If you’re passionate about aviation, the P-51 Mustang speaks for itself. This iconic World War II fighter showcases incredible speed, power, and dominance in the sky, winning over pilots and aviation enthusiasts worldwide. Although piloting a P-51 is a dream come true, the reality of ownership comes with a steep price, significant maintenance expenses, and challenging handling demands, rendering it nearly inaccessible to many pilots.
Here, the SW-51 Mustang revolutionizes the industry. Produced by ScaleWings, this full-scale carbon-fiber replica embodies the classic appearance and essence of the original P-51, while integrating contemporary engineering, efficiency, and dependability. It offers a warbird experience without the usual warbird complications.
What makes the SW-51 Mustang truly special is its attention to detail. This isn’t just a loosely inspired design—it’s a meticulously crafted 1:1 replica of the legendary P-51, down to the rivets, panel lines, and cockpit layout. With over 100,000 hand-placed rivets and a construction process that closely mirrors the original in nearly every way, the SW-51 Mustang is as close as you can get to the real thing—without the historical aircraft’s heavy maintenance demands.
Despite its vintage look, the SW-51 incorporates advanced materials. Its entirely carbon-fibre airframe significantly reduces weight and enhances efficiency compared to the original, resulting in better performance and lower operational costs.
The SW-51 Mustang isn’t just about looks; it’s about performance. At its core is the BRP-Rotax 916iS, a 160-horsepower turbocharged engine that delivers smooth, efficient, and reliable power. Unlike the fuel-guzzling V12 of the original P-51, this modern engine offers improved fuel efficiency and lower maintenance requirements, making the SW-51 a much more practical aircraft for today’s pilots.
The lightweight carbon-fiber design of this powerplant allows the SW-51 to reach:
- Climb rate: 2,300 ft/min
- Maximum operating altitude: 23,000 ft
- Takeoff distance: 950 ft
- Stall speed (full flaps): 48 knots
Flying the SW-51 Mustang provides more than just performance; it delivers a historical experience alongside contemporary confidence. The cockpit is designed to be highly immersive, featuring vintage-style gauges and controls along with modern avionics and safety enhancements. As a result, pilots enjoy an authentic WWII fighter experience without compromising on technology or comfort.
The aircraft’s agile handling and impressive power-to-weight ratio deliver an exhilarating flying experience. Whether performing low-level passes or flying at higher altitudes, the SW-51 Mustang fuses the thrill of a warbird with the practicality of a modern aircraft.
For many years, aviation fans have aspired to own a P-51 Mustang, yet, for most, it has remained unattainable. The SW-51 Mustang changes this situation. Featuring full-scale authenticity, lightweight efficiency, and modern dependability, this aircraft offers the legendary warbird experience to a new generation of pilots without the financial and maintenance challenges of an original. Therefore, if you have ever envisioned yourself behind the controls of a Mustang, experiencing the exhilaration of takeoff and the joy of flight, the SW-51 Mustang could be the warbird you’ve been anticipating.
