October 26, 1940 - The North American P-51 Mustang (right) flies for the first time. Originally developed for the British, the P-51 became one of the iconic American fighters of World War II. Arriving in late 1943, the P-51B was key to maintaining the Combined Bomber Offensive against Germany. Prior to its arrival daylight bombing raids routinely sustained heavy losses as current Allied fighters lacked the range to escort bombers for the duration of their missions. The definitive version of the aircraft, the P-51D, featured a distinctive bubble canopy and reached the frontlines in 1944. Agile, with great performance, the Mustang downed 4,950 German aircraft - more than any other Allied fighter. Retained after the war, it saw service in Korea as a ground attack aircraft. Share your favorite World War II aircraft or your thoughts on the P-51.
Photograph Courtesy of the US Air Force
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