The P-51 Mustang is an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II, the Korean War, and other conflicts. The aircraft was designed in 1940 by North American Aviation in response to the need for a more modern fighter by the Royal Air Force. It took just 102 days to design, develop and build the first P-51 prototype.

By the start of the Korean War, the re-designed P-51 Mustang served as the main U.S. fighter aircraft until jet fighters (such as the F-86 Sabre) took over the role. The Mustang then became a specialized fighter-bomber and remained in service with some air forces until the early 1980s.  After the Korean War, Mustangs became popular civilian warbirds and racing aircraft.