Air Enthusiast 2002-09
J.Zichek - 'Unknown' North Americans
View of North American P-51D Mustang 44-14017, piloted by Lt.Elder, during trials aboard the U.S.S. "Shangri La", 14th November 1944.
P-51D 414017 (BuAer 57987) preparing for take-off with sailors of the VSS ‘Shangri La' looking on.
LI Bob Eldridge, pilot of the P-51D modified for carrier trials aboard the USS 'Shangri La’.
Overhead view of Lt Eldridge's P-51D on the carrier deck. Note the interesting visual effect produced by the propeller.
View of North American P-51D Mustang 44-14017, piloted by Lt.Elder, during trials aboard the U.S.S. "Shangri La", 14th November 1944. Note arrester hook behind tailwheel
The carrier modified P-51D takes the hook. Lt Eldridge noted the landing attitude was not ideal and required careful piloting to avoid damaging the aircraft.
Frontal perspective of the NA-133 all folded up, emphasising its shark-like nose. Based on North American artwork, the engine is believed to be the standard Packard Merlin V-1650-9 used in the Air Force 's P-51H, which gave the type excellent performance.
Artist's impression of Trainer Variant A, emphasising the radial engine, two- bladed propeller, and minimal armament of two machine guns, suitable for an advanced trainer.
P-51H in flight, showing details of its under surfaces. Notable is the tailhook installation, which resulted in longer tailwheel doors and a slight reduction in the lower part of the rudder.
Contemporary artwork of the NA-133 in a standard three-tone blue scheme on a carrier deck. Inset: A poor quality but revealing cutaway perspective drawing of the NA-133 showing major internal structure and equipment.
An artist's sketch of one version of North American's Mustang-inspired raidial-engined trainer study, in this case Variant B, which appears to have a stock P-51H fin and rudder.
North American NA-133, navalised P-51H Mustang.
North American Trainer with radial engine. (Variants B and C).
North American Trainer with radial engine. (Variant A).
A simple general arrangement drawing of the Mustang trainer from North American, labelled Variant A for sake of convenience.