The only difference between the North American P-51B and C variants was the B was built in Inglewood and the C in Dallas. The B variant first flew on May 5, 1943 and the C variant first flew on August 5, 1943. The B variant saw 1,988 built while the C variant saw 1,750 built. On December 1, 1943 the P-51B Mustang flew its first combat mission and in March 1944 provided bomber escort to Berlin.

The Aircraft

P-51B Mustang 43-24283 c/n 102-24700 originally was assigned to Bud Anderson as “old Crow”. When Bud moved on the aircraft was assigned to Lt. Bill Overstreet also from the 357th FG. Overstreet had the new name “Berlin Express” painted on the left side of the engine cowling and a winged Mustang on the right side. One thing Bill was known for was flying aircraft under special structures. He once flew under the Golden Gate Bridge and most famously pursuing a German aircraft under the Eiffel Tower and shooting it down.

• P-51B/C Production: 3,738
• B: 1,988 produced at Inglewood plant
• C: 1,750 produced at Dallas plant
• Dimensions
• Length: 32.25 ft
• Wingspan: 37.04 ft
• Height: 13.67 ft
• Weight
• Empty: 6,985 lbs
• Normal T/O: 9,800 lbs
• Maximum Gross: 11,800 lbs
• Performance
• Power Plant: 1 X Packard (Rolls Royce) V-1650-3-7 producing 1,380 hp in the B variant and 1,490 hp in the C variant
• Maximum Speed: 439 mph @ 25,000 ft
• Service Ceiling: 41,800 ft
• Range
• B – 1,180 miles
• C – 1,900 miles
• Armament
• 4 x .50 cal machine guns with 1,260 rounds
• 2 x 1,000 lb bombs or rockets