The P-51 is often credited as the saviour of the USAAF’s daylight bombing campaign over occupied Europe.
With its large fuel carrying capacity and additional underwing drop-tanks, the P-51 could provide escort cover for the US bombers to and from the target.
Its speed, manoeuvrability and superior fire power also enabled it to engage with enemy fighters well out in front of the main bomber stream resulting in devastating losses of both German aircraft and pilots.
Like most modern aircraft, the P-51’s primary instrumentation such as its Gyro Horizon, Turn and Bank Indicator Indicator, Directional Gyro and automatic pilot systems were pneumatically powered by the aircraft’s engine-driven vacuum pump.
This was a significant improvement on earlier aircraft which relied on an externally mounted Venturi Tube to create the same vacuum.
The P-51’s Suction gauge was mounted at the top right of its instrument panel and monitored the amount of vacuum generated for the aircraft's system.
This original AN 5771-5 P-51 Suction Gauge was manufactured in 1943 by the Manning, Maxwell & More Corporation and fitted across many USAAF and USN fighters and bombers throughout WWII, including the North American P-51 Mustang.
The instrument is graduated from 0 to 10 and indicates pressure in inches of mercury (inHg). If the gauge read less than 3.75 or more than 4.25, the pressure was abnormal and vacuum instrument readings became unreliable. Normal suction reading is 4.00 inHg.
What a special gift for the aviation enthusiast in your life! - An original, P-51 Mustang, Suction Gauge mounted in its 100yr old Mango Wood Display Stand with engraved Plaque, printed and laminated Fact Sheet plus a highly detailed, custom-built Scale Model of this iconic USAAF fighter perched atop its magnetic display arm.
This rare and original P-51 Mustang instrument comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in aircraft cockpit.
* Note that this Mustang Collectable is pictured with a custom-built 1/48 scale model rather than the standard detailed, but smaller 1/72 scale. Click on the 'Model Upgrade' option at the top of this page for the larger 1/48 scale or go for the super-detailed with the incredible 1/32 scale model.
Your P-51 Mustang Suction Gauge, Original Recovery Curios Warbird Collectable includes:
* All Mustangs can be upgraded to the larger and more detailed 1/48 Scale for an extra $45 (Click on the 1/48 scale option) or super-detaild 1/32 scale option for $95
The 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scale, hand-built and airbrushed plastic models are available with a choice of two Squadron markings and camouflage as well as either in full flight mode with canopy open or closed, or landed mode with flaps and wheels down and canopy open or closed.
Upon order placement you will receive an email asking for your preferred configuration.
Your complete Recovery Curios Original Instrument Collectable is securely packed and delivery normally takes between 6 - 8 weeks approx.
Did you fly, crew or maintain a P-51 Mustang or have a friend, colleague or family member who did? Check out our PERSONALISED ORIGINAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTABLE OPTION here.