Overview
The E-flite P-51D Mustang 1.2m PNP represents one of the finest scale warbird RC aircraft available to British RC enthusiasts today. This updated version of the ever-popular E-flite P-51D Mustang delivers full-house warbird appeal with functional flaps and retractable landing gear, combined with an upgraded Spektrum Avian 70A Smart Lite ESC. Whether you're an intermediate or advanced RC pilot looking for a genuine scale flying experience, this iconic WWII fighter aircraft replica offers the perfect blend of authentic detail, modern technology, and outstanding performance. The P-51D Mustang is widely recognised as one of the most popular and iconic fighter aircraft of all time, and its unique design resulted in it delivering some of the best performance among all fighter aircraft flown during World War II. Now, RC Model Shop brings you this magnificent scale replica finished in the famous "Cripes A'Mighty 3rd" trim scheme of George Earl Preddy Jr., the top P-51 Mustang ace during World War II who downed six planes in a single day.
As a Plug-N-Play model, the E-flite P-51D Mustang 1.2m comes with the motor, ESC and all six servos already factory-installed and tested, meaning you simply need to add your preferred Spektrum receiver, transmitter, battery and charger to get flying. This makes it an ideal choice for RC aircraft enthusiasts in the UK who want a ready-to-fly warbird without the complexity of building from scratch. The no-glue assembly process means you can have this beautiful aircraft ready to fly in less time than it takes to charge a battery, making it perfect for weekend flyers and dedicated RC pilots alike.
This aircraft is capable of scale-like, sport, high-speed and aerobatic flying, offering versatility that appeals to a wide range of flying styles. The composite-reinforced EPO airframe is both lightweight and durable, featuring an abundance of scale detail including molded-in panel lines, a detailed pilot figure, four-blade propeller and more. The 1.2m wingspan (47.99 inches) makes it conveniently sized for easy storage and transport—it fits fully assembled in most vehicles, yet the one-piece wing can be removed and reinstalled quickly for even greater convenience when needed.
Key Features
- Factory-tuned Brushless Power System — The specially tuned BL15 850KV brushless motor combined with the upgraded Spektrum Avian 70A Smart Lite ESC delivers exceptional thrust and speed. This power system is compatible with both 3S 11.1V and 4S 14.8V LiPo batteries without requiring any modifications or upgrades, giving you flexibility in your battery choice and flight characteristics. With popular 2200–3200mAh batteries, you'll achieve excellent performance and flight times suitable for extended flying sessions.
- Smart Telemetry ESC for Real-time Monitoring — The 70-amp Spektrum Avian Smart Lite ESC provides real-time power system telemetry data including motor RPM, current draw, battery voltage and more. This data is transmitted directly to compatible Spektrum receivers and transmitters (including the DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12, iX14, iX20 and others), allowing you to monitor your aircraft's vital statistics whilst in flight and optimise your flying for maximum performance and battery safety.
- Full 6-Channel Control with Factory-Installed Servos — Six factory-installed micro servos with pre-connected linkages provide complete control authority over all essential flight surfaces. This full 6-channel control system means you have independent control of ailerons, elevator, rudder, throttle, flaps and landing gear retracts, giving you the precise control needed for both graceful scale manoeuvres and dynamic aerobatic flight.
- Functional Flaps for Enhanced Flight Performance — The operational flaps provide genuine scale functionality whilst also improving slow-speed handling characteristics and enabling shorter take-offs and landings. This feature transforms the flying experience by allowing you to control your approach speed and descent rate more precisely, making the aircraft easier to land safely whilst maintaining its authentic warbird appearance.
- Electric Retractable Landing Gear with Scale Detail — The included operational electric retracts feature scale-like strut covers, authentic wheels and tyres that enhance the aircraft's appearance both on the ground and in flight. The retract system operates smoothly and reliably, allowing you to extend or retract the landing gear at the flick of a switch for that authentic warbird feel during flight operations.
- Iconic "Cripes A'Mighty 3rd" Factory Paint Scheme — This aircraft arrives pre-finished in the famous "Cripes A'Mighty 3rd" trim scheme of George E. Preddy Jr., complete with authentic markings and detailing that make this P-51D immediately recognisable to warbird enthusiasts. The factory-applied finish eliminates the need for painting, getting you airborne faster whilst delivering outstanding aesthetic appeal that turns heads at the flying field.
- Lightweight Yet Durable Composite-Reinforced EPO Construction — The airframe utilises composite-reinforced EPO foam construction, which delivers the perfect balance between durability and weight. This material is forgiving during learning flights whilst remaining strong enough for aggressive aerobatic manoeuvres, and it withstands the minor bumps and scrapes inevitable in RC flying without requiring major repairs.
- Quick Assembly with No Glue Required — Unlike traditional aircraft kits that demand extensive assembly and adhesive work, this Plug-N-Play model requires no glue for final assembly. The aircraft can be ready to fly in less than one hour, with all major components designed to fit together without fasteners, making it ideal for pilots who want to spend more time flying and less time building.
- Versatile Battery Compatibility — The power system accepts both 3S and 4S LiPo batteries in the 2200–3200mAh capacity range, providing flexibility based on your preferred flying style. The 3S configuration delivers excellent performance with good flight times, whilst stepping up to 4S offers increased speed and unlimited vertical performance for pilots seeking more aggressive flying characteristics.
Technical Performance
The E-flite P-51D Mustang 1.2m is engineered to deliver outstanding performance across a wide range of flying styles. Powered by a BL15 850KV brushless outrunner motor paired with a Spektrum Avian 70A Smart Lite ESC, this aircraft produces abundant thrust suitable for scale-like cruise flight, high-speed passes, and dynamic aerobatic manoeuvres. The motor is factory-tuned to deliver optimal performance with both 3S 11.1V and 4S 14.8V LiPo batteries in the 2200–3200mAh capacity range, eliminating the need for modifications or upgrades regardless of which battery chemistry you select. The 10.5 x 8 x 4 four-blade propeller is specifically selected to maximise efficiency and performance across the entire flight envelope. The airframe dimensions span 1219mm wingspan by 1065mm in length and weighs just 1358g without battery, resulting in a platform that combines scale presence with excellent handling characteristics. The composite-reinforced EPO construction provides a durable yet lightweight airframe that's forgiving enough for intermediate pilots whilst offering the structural rigidity needed for advanced aerobatic flying. All six micro servos are pre-installed and factory-tested, ensuring smooth and responsive control inputs through the full range of motion. The 70-amp ESC provides more than sufficient current handling for this application with built-in protections against over-current, low-voltage cutoff, and thermal shutdown, whilst the Smart telemetry capability adds a layer of operational awareness that lets you optimise battery usage and monitor motor performance in real-time throughout your flight.
What's in the Box
- E-flite P-51D Mustang 1.2m composite-reinforced EPO airframe, factory-finished in "Cripes A'Mighty 3rd" scheme
- Spektrum Avian 70A Brushless Smart Lite ESC (pre-installed)
- Brushless BL15 850KV outrunner motor (pre-installed)
- Six micro servos with pre-connected linkages (pre-installed)
- Four-blade 10.5 x 8 x 4 propeller
- Electric retractable landing gear with scale-like strut covers, wheels and tyres
- Product manual with assembly and setup instructions
What You Need to Complete
- Full-range 6+ channel Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 compatible transmitter and receiver (sold separately) — The aircraft requires a quality radio system with at least six channels to control throttle, aileron, elevator, rudder, flaps and landing gear retracts. Spektrum radio gear is recommended to take advantage of the Smart telemetry capabilities of the ESC.
- 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V 2200–3200mAh LiPo battery with EC3 or IC3 connector (sold separately) — The aircraft uses an IC3 connector and is compatible with Spektrum Smart batteries which provide additional telemetry data. Popular capacity options in this range deliver excellent flight times and performance.
- Compatible LiPo battery charger (sold separately) — You'll need an intelligent charger capable of safely charging LiPo batteries at appropriate rates. Spektrum Smart chargers offer convenient balance charging and battery monitoring features.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite P-51D Mustang 1.2m suitable for intermediate RC pilots? — Yes, this aircraft is specifically designed as a Level 2 skill model ideal for intermediate to advanced pilots. The assembly is straightforward with no glue required, and the flight characteristics are forgiving enough for pilots transitioning from trainer aircraft whilst offering enough performance and features to keep experienced flyers engaged. The functional flaps and retracts add complexity compared to simple trainers, but the stable flight characteristics and responsive controls make it manageable for pilots with basic RC flying experience.
- What battery should I use with the P-51D Mustang 1.2m? — This aircraft is compatible with 3S 11.1V or 4S 14.8V LiPo batteries in the 2200–3200mAh capacity range. The 3S option delivers solid performance with good flight times, whilst 4S batteries provide increased speed and enhanced vertical performance for more aggressive flying. Both configurations work without any motor or ESC modifications. Spektrum Smart batteries are recommended to take full advantage of the telemetry capabilities built into the Avian Smart Lite ESC, though standard LiPo batteries also work perfectly well.
- What is the assembly time for the P-51D Mustang 1.2m PNP? — Assembly takes approximately less than one hour, as all major components including the motor, ESC and servos arrive pre-installed and tested. This Plug-N-Play approach means you only need to install your receiver, perform final assembly checks, and connect your battery before flying. No glue is required, and the snap-together design makes the process straightforward even for pilots building their first aircraft.
- What flying styles can the P-51D Mustang 1.2m handle? — This versatile aircraft is capable of scale-like flying, sport flying, high-speed passes and dynamic aerobatic manoeuvres. The 70-amp brushless ESC and specially tuned motor deliver sufficient thrust for knife-edge rolls, inverted flight, spins and loops, whilst the functional flaps allow for graceful scale approaches and gentle slow-speed handling when desired. Whether you prefer realistic warbird flying or full aerobatic performance, this aircraft adapts to your flying style.
- What radio system do I need for the P-51D Mustang 1.2m? — You need a full-range 6+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible transmitter and receiver. Spektrum systems are recommended to utilise the Smart telemetry features of the Avian Smart Lite ESC. Popular options include the DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12, iX14 and iX20 transmitters, all of which can display real-time battery voltage, current, RPM and other motor data whilst you fly.
- Does the P-51D Mustang 1.2m include SAFE Select or AS3X technology? — The PNP version does not include a receiver, so it doesn't come with these technologies pre-installed. However, if you purchase the BNF Basic version separately and add an AR631 receiver, you gain access to optional AS3X flight stability technology and the optional SAFE Select system. The PNP version allows you to choose your own receiver based on your preferences and existing transmitter compatibility.
- How durable is the composite-reinforced EPO airframe? — EPO foam composite construction is remarkably durable and forgiving. The material absorbs impact energy well, allowing the aircraft to withstand minor crashes and bumps that would damage balsa or carbon fibre aircraft. Small damage can often be repaired with foam-safe adhesives, and replacement parts are readily available. The composite reinforcement adds strength without excessive weight, making this an ideal material for both learning and aggressive flying.
- Can I transport the P-51D Mustang 1.2m easily? — Yes, the aircraft measures 1219mm wingspan and 1065mm length, allowing it to fit fully assembled into most vehicle boots without requiring disassembly. For even greater convenience, the one-piece wing can be removed and reattached quickly, making transport to distant flying sites straightforward. The lightweight construction at 1358g without battery means it's easy to carry even when assembled.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the EFL P-51D Mustang 1.2m PNP A-EFL08975 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.