STK0052. Twins by Stan Stokes. The North American P-82 Twin Mustang, the last piston-powered fighter produced in quantity for the US Air Force, was the last variant of the P-51 Mustang which had debuted, and served so successfully, in WW II. The Twin Mustang was developed in response to a government specification seeking a very long range escort fighter capable of accompanying B-29 bombers, and able to attack the newest Japanese fighters at very high altitudes. The P-82 was in reality actually an entirely new aircraft. The P-82 was six feet longer than a P-51, and utilized many new technological improvements. From a design standpoint the P-82 represented a radical departure from conventional aeronautical standards. The twin cockpits (one on each fuselage) was employed to allow more than one pilot, and reduce fatigue on long over-water missions in the Pacific. Twin Merlin engines, utilizing counter rotating propellers powered the first P-82. The first prototype flew in April of 1945. Only twenty of the original 500 aircraft ordered in 1944 were completed prior to the end of WW II. In December of 1945 the USAAF placed orders for 100 P-82E escort fighters, 100 P-82F night fighters, and 50 P-82Gs, which was also a night fighter version. It was anticipated that these versions, powered by an improved Allison engine, would replace the aging P-61 Black Widow. In 1946 a specially modified P-82 flew from Hickham Field in Hawaii to Mitchell Field in New York in 14 hours and 33 minutes. Between 1946 and 1949 production on 250 of the P-82s was completed. The P-82 was a versatile aircraft, quite capable of supporting ground attack forces with the wide variety of stores which could be carried underwing. It was also possible to add eight additional machine guns to the aircrafts middle wing section. Designated the F-82 at the time of the Korean War, the twin mustang attained the first USAF victory in that war on June 27, 1950. A Flight of five F-82s from the 68th Fighter Squadron intercepted a flight of Soviet-built Yak-9 fighters, which had been strafing the Allied airfield at Kimbo. The F-82, while a capable long range fighter and attack aircraft, was in effect rendered obsolete by the entry of Mig jets into the conflict. The aircraft were reassigned to air defense positions in Japan and Okinawa, where they were utilized primarily in the night fighter and reconnaissance roles. The F-82 was capable of speeds in excess of 450 MPH with its two 1,600-HP Allison engines, and its range of more than 2,000 miles was unique. A few air worthy examples of this fine aircraft are still in existence. Supplied with signed and numbered certificate of authenticity. Signed limited edition of 4750 prints. Print size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm)
