>> Flightline | P-51D “Marinell”, G-MRLL
A legend in the air
The North American P-51 Mustang is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic fighters of the Second World War. Designed in 1940 by North American Aviation at the request of the British, it was initially powered by an Allison engine that performed poorly at altitude. But the arrival of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine changed all that: with this engine, the Mustang became the ideal bomber escort, fast, manoeuvrable and hard-wearing. The D version, with its bubble canopy and six machine guns, was the most produced.
Marinell, a true story
Marinell” was delivered to the RAF on 6 June 1944. It was assigned to the 504th Fighter Squadron, 339th Fighter Group, based at Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire. Assigned to Capt Bradford V. Stevens, the aircraft was named after his wife. In the space of a few weeks, it scored four air victories before being shot down on 13 August 1944 during a mission over Feuquières (France). The pilot, Second Lieutenant Myer R. Winkelman, was killed. The wreckage was later recovered and put on display in a museum.
Renaissance and back flying
In 1998, Maurice Hammond recovered the airframe and began a meticulous restoration. After more than 60 years, ‘Marinell’ took to the skies again in 2008. It became a fixture at British airshows until it was sold in 2016. In 2023, it returns to the UK under the ownership of Isabel Rutland, based in Duxford. Faithful to its original configuration, this P-51D differs only in the discreet addition of a passenger seat. It is now one of the most authentic Mustangs in flying condition.
Technical specifications
- Engine: Rolls-Royce Merlin V-1650-7, 12-cylinder V, 1,490 bhp
- Maximum speed: Approximately 703 km/h (437 mph)
- Wingspan: 11.28 m
- Length: 9.83 metres
- Empty weight: 3,465 kg
- Range: Over 2,600 km with drop tanks
- Original armament: 6 Browning M2 12.7 mm machine guns (not operational on this civilian model)
Aircraft type: Chasseur Pilot: Isabel Rutland Manufacturing date: 1944 Serial number: 44-13521