The Last Mustang Retires (1957)

[Shay]

Found this video on YouTube about the retirement of the resident Mustang here in Dayton and thought I'd share.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G48ZdP1tkTs












Shay
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Semper Fortis

[maxum96]

I read somewhere a long time ago that the USAF kept a couple of 51's clear up until the late 1970's as chase planes at Edwards I believe. Anyone know for sure?

[Shay]

I read somewhere a long time ago that the USAF kept a couple of 51's clear up until the late 1970's as chase planes at Edwards I believe. Anyone know for sure?

I know the U.S. Army purchased a few civilian Mustangs and reinstated their military status to be used at as chase planes for their Attack helicopter programs in the late 60s

Shay
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Semper Fortis

[skymstr02]

I don't know if the Air Force kept them that long, but the US Army had two for chase duties until the 70's. They used them for the Lockheed Cheyenne project.

[Shay]

From http://www.swissmustangs.com



The US Army procured 3 F-51 Mustangs for use as chase-planes and various other duties - two newly built Cavalier F-51's and one fully refurbished F-51D - the two Cavaliers were serialled 68-15795 & 68-15796, while the third aircraft retained its original serial 44-72990.



This is one of two Cavalier Mustangs delivered to the US Army for use as chase-planes in the AH-56 "Cheyenne" attack helicopter project. The serial is 68-15796. Photograph was taken at Lancaster, CA, October 1971.



After the AH-56A project had been dropped, the Army Cavaliers were looking for a new job and soon were sent to NAS China Lake, where they were used in 106 mm recoilless rifle tests. Seen here with this weapon attached at the wing-tips is 68-15796, photographed 20th June 1974

Shay
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Semper Fortis

[b29flteng]

One of those Mustangs is in the Minnesota ANG museum.

[T J Johansen]

Just too bad they couldn't display them in their Cavalier guise.

T J