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Berkshire County This program is supported in parts by Grants from the Local Cultural Councils of Northern Berkshire, Pittsfield, Dalton, Sheffield, Hinsdale-Peru, Richmond, Egremont-Alford, Windsor, Lee, Stockbridge, Sandisfield, Tyringham, and Washington Local Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency."

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North American P-51 "Mustang"

Developed with the on set of WWII , the P-51 "Mustang" became one of the greatest fighter intercepeter and long range bomber escort aircraft of the war. Piloted by a single pilot with a maximum air speed of 435 mph, the aircraft out performed the Japanese Mitsubishi "Zero", German Messerschmitts Bf-109 and shot down a few of the German Jet Fighter Me 262. Powered by a 1,600 hp, liquid cooled engine and a distinctive 4 or 5 blade, 11' diameter propeller that enhanced its performance at high altitudes. The "Mustang" was first pressed into service in 1942 with the British RAF designated as the Mustang Mark I. There were many variants with engines, weight reduction and aeronautical designs, a major improvement was the introduction of a bubble canopy this gave the pilot improved visibility in all directions, often allowing the pilot to see the enemy aircraft first. Armed with (6) .50 caliber machine guns mounted it its wings and the ability to deliver (2) 500 lb bombs or (8) rockets, the "Mustang" provided the allied forces a respected aircraft that continued to see service after WWII in Israel and China.

Edward Goethe, Housatonic, MA photographed various aircraft as he served with the 389th Air Service Squadron of the 5th Air Corps, Ed island hopped from Australia to Layte of the Philippine Islands.

All screens best viewed in 800x600 resolution and utilize a  progressive JPEG  format. Photos are encoded with copyright, and information in Adobe Photoshop Info File.

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Christy Butler **** www.shoeboxphotos.net **** **** butts@bcn.net