- Yes
- No
Mustang Mk.1 - The Soviet Stallion
Introduction
The Mustang Mk. I is unique Aircraft when it comes to Soviet lend lease during World War II. Supplied to the USSR by the RAF, this early variant of the iconic P-51 Mustang was used in training and studies.
History
The Mustang Mk.1 marked the beginning of what would become one of the most iconic Allied fighter aircraft of World War II. Originally developed by North American Aviation for the British Royal Air Force (RAF), the Mustang was born from a 1940 British request for a new fighter aircraft. In a remarkable feat of engineering, North American designed, built, and flew the prototype within 117 days. The aircraft, designated NA-73X, impressed the RAF with its performance and modern features.
The Mustang Mk.1, the first production version, was powered by an Allison V-1710 engine, which provided good performance at low to medium altitudes. It’s armament included four .303 Browning machine guns in the wings and four .50 caliber machine guns two in the wings and two mounted under the engine in the fuselage. It also featured design elements such as a laminar-flow wing, which contributed to its high speed and efficiency.
The RAF began receiving the Mustang Mk.1 in late 1941. They were initially employed in tactical reconnaissance and ground-attack roles, particularly effective in low-level operations over France and the Low Countries. While the aircraft lacked high-altitude performance — a flaw due to the limitations of the Allison engine — it was still a valuable asset for missions within its optimal altitude envelope.
By the time the U.S. Army Air Forces took interest in the design, improvements were already underway, leading to future versions with Rolls-Royce Merlin engines. These upgrades transformed the Mustang into a dominant long-range escort fighter.
The Soviet Mustang Mk. I, a rare Lend-Lease aircraft provided to the USSR during World War II, this aircraft featured advanced engineering of North American Aviation’s iconic design such as a sleek airframe powered by the Allison V-1710-39 liquid-cooled V-12 engine capable of delivering 1,150 horsepower, enabling a maximum speed of approximately 390 mph at 12,000 feet.
Soon after initial deliveries to the RAF the Soviets got their hands on at least 10 Mustang Mk I fighters from the RAF. The Soviets put the planes through their paces at the State Air Force Research Institute in June 1942, but the Mustangs didn’t impress, current Soviet fighters like the Yak-7B and Bell P-39 Airacobra were rated higher. So, the Mustangs were shuffled off to training roles. Five ended up with the 6th Reserve Brigade near Ivanovo, where pilots used them to get familiar with American aircraft. Another two went to the Air Force Academy and the Central AeroHydrodynamic Institute for more testing and training.
Nevertheless, the Mustang Mk.1 holds historical significance as the foundation of the Mustang lineage. It proved North American’s ability to innovate rapidly and provided the Allies with a much-needed aircraft during a critical phase of the war, laying the groundwork for one of WWII’s greatest fighter aircraft.
Specifications
General Information:
- Origin: United States
- USSR Received: 10 (from the RAF in late 1941 shortly after the RAF received theirs)
- Crew: 1
Dimensions
- Length: 32 ft 3 in (9.83 m)
- Wingspan: 37 ft 0 in (11.28 m)
- Height: 12 ft 2 in (3.71 m)
Performance:
- Engine: Allison V-1710-39 liquid-cooled V-12 engine
- Power Output: 1,150 hp (860 kW)
- Maximum Speed: 390 mph (630 km/h) at 12,000 ft (3,658 m)
- Range: 750 miles (1,210 km)
- Service Ceiling: 31,000 ft (9,450 m)
- Rate of Climb: 1,900 ft/min (579 m/min)
Armament:
- Machine Guns:
- 2 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns mounted in the nose, with 300 rounds per gun (total of 600 rounds)
- 2 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns in the wings, also with 300 rounds per gun (600 rounds total)
- 2 × 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns mounted outboard in the wings, each with 814 rounds (total of 1,628 rounds)
- 2 × 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns mounted inboard in the wings, with 932 rounds per gun (total of 1,864 rounds)