North American Red Tail P-51C "Mustang"
The P-51C is most recognizable by the razor back canopy that was used by the early Mustangs in WWII and is one of only five P-51 Razorbacks still flying today. The Red Tail signifies the tail markings of the Tuskegee Airmen that flew in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations during WWII. The Indianapolis Air Show is proud to have the Red Tail Mustang on static display with the Rise Above Exhibit and also as a flying exhibit during the show with P-51 aerobatics and warbird fly-bys.
This particular Mustang was built by North American Aviation in its Dallas, TX plant and the US Army Air Force took possession of it on April 7th, 1944. It then served out the remainder of the war as a training aircraft in Florida and Georgia at which point it was declared surplus and ended up on static display at Montana State College until the mid 1980’s. At that point it was purchased by the Minnesota Wing of the Commemorative Air Force and restored to flying condition in 2001. Unfortunately it was involved in a fatal accident in 2004 and its future unclear. The Minnesota Wing did not let the adversity of the accident derail it from its mission of displaying this rare aircraft in flying condition and again took up the restoration challenge and had it back on the air show circuit in 2009. The Indianapolis Air Show is proud to have the P-51C Red Tail making its first appearance at the 2012 event as part of the Rise Above Exhibit.
|
Be sure to come early and enjoy the multitude of exhibits and displays as well as an expanded food & drink selection, exhibits, and many static displays of airplanes you can see up close and personal.
Performers, Schedule & Events are subject to change.
