Mar 29 1949, Joe De Bona set a new transcontinental speed record in Jimmy Doolittle's P-51C of 5 hrs 5 sec.
5 hours from Burbank Ca to New York City is an average of about 500mph. He set out with 850 gal of gas and landed with 30. The Merlin engine started losing oil over Akron Oh, oil pressure dropping from 70 psi down to 20. His oxygen was gone before he landed.
Even more amazing (to me) is the Mustang was a bitza. It had no military serial number or one from North American Aviation.... it was built from leftover pieces.
https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/
5 hours from Burbank Ca to New York City is an average of about 500mph. He set out with 850 gal of gas and landed with 30. The Merlin engine started losing oil over Akron Oh, oil pressure dropping from 70 psi down to 20. His oxygen was gone before he landed.
Even more amazing (to me) is the Mustang was a bitza. It had no military serial number or one from North American Aviation.... it was built from leftover pieces.
https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/
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