North American P-51D 44-12473 Mustang “Moonbeam McSwine” | The Spitfire Company
- STATUS: Airworthy
- LOCATION: Biggin Hill
- OWNER: The Spitfire Company
- ROLE: Fighter
- BUILT:1944
- LENGTH: 32 ft 3 in (9.83 m)
- WINGSPAN: 37 ft 0 in (11.28 m)
- ENGINE: Packard-built Rolls-Royce Merlin V-1650-7 liquid-cooled 60° V-12
- MAXIMUM SPEED: 436mph
- RANGE: 1,155 miles
- ARMAMENT: 6x 50 Cal Browning, 2x 1000 lb bombs, 10 x 5″ rockets
The North American P-51D Mustang “Moonbeam McSwine” is one of the United Kingdom’s premier airworthy examples of the legendary World War II fighter. Finished in the distinctive markings of the famous 352nd Fighter Group, the aircraft honours one of the most celebrated P-51s to serve in the European Theatre of Operations.
Based at Biggin Hill Airport, G-MCSW is flown regularly on passenger experience flights, formation displays, commemorative flypasts and major airshows throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. Its unmistakable Merlin engine note and polished natural-metal finish continue to captivate aviation enthusiasts while preserving the living legacy of one of history’s finest piston-engined fighters.
Wartime Identity
The aircraft is presented in the colours of P-51D Mustang 44-12473, better known as “Moonbeam McSwine.” The original aircraft was flown by Captain William T. “Bill” Whisner Jr. of the 487th Fighter Squadron, 352nd Fighter Group, Eighth Air Force.
Whisner became one of America’s leading fighter aces, credited with 15½ aerial victories during the Second World War before later adding further victories during the Korean War, making him one of the few American pilots to achieve ace status in both conflicts.
The distinctive nose art, depicting the comic-strip character Moonbeam McSwine from Li’l Abner, became one of the best-known Mustang markings of the war.
Restoration & Present Day
Today’s G-MCSW faithfully recreates the appearance of the wartime Moonbeam McSwine, allowing modern audiences to experience the sights and sounds of the P-51 Mustang in flight.
Maintained to the highest airworthiness standards by The Spitfire Company, the aircraft serves as both a flying memorial and an ambassador for historic aviation. Whether participating in Battle of Britain commemorations, international air displays or exclusive flight experiences, G-MCSW continues to demonstrate why the Mustang remains one of the world’s most admired combat aircraft.
