The Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, California, is set to host an engaging “Hangar Talk” event on Saturday, April 5, 2025. This event will feature a special presentation on the Battle of Okinawa, along with a rare flying demonstration of the North American P-51A Mustang. The museum will open its doors at 9:00 AM, with regular admission prices in effect, while museum members will receive free entry. Click HERE for tickets.
Beginning at 10:30 AM, the “Hangar Talk” will provide an in-depth look at the Battle of Okinawa, which took place 80 years ago. The discussion will explore the pivotal moments of this World War II battle and its lasting significance. Later in the day, at 12:15 PM, the event will feature a flight demonstration of the North American P-51A Mustang, offering attendees a unique opportunity to witness this exceptionally rare aircraft in action.
The origins of the P-51 Mustang trace back to a request from the Royal Air Force, which approached North American Aviation to produce P-40 Warhawks under license from Curtiss. Instead, North American proposed designing a superior fighter, leading to the development of the NA-73X prototype, which took its first flight on October 26, 1940, at Mines Field (now Los Angeles International Airport). Remarkably, the airframe was completed in just 102 days. Early versions of the aircraft faced aerodynamic challenges, including drag issues and fuel starvation, but later refinements to the radiator and carburetor intake resolved these problems. The first production models were delivered to the RAF in October 1942.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Army Air Corps received its first XP-51 on August 24, 1941. Budget constraints initially threatened its future, but North American Aviation and Army Air Forces officials found a solution by funding the aircraft through the attack aircraft budget. This resulted in modifications that transformed it into the A-36, keeping the production line active. Eventually, the U.S. Army Air Forces ordered 1,200 NA-99 models, designated as P-51As, with the first aircraft taking flight on February 3, 1943, and deliveries beginning shortly afterward.
The P-51A Mustang featured at the museum’s event is part of the final production block of P-51A aircraft built in Inglewood, California. It was the 249th out of 310 produced and entered service in May 1943. Initially painted in black and yellow instructional markings, it was assigned to the Grand Central Airport Company in Glendale, California, where it was used at the Cal-Aero Technical Institute to train aircraft mechanics, technicians, and engineers. Acquired by the Planes of Fame Air Museum in 1953, the aircraft underwent a full restoration in August 1981. Today, it remains the only authentic and original P-51A Mustang still flying and was featured in the film Iron Eagle III.
Throughout the day, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the museum’s vast collection of over 100 aircraft and historical artifacts. Museum guides will be available to provide insights into the exhibits, while food trucks will offer refreshments. Additionally, the museum’s gift shop will feature a selection of aviation-themed apparel, books, toys, and memorabilia. For further details on this event and other upcoming activities, visitors are encouraged to check the Planes of Fame Air Museum’s official website.
