This Mirage display cockpit was a frame of a former Mirage training simulator, salvaged by Tim Walk of Newcastle and stored in his backyard for many years. Upon him placing this simulator in the hands of CJFM, the Restoration Team considerably altered the original frame, whereby it became a complete forward fuselage section. It was completed in thirty weeks, averaging around forty man hours per week.

North American P51 Mustang Cockpit Section

reconstructed cockpit section of fuselage

The North American P51 Mustang was one of the world's most famous fighter aircraft of all time, and was possibly the best all-round fighter of World War 2. The Mustang served in over 20 Air Forces, with the last coming out of service with the Dominican Air Force in 1984.

In 1942 the Australian Government chose the P51 Mustang over the Supermarine Spitfire MkVIII and the Republic P47 Thunderbolt to replace the war-worn P40 Kittyhawk. However the Mustangs were available too late to see active service in WWII.

On 25th June 1950, North Korean forces crossed the 28th Parallel and invaded South Korea. Within a week 77 Sqn, flying P51 Mustangs, were flying escort and close support missions against North Korean targets. The 77 Sqn Mustangs flew 3800 sorties in 9 months before withdrawal for re-equipping with Gloster Meteor jets.

In peacetime Australian Mustangs served with Regular and Citizen Air Force Squadrons until phased out and replaced with Australian manufactured Avon Sabres.

Today there are over 200 P51 Mustangs flying throughout the world in the hands of warbird restorers and owners. In Australia there are 5 P51 Mustangs flying with around 8 more being rebuilt to fly again.

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