The twin mustang was first used in combat during the Korean War. Its first victory was accomplished by Lt. William G Hudson on June 27,1950. The mustang was flown by the pilot in the left fuselage. Another pilot was seated in the right fuselage available for any emergencies. It was armed with six .50 caliber machine guns, rockets and up to 7,200 lbs of bombs. It was powered by two 12 cylinder 1710-66 Allison engines. Each engine had 2,200 horse power. Maximum altitude was 42,000 feet. Maximum speed was 475 mph and its range was 1,600 miles.
In 1940 Great Britain was looking for a versatile fighter for its defense. North American said they could design and produce a new prototype in 117 days. Designed by Raymond Lice and Edger Schmitt, it was first flown October 26, 1940. In April 1942 the mustang entered service as a low level fighter-recon plane. Later in 1942 its preformance was improved by the installation of the British Rolls Royce Merlin Engine. Large scale production began in 1943. A total of 15,586 were produced. Its maximum speed at level flight was 437 mph.
