The P-51D is a single-place, low-wing monoplane whose career has included tours of combat in W.W.II and Korea as well as unlimited air racing. Powered by a Packard-built Rolls Royce Merlin engine, the standard P-51D has a top speed of 437 MPH. Designed primarily as a fighter airplane, the P-51D is provided with six .50 caliber Browning machine guns as standard equipment, and may be equipped to carry bombs, chemical tanks or rockets. Provision is also made to allow attachment of external drop tanks to increase operating range. Armor plate is installed in the cockpit area for protection of the pilot during combat. The P-51D Mustang has a wingspan of 37 feet, a length of 32 feet and stands 13 feet high. The gross takeoff weight can be as high as 12,300 pounds when external armament and fuel are carried.