P-51B Mustangs - Eduard 11181 and R0019 - 1/48 - New Plastic Model Kits

Eduard is a Czech manufacturer of plastic model kits and photo-etched parts founded in 1989 . They are well known amongst modelers for the high quality and detail of their kits. Eduard offers a wide range of aircraft kits in various scales, from World War I biplanes to modern jet fighters.

The P-51B Mustang actually wasn't a major player on D-Day itself, June 6th, 1944. The P-51D, a later variant with even longer range, was the workhorse fighter by that point in the war.

However, the P-51B Mustang played a vital role in the lead-up to D-Day. Here's why it was important:

Establishing Air Superiority: In late 1943, the P-51Bs, along with later P-51Cs, started flying escort missions for bombers with the US Eighth Air Force. These missions targeted Germany itself, weakening German airpower and helping establish Allied dominance in the skies. This dominance was crucial for a successful invasion of France.
Fighter-Bomber Role: The Mustang, particularly the P-51B and P-51C models, was also used as a fighter-bomber by the US Ninth Air Force and the British Second Tactical Air Force. These Mustang variants could carry bombs and attack targets on the ground. This would have been instrumental in softening up German defenses in the days and weeks leading up to D-Day.
In short, the P-51B Mustang, while not a major part of D-Day itself, played a key role in the air campaign that paved the way for the invasion. By helping establish Allied air superiority and carrying out attacks on the ground, the P-51B Mustang helped set the stage for the liberation of France.