Flying Display Photo Gallery

CAC CA-18 Mustang Mk.22 G-HAEC "Big Beautiful Doll"

Robert Davies

The masterstroke came when the Mustang airframe was fitted with the Rolls-Royce Merlin 61 engine. The Merlin significantly improved the aircraft's performance at high altitude, as well as giving it the endurance to carry out long-range escort missions over Europe.

The Merlin engine for the Mustang was then produced under licence by car manufacturer Packard, as the V-1650. The aircraft seen here is a CAC Mk.22, which had a maximum speed of 437mph, a service ceiling of 41,900 feet and an operational range of 1,300 miles with underwing drop tanks.