Warbird Adventures Adds P-51D Mustang To Kissimmee Air Museum

Two businesses at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM) ... Warbird Adventures and Kissimmee Air Museum ... have unveiled their newly acquired World War II fighter. The aircraft, a North American P-51D Mustang called Precious Metal, is now on permanent display at the Museum and currently being prepared to compete in the Reno Air Racing Association's 2011 National Championship Air Races Sept. 14-18.

Precious Metal

Before coming to Kissimmee Gateway Airport, Precious Metal was best known for the world-wide advertising campaign with famous actor and aircraft enthusiast, John Travolta, for luxurious watchmaker, Breitling. Precious Metal is the only P-51 in the world equipped with contra-rotating propellers and a 3,000-hp Rolls Royce Griffon Engine. Heavily modified for pylon racing, it's expected to perform well and proudly represent Florida at the Nationals.

The P-51D Mustang was a front-line fighter used by U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and is well known for being a long-range fighter that escorted bombers from England to Berlin, which eventually turned the War.

Thom Richard, co-founder of Warbird Adventures and Kissimmee Air Museum, is working with his crew to ready Precious Metal for the upcoming National Championship Air Races. This process is open for public viewing during Museum hours. Richard will fly the aircraft in the Races' coveted Unlimited Class, competing with 26 other World War II vintage fighter aircraft, flying 50 to 100 feet off the ground at speeds of over 500 mph, making it the fastest motor sport event in the world.

FMI: www.kissimmeeairport.com