P-51 Mustangs were produced from 1941 to 1946. The P-51D model was particularly notable, with over 8,000 units manufactured, as reported by the Commemorative Air Force.
The Mustang earned its reputation as an effective fighter and protector of Allied bomber crews during perilous daylight raids. Although production ceased post-WWII, the aircraft continued to serve in various capacities, including defending United Nations troops during the Korean Conflict.
Initially designed for the UK amidst interest in other fighter models like the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk and Bell P-39 Airacobra, North American Aviation promised a superior aircraft. The first P-51 Mustang was test flown on April 23, 1941. Subsequent models like the P-51H arrived too late for WWII but were used later.
