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North American TF-51D Mustang

The newest addition to the Foundation's historic fighter aircraft. TF-51D Mustang "Toulouse Nuts" received the recognition as Grand Champion at the 2016 Oshkosh AirVenture.

Additional Images
Aircraft Specs
  • Wingspan 37 feet 0 inches
  • Length 32 feet 3 inches
  • Height 13 feet 8 inches
  • Empty Weight 7,450 pounds
  • Max. Weight 11,200 pounds
  • Powerplant 1 Packard Merlin V-1650-7 1300 hp
  • Armament 6 Wings Mounted .50 Cal Machine Guns
  • Crew 1
  • Max Speed 440 mph
  • Service Ceiling 30,000 feet
  • Range 1,600 miles with two drop tanks
Media
  • TF-51D Panorama

    3-D panoramic images of Toulouse Nuts

  • Toulouse Nuts walk-around

    TF-51D Mustang "Toulouse Nuts" at Oshkosh prior to judging.

Fast, well made with the ability to fly long distances, the North American P-51 Mustang became one of the world’s most successful and recognizable aircraft. The bombing missions over the skies of Europe were taking very heavy losses from Luftwaffe fighters. The allied aircrews desperately needed an escort fighter that could stay with the bombers deep into enemy territory and back to base on every mission. The P-51 Mustang was the immediate choice. Within a very short period, the P-51 was affectionately nicknamed by the bomber crews as their “Little Friend.” The P-51B and C were the first fighters to escort the allied bombers all the way to Germany and back. The P-51 Mustang and the pilots who flew them saved countless lives in the skies and on the ground, and perhaps turned the tide of the war.

After WWII, the USAAF consolidated much of its fighter aircraft. Most piston powered fighters served substantially reduced roles as more advanced jet powered aircraft emerged. The Mustang still proved useful serving in the Korean War and state-side in the Air Force Reserves and National Air Guard. TF-51D Mustangs (two-seat trainers) were used to train fighter pilots until the jet-trainers such as the T-33 Shooting Star were fully utilized. The Foundation’s TF-51D is one of three original TF-51Ds remaining in the world. This fighter will be painted in its original markings as a West Virginia Air Guard, 167th Fighter Squadron P-51 called “Toulouse Nuts.”

2016 Oshkosh AirVenture Grand Champion, “Toulouse Nuts” is one of the world’s finest TF-51D restorations to date. Tens of thousands of hours went into rebuilding this fighter to “brand new” condition. Every surface, rivet, wire and instrument is perfect. The 1450 hp Merlin engine looks like it just came off the factory floor. Think of this fighter as a flying sculpture you can experience! We offer Flight Training in “Toulouse Nuts.”

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COVID-19 Event Cancellations & Closure

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts, the Father's Day Open House / "Tanks, Wings, & Wheels" event in partnership with the American Heritage Museum has been CANCELLED for June 20-21, 2020. Additionally, the American Heritage Museum is CLOSED until Phase III re-openings are announced in the state. We will make announcements here and on our Facebook page when re-opening is announced.