[ARC5] P-51C Restoration

[D C _Mac_ Macdonald]

While waiting at the barber shop yesterday, I picked up the May 2018 edition of "Sport Aviation" and found a lengthy article about the restoration to flying status of P-51C-5-NT , S/N 42-103585.  This aircraft served in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater and was credited with five air-to-air kills.  This aircraft was flown at that time by 1st Lt Donald Lopez, and was named Lope's Hope 3rd.  The restoration has been done in the colors of the Flying Tigers American Volunteer Group and named after Donald Lopez's aircraft from that time in honor apparently mainly due to Lopez's intense involvement of the restoration.

Lopez finished his aviation career as the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum deputy director and historical architect from 1972 until his death in 2008.

The interesting part of this story is the fact that a single transmitter & receiver SCR-274-N pair has been shown installed in the bird.  There was no indication, however that the installation is operational.

The aircraft is now part of the Texas Flying Legends inventory.

Some of Lt Lopez's history can be found in his book "Into the Teeth of the Tiger".


73 de Mac, K2GKK/5​
(Since 30 Nov '53)​
Oklahoma City, OK​
USAF Retired 61-81​
FAA Retired 94-10​


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