Time Period: World War II
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Fighter Aircraft, Interceptor Aircraft
Manufacturer: North American Aviation
North American F-82 Twin Mustang Aircraft Overview
The North American F-82 Twin Mustang was a twin-engine fighter aircraft developed by North American Aviation during the early years of the Cold War. It was designed to be a long-range escort fighter capable of flying extended missions over the Pacific and other remote regions.
The F-82 Twin Mustang was essentially two P-51 Mustangs joined together with a center wing section and a shared tail assembly. It was powered by two Packard-built Rolls-Royce Merlin V-1650 engines, each of which could generate up to 1,695 hp. The aircraft had a top speed of around 480 mph (772 km/h) and a range of up to 2,350 miles (3,782 km). Its armament consisted of six .50 caliber (12.7 mm) machine guns, as well as the ability to carry bombs or rockets for ground-attack missions.
The F-82 Twin Mustang entered service with the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1948 and saw limited service during the Korean War. It was primarily used as a night fighter, equipped with radar and specialized equipment for intercepting and engaging enemy aircraft at night. In this role, it was highly effective, and it scored a number of aerial victories over enemy aircraft.
Despite its successes, the F-82 Twin Mustang was quickly overtaken by newer and more advanced fighter aircraft, and it was retired from service in the mid-1950s. Only a few examples of the aircraft remain today, and they are highly sought after by aviation enthusiasts and collectors.
North American F-82G Specifications
- Crew: Two
- Length: 39 ft 5 in (12.01 m)
- Wingspan: 51 ft 3 in (15.62 m)
- Height: 11 ft 10 in (3.61 m)
- Wing area: 408 sq ft (37.9 m2)
- Empty weight: 15,997 lb (7,256 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 25,591 lb (11,608 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine Allison V-1710-143, 2,250 hp (1,680 kW) in War emergency rating, RH rotation fitted to port
- Powerplant: 1 × V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine Allison V-1710-145, 2,250 hp (1,680 kW) in War emergency rating, LH rotation fitted to starboard
- Propellers: 4-bladed Aeroproducts A-542F-D1 constant-speed fully-feathering propeller (LHS). Aeroproducts AL-542F-D1 constant-speed fully-feathering propeller (RHS), 10 ft 11 in (3.33 m) diameter.
North American F-82G Performance
- Maximum speed: 461 mph (742 km/h, 401 kn) at 21,000 ft (6,400 m)
- Cruise speed: 286 mph (460 km/h, 249 kn)
- Range: 2,240 mi (3,600 km, 1,950 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 38,900 ft (11,900 m)
North American F-82G Armament
- Guns: 6 .5 in (12.7 mm) M3 Browning machine guns.
- Rockets: 25 5 in (130 mm) rockets.
- Bombs: 4 1,000 lb (450 kg) bombs.
