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The Naval Mustangs

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Modifications were similar to those carried out on the ETF-51D. The airframe of the NAA-133 would have been strengthened. This was particularly important as the P-51H airframe was lighter but not as sturdy as that of the P-51D. It also included a folding wing design. Two external drop tanks would have been fitted on the wingtips. The rear part of the fuselage was more heavily modified to accommodate the tailhook: the tailwheel doors were lengthened to fit the entire tailhook. The lower part of the rudder was cut out, to make space for the tailhook when in retracted position. Also, the twin dorsal antennas of the standard P-51H were replaced by a single antenna.

The ETF-51D prototype about to catch the arrester cable upon landing. Elder complained that aircraft attitude upon landing had to be precisely controlled, or the airframe would be damaged. (Photo: US Navy).

The NAA-133 project never went further than the design stage. However, the US Navy did continue to play with the idea of navalized Mustangs for some time. In August 1945, P-51H-5-NA #44-64420 was transferred from the Army Air Forces to the Navy. It was used to determine whether the P-51H had low-speed performance that would allow it to operate from carriers. The handling of the aircraft at approach speeds was considered adequate and much better than that of the P-51D. Once this had been ascertained, no further testing was undertaken for some time.

In late 1947, another P-51H was borrowed by the US Navy: P-51H-10-NA #44-64700. This aircraft was modified by the Naval Aircraft Factory and received a center-line catapult attachment point. The aircraft was used to test new catapult equipment. A few catapult launches were made at different weights, and the type was considered suitable for catapulting with no further modification.

Had the naval Mustang entered operational service, this is what it could have looked like. Based on a VF-4 F6F Hellcat's livery in early 1945. Profile by Gaëtan Marie.

Obviously, the Navy was interested in the Mustang's long range at a time when early jets had very short “legs” and could not stay over the battlefield or stand patrol for extended periods. Nonetheless, navalized versions of the P-51H appear not to have been attractive enough to warrant further interest. Attempts to navalize the Mustang thus came to an end and the “Seahorse” became an amusing and little-known “what-if” part of aviation history.

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