44-83887 – World Warbird News https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com The latest in warbirds and historical aviation Wed, 30 Jan 2019 17:50:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/WWN-icon-256-150x150.png 44-83887 – World Warbird News https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com 32 32 First official flight for XP-82 Twin Mustang prototype https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/2019/01/30/first-official-flight-for-xp-82-twin-mustang-prototype/ https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/2019/01/30/first-official-flight-for-xp-82-twin-mustang-prototype/#respond Wed, 30 Jan 2019 17:50:03 +0000 https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/?p=3747

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After an unexpected first flight on 31 December, the prototype of Tom Reilly’s North American XP-82 Twin Mustang made its first “official” flight on Monday 28 January.

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Ray Fowler was again at the controls of the XP-82 for this “second first flight”, which went very well.

Warbird Digest made this video showing the first flight. You can also find more information and photos on the project and first flight on their website.

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Continue reading]]> The North American XP-82 Twin Mustang 44-83887 on test flight over Sierras in 1945 (Photo USAF)

The North American XP-82 Twin Mustang  on test flight over Sierras in 1945 (Photo USAF)

Tom Reilly’s North American XP-82 Twin Mustang prototype made an unexpected first flight on 31 December 2018 during a high-speed taxi test. Ray Fowler, who was at the controls, flew the aircraft after picking up too much speed to stop safely within the remaining runway length, and flew for about five minutes before bringing back the Twin Mustang to a safe landing.

The aircraft, serial number 44-83887 and FAA registry N887XP, was acquired by Tom Reilly of Douglas, Georgia, in 2008 and has been undergoing restoration to airworthy condition since. The aircraft had not flown since 14 December 1949 according to the XP-82 Twin Mustang Prototype Project’s Facebook page.

Find out more about the project from their website: XP-82 Twin Mustang Restoration Project.

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