The P-51 Mustang's development is one of the more remarkable procurement stories of the war: North American Aviation designed the airframe in roughly 117 days after the British Purchasing Commission approached them in 1940, originally intending a licensed Curtiss Hawk production run. The RAF flew early Allison-engined versions in low-altitude reconnaissance roles before Rolls-Royce engineers informally suggested the Merlin engine swap that transformed the aircraft's high-altitude performance entirely.
The Isle of Man series of aviation crowns, produced through the 1990s, was struck by Pobjoy Mint on the island's behalf.
The P-51 Mustang's development is one of the more remarkable procurement stories of the war: North American Aviation designed the airframe in roughly 117 days after the British Purchasing Commission approached them in 1940, originally intending a licensed Curtiss Hawk production run. The RAF flew early Allison-engined versions in low-altitude reconnaissance roles before Rolls-Royce engineers informally suggested the Merlin engine swap that transformed the aircraft's high-altitude performance entirely.
The Isle of Man series of aviation crowns, produced through the 1990s, was struck by Pobjoy Mint on the island's behalf.