| Mustang Mk.X | |
|---|---|
 Mustang Mk.X AM203 in the third configuration tested with a high-speed paint finish applied by Sanderson and Holmes, the coachbuilders in Derby, UK. | |
| General information | |
| Type | Experimental aircraft |
| Manufacturer | North American Aviation |
| Built by | Rolls-Royce (modifications) |
| Primary users | Royal Air Force |
| Number built | 5 |
| History | |
| Introduction date | Experimental |
| First flight | 13 October 1942 |
| Developed from | North American P-51 Mustang |
The North American Mustang Mk.X,[1][2][3] also known as the "Rolls-Royce Mustang" or Mustang X, was an experimental variant of the North American Mustang I, (factory designation Model NA-73) where the Allison engine was replaced by a Rolls Royce Merlin. The improvements in performance led to the adoption of the Merlin, in the form of the licence-built Packard V-1650 version of the Merlin, in following production of the P-51 Mustang.
The Mustang, had been designed and developed by North American Aviation in 1940 to a requirement by the British Purchasing Commission for fighters to equip the Royal Air Force. However while the airframe was sound, the engine did not perform well at the high altitudes characteristic of air to air combat over Europe.[a] Rolls Royce took up a recommendation that the Mustang be tested with a Merlin engine and five aircraft were converted. The aircraft were tested by the British and then the US Army Air Forces.
It is distinct from the Merlin-powered P-51B/C that later followed.[4] The development proceeded incorporating a Rolls-Royce Merlin 65 medium-high altitude engine along with numerous modifications, in an experimental programme undertaken by Rolls-Royce in 1942.
- ^ "How the Rolls-Royce Merlin came to power the Mustang". www.key.aero. 14 July 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
- ^ "North American TP-51C Mustang". www.collingsfoundation.org. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
- ^ "1944 North American F-51D Mustang - N3451D". www.eaa.org. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
- ^ Willis, Matthew-Mustang the untold Story-Key Books 2002
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