One of the most remarkable warbirds flying today, the prototype North American XP-82 Twin Mustang, beautifully restored by Tom Reilly, is now available for sale via Platinum Fighter Sales. North American XP-82 Twin Mustang 44-83887 is one of five surviving P-82 Twin Mustangs and is currently the only one flying of two in civilian ownership.
The moment which every reader will have eagerly anticipated since we first started reporting on the project in 2013 finally arrived with the first “official” post-restoration flight on January 28th, 2019 in Douglas, Georgia. Experienced warbird pilot Ray Fowler was at the controls again as the dual seat, dual fuselage fighter roared down the runway, its two Merlin engines powering counter-rotating propellers which beat the air in the quest for flight (Read here).
The subject of a monumental restoration by famed restorer Tom Reilly, this aircraft has flown 25 hours since her restoration concluded. The magnificent aircraft received four trophies at EAA AirVenture 2019, including Grand Champion Warbird – Post WWII, Phoenix Award, and two Golden Wrenches. This ultra-rare aircraft is offered at $12,000,0000 by Platinum Fighter Sales, a world renowned company which specializes in the sale of quality, historic, vintage and warbird aircraft, for both the pilot and the collector.
Check out the video montage below compiled from iPhone clips.
Many thanks to Scott Slocum / Aero Media Group who supplied us with the images in this piece.
Inside issue #84 of Warbird Digest
THE XP-82 PROTOTYPE RETURNED TO FLIGHT – Tom Reilly has prevailed in his quest to return a rare Twin Mustang prototype to flight following a massive effort to rebuild his XP-82. Words by Richard Mallory Allnutt and James Church, contemporary photos by Scott Slocum.
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XP-82 Twin Mustang First “Official” Post-Restoration Flight!
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XP-82 Twin Mustang Update – August, 2018
XP-82 Twin Mustang – May, 2018 – Restoration Update
XP-82 Twin Mustang – January, 2018 – Restoration Update
XP-82 Twin Mustang – October, 2017 – Restoration Update
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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