1945: Apr 09, NACA 127, flight testing.
Used for supersonic airflow tests. Mini airfoil models with sensors were placed on top of the wing near the gun bays. Equipment to record the telemetry was installed behind the pilot where the original fuselage tank was removed. Tests usually started from 30,000 feet. The P-51 was put into a 25-30 degree dive to achieve a max mach of .72/3 which was enough to make the airflow over the wing reach supersonic speeds. Tests data help designers with models like the F-86 and Bell X-1. This F-51, 44-84900, was flown by Aviation Hall of Fame pilot Bob Champine who has an unbelievable list of aircraft flown during his career. He also flew 44-84958, 44-84864, 44-84953, 44-84944 and 44-64415 while with NACA.
1952: May 06, NACA, SOC
1954: PA ANG Base, Spaatz Field PA
1957: painted white, red spinner, PA ANG on side
1970: PA ANG Base, on pole, silver, PA ANG on side, 4484900 on tail
198?: Pittsburgh ANGB, PA, moved to different site on field
198?: repainted, coded AJ S
1994: sale, David Tallichet, Chino CA, Removed from pole by Air Heritage, moved to Beaver County Airport
1994: sale, Bill Allmon, Las Vegas NV, restoration at Pacific Fighters, Idaho Falls ID
1995: Nov 27, N51YZ, Bill Allmon, Las Vegas NV
1998: Jul 07, N51YZ, airworthiness certificate
1998: July, EAA Airventure, Oshkosh WI, Post WWII Warbird Champion - this is an immaculate restoration, restored to the configuration as used by NACA
2007: Present at the GML and looking great. This P-51 visits Pacific Fighters to keep in top flying condition.
2013: Reno Air Races - static display, flown in by John Muszala and flown during the week by Little John Muszala