This Mustang was part of the "Sharkmouth" 112 Sqn, which had originally used it's distinctive markings on P-40 Warhawks in the Western Desert. This aircraft was based in Italy, where the RAF Mk IV and Mk III Mustangs supported Allied ground forces as well as clearing the skies of Axis aircraft. The P-51D Mustang, built by North American Aviation, is a single place, low-wing monoplane powered by a Packard-built Rolls Royce engine. Although it was designed primarily as a fighter airplane, it may be equipped to carry bombs, chemical tanks, or rockets.Provision is also made to allow installation of external drop tanks to increase operating range. The airplane also has six .50 caliber machine guns as standard equipment. 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 and a length of 32 feet and stands 134 feet high. The gross weight can be as high as 12,300 pounds when external armament and fuel are carried.