RAAF P-51D Mustang underwing recognition lights?

[joe10490]

Hi all,

I'm building a 1/48 P-51D Mustang from Tamiya and intend to finish it in the markings of A68-809 flown (and sadly, crashed) by Wing Commander Lou Spence of 77 Sqn in Korea.

The model (designed to be an American-built F-51D) features three lights to be painted red, amber and green on the underside of the port wing tip. It is to my understanding that these were recognition lights, a sort of primitive IFF system. I know these weren't featured on British built RAF Mustangs with Allison engines, but were these featured on RAAF mustangs?

From photographs, the RAAF Museum mustang doesn't appear to have them, but this was a CAC built aircraft, A68-809 was a lend-leased aircraft (judging by its late serial number), so is it possible that these lights could have been included on Spence's aircraft? The best picture I could find of the aircraft's wings is on the Australian War Memorial site (148931 | Australian War Memorial), but from what I can see it is not entirely clear whether they're there or not.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ozhawk40]

Yes A68-809 had the recognition lights. Here's a pic of 803, Brian Eatons aircraft, and you may be able see them just inboard of the wingtip.

Cheers

Peter

 

[Airframes]

Peter, that photo shows the starboard wing, with the small nav lamp inboard on the underside.
I've checked some photos of CAC - built Mustangs, and haven't been able to see the three lamps normally found beneath the port wing, although I'll admit the contrast and angles were not the best for viewing.
A clear photo of a late (USAF) F-51 suggests they were not included on late models, so entirely possible/probable that they were not on the Australian aircraft.
BTW, there were no British-built, RAF Mustangs - they were all built by NA, whether Allison-engined Mustang Mk1, Mk1a and MkII, or Packard-Merlin engined Mustang MkIII and MkIV.

 

[ozhawk40]

Hi Terry

I think Joe meant the Starboard side as per diagram attached (source: "Southern Cross Mustangs" D. Muir) with the three lights in a row.

A68-809 was a NAA built aircraft not a CAC one. The CAC version had a single light in this location.

Cheers

Peter

 

[joe10490]

Silly me I was looking at it the wrong way, I meant starboard wings, thanks for your help so far!

 

[Airframes]

Oops! Apologies Peter and Joe - lack of sleep must have affected my wing orientation!
I've had another look, but again, nothing conclusive. Some photos appear to show the three recognition lamps, whilst a couple seem to show a plain area, without lamps, but with what might be a small blister-type lamp, possibly a 'repeater' of the wing-tip nav lamp. The photo posted by Peter looks similar and, although this seems to have the outline of at least one more of the circular lamps, I'm not sure that darker patch is one of the three, looking more like the 'blister' mentioned.
Certainly all other P-51s and F-51s, on further viewing, have the three starboard recognition lamps, and as this was part of the design, I would think that CAC Mustangs probably had them too.
I'm fairly sure I've got a clear photo or two of CAC-built Mustangs, though I haven't a clue where they are - either in one of many books, or possibly a magazine article. But I also think some museum pics of Aussie P-51s have been posted here on the forum - if they can be found!

 

[Wildcat]

Here is a pic of A68-791 which was a fellow 77sqn P-51D-25-NT, the same variant as Spence's A68-809. I've conveniently had the starboard wing bent up for you guys so you can have a better look.

 

[ozhawk40]

Sure appreciate that Andy.....8)

 

[joe10490]

Fantastic thanks for your help!

 

[joe10490]

Thanks for all the help guys, I'll post a photo of the finished product for anyone who's interested, should be done by this Sunday.

 

[Airframes]

Good stuff Andy, and definitely got the three recognition lamps! Now, do you have to assist in repairing that wing ..............

 

[Wurger]

As memo serves these three lights were for group flights.

 

[Airframes]

Also used to flash the 'colours of the day' to ground forces, for recognition purposes. The switch unit was on the starboard wall, with a switch for each colour, with positions for On/Off, Steady and Flashing, and I believe their was also an interval timer incorporated, to enable a timed combinations of light sequences.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Wildcat]

Good info Terry.

 

[joe10490]

Here she is

 

[Wurger]

Looking nice. A good job.

 

[fubar57]

Yessir, I like it.

Geo