Dago Red

P-51D Mustang Dago Red

Dago Red is a North American P-51 Mustang (44-74996), restored as a competitive air racer by Frank Taylor in 1981. Dago Red holds several world records, including the 15 km (517.323 mph) set in 1983. The plane has recently been reacquired by Frank Taylor, who piloted the plane to most of its world records in the 1980s. Frank Taylor is currently preparing Dago Red to break the world record in the 3 km, in mid-2010.

Awards

• Six time winner of the National Championship Air Races (1982, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003)
• Mojave, California 1983 - World Speed Record 15 km (517.323 mph)
• Unlimited Reno Air Races 1982 - Gold Winner
• Reno Air Races 2003 - Thompson Trophy, Fastest Lap(512.164 mph) Fastest Race (507.105 mph)
• Reno Air Races 2001 - Fastest Qualifying Speed (497.797 mph)

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 33 ft 0 in (10 m)
• Wingspan: 32 ft 6 in (9.9 m)
• Height: 13 ft 0 in (3.96 m)
• Wing area: 150 ft² (13.9 m²)
• Empty weight: 7,200 lb (3,266 kg)
• Loaded weight: 7,800 lb (3,538 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 8,500 lb (3,855 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Rolls Royce Merlin Hamilton Standard paddle blade, Classified ()

Performance

• Maximum speed: 520+ mph (840+ km/h)
• Range: 120 miles (at race power) (193 km)
• Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
• Rate of climb: 8,000 ft/min (2,438 m/min)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

• Spitfire
  

External links

• Reno Air Racing Association
• P-51 Mustang Survivors