With the USAAF it was a P-51K and with the RAF it was a Mustang Mk. IVA which was the last
version to see service with the RAF. Improvements with this version consisted of a bubble hood
that gave the pilot increased visibility and six .50 cal machine guns. The RAF Mk. IVs and Mk.
IVAs along with the some Mk. IIIs were used mainly for ground attack roles using bombs. With the
use of drop tanks these aircraft were also used for long-range missions. It was the combination of
the Mustangs range, speed and fire-power that made it such a deadly aircraft.
The Mustang Mk. IVA was in service with the 112 Squadron from February 1945 until December
1946. In early May 1945 this particular aircraft KH774, GA-S was flown by Lt. Blanchford based
at Cervia, Italy. They operated along the Adriatic coast of Italy doing fighter-bomber duties but
also seemed to like attacking bridge targets. The 112 Squadron remained in Italy after the war
had ended to perform occupation duties and were disbanded at Treviso on December 30th,
1946. Aircraft KH774 was Struck Off Charge (SOC) on February 27, 1947. The 112 Squadron
was nicknamed the “Shark Squadron” because they were the first unit from any air force to use
the shark mouth pattern on P-40s.

Specifications for Mustang P-51K or Mustang Mk. IVA
Power Plant
Engine - Packard V-1650-7, 1,649 cid
Normal Take-off HP – 1,490
Emergency HP – 1,720

Dimensions
Length – 32.25 ft
Height – 13.67 ft
Wingspan – 37.04 ft
Wing Area – 233.19 sq-ft

Performance
Speed
Maximum – 437 mph
Maximum Altitude @ Maximum Speed – 25,000 ft
Normal Cruise – 325 mph
Cruise Altitude – 10,000 ft
Service Ceiling – 41,900 ft
Maximum Internal Fuel – 269 US gal
Maximum Fuel With Drop Tanks – 489 US gal
Combat Range – 950 miles @ 377 mph @ 25,000 ft
Range With Drop Tanks – 1,855 miles
Optimum Speed And Altitude With Drop Tanks – 280 mph @ 10,000 ft

Weights
Empty – 7,635 lb
Normal Take-Off – 10,100 lb
Maximum Gross – 12,100 lb

Armament
Machine Guns - 6 x .50 caliber with 1,880 rounds
Also capable of carrying
Bombs – 2 x 1,000 lb
Or
5 inch rockets

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