P-51D Mustang with Unusual Drop Tanks

[jzichek]

Check out this article at RetroMechanix.com on a P-51D Mustang which was tested with a pair of unusual streamlined 150 gallon ferry tanks at Eglin Field, Florida in 1944-45:



The object of the tests was to determine the safe ferry range of the P-51D airplane. The article features 20 photos of the installation, as well as scans of the actual report itself. I've not seen this type of drop tank installation on a P-51 before, though they are described as "standard P-51B 150 gallon auxiliary tanks" modified for use on the P-51D.

Also, this article and all prior ones now feature thumbnails for easier navigation of the images.

-Jared

[Django]

That's interesting. I've not seen that before either. I bet they were deemed too expensive to produce for the aerodynamic gains.

[M.P.]

Two pictures of my collection show this installation at an RAF Mustang II.

[gary1954]

great old shots, but them is sommmmmme Fugly Aux-tanks...fugly

[The Inspector]

and airplanes with wheel covers are refered to as having 'pants' but aircraft with full strut covers are refered to as having 'spats' ??,
those look like with a flatter rear section, they almost could work as skis or mud skimmers