Description

70072 F-6D/K Mustang 1/72

Arma Hobby 70072 F-6D/K Mustang is a 1/72 scale model depicting the reconnaissance variants of the P-51D and P-51K fighters. These aircraft combined photographic reconnaissance duties with the full combat capabilities of the fighter versions.

The kit offers a choice of two Mustangs from the final stages of the Second World War: an Air Commando aircraft serving in Burma, additionally armed with “bazooka” rocket launchers, or a reconnaissance aircraft based in Okinawa whose pilot scored some of the last aerial victories of the war.

Key features

• A modern Arma Hobby model in 1/72 scale, based on the newly developed P-51D/K Mustang kit.
• Parts to build an F-6D or F-6K reconnaissance variant with camera installations.
• Underwing “bazooka” rocket launchers for the aircraft from Burma.
• A detailed cockpit, landing gear and airframe surfaces.
• Decals for two historical aircraft.
• Canopy painting masks.

Marking options

1. F-6D-15-NA Mustang – Lt. Frank Hefner, 2nd Fighter Squadron, 2nd Air Commando Group, Burma, 1945

An Air Commando Mustang operating in Burma, depicted with underwing M8 “bazooka” rocket launchers. The unit carried out reconnaissance, fighter and ground-attack missions.

2. F-6K-15-NT Mustang “We Three” – Maj. George Noland, 110th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group, Ie Shima, Okinawa, 1945

The reconnaissance Mustang flown by the commander of the 110th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, operating from Ie Shima. On 14 August 1945, Major George Noland shot down two Japanese fighters, scoring the last officially credited aerial victories by Mustangs during the Second World War.

F-6D/K Mustang – Armed Reconnaissance Fighter

The F-6D and F-6K reconnaissance Mustangs were developed by adapting P-51D and P-51K fighters for aerial photography. They retained their full armament of six 12.7 mm (.50 calibre) machine guns, as well as the performance and combat capabilities of their fighter counterparts. F-6D/K pilots successfully engaged enemy aircraft in aerial combat, and several achieved ace status.

K-17, K-22 or K-24 cameras were installed in the rear fuselage, allowing vertical and oblique photography from high altitudes or during high-speed passes over enemy positions. The pilot operated the cameras from the cockpit, using special aiming marks on the wing and canopy. Reconnaissance missions included monitoring troop movements, airfields and transportation routes, as well as assessing the results of bombing raids.

In Burma, F-6D Mustangs served with the 2nd Air Commando Group, a formation providing comprehensive air support to troops operating behind Japanese lines. Its aircraft carried out reconnaissance, fighter and ground-attack missions. The group's Mustangs, including reconnaissance aircraft, were also equipped with underwing M8 rocket launchers, commonly known as "bazookas".

In the Pacific, F-6Ks served with units including the 110th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, conducting reconnaissance over the Japanese home islands. On 14 August 1945, the squadron commander, Major George Noland, flying a camera-equipped Mustang, shot down two Japanese fighters. These were the last officially credited aerial victories by Mustangs during World War II, demonstrating that even in their reconnaissance configuration, these aircraft remained fully capable fighters.