Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

F-82E "Twin Mustang"

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

1. F-82E "Twin Mustang" Marker

Inscription. The F-82 was the last propeller-driven fighter acquired in quantity by the Air Force. It appears to be two Mustang fuselages on one wing, but in reality it was a totally new design. Its purpose was to provide a fighter carrying a pilot and co-pilot/navigator to reduce fatigue on long-range bomber escort missions. Delivery from production did not begin until early 1946, too late for World War II. After World War II, radar-equipped F-82s were used extensively by the Air Defense Command as replacements for the P-61 night fighter. During the Korean War, Japan-based F-82s were among the first aircraft to operate over Korea. The first three North Korean airplanes destroyed by U.S. forces were shot down by F-82G all-weather interceptors on June 27, 1950. The pilot of this aircraft was Lt. William G. Hudson of the 68th All Weather Fighter Squadron assigned to the 5th Air Force, armament consisted of six .50-caliber machine guns as standard, with some models carrying eight additional guns in a special center-section nacelle, 25 rockets mounted on racks underneath the wings or 7,200 pounds of bombs.

This aerospace vehicle (F-82E) is a part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Erected by USAF

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Heritage Program Collection.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Korean. A significant historical date for this entry is June 27, 1950.

Location. 29° 23.601′ N, 98° 37.154′ W. Marker is in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Bexar County. It is on Bong Avenue south of Luke Blvd. The marker is located at the USAF Airman Heritage Museum’s Air Park which is around the parade grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jbsa Lackland TX 78236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas

and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: HH-43 Helicopter Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Sergeant 1st Class Walter H. Beech (within shouting distance of

F-82E "Twin Mustang" and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

2. F-82E "Twin Mustang" and Marker

this marker); UC-45 "Expeditor" (within shouting distance of this marker); P-47N "Thunderbolt" (within shouting distance of this marker); Technical Sgt. Fred L. Clarke • Staff Sgt. Salluel F. Walker Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); C-123K "Provider" (within shouting distance of this marker); F-4 "Phantom II" (within shouting distance of this marker); Northrop F-5E "Freedom Fighter" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lackland Air Force Base.

More about this marker. The marker, museum and air park are located on the Lackland Air Force Base, an active U.S. military installation which is a part of the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). The USAF Airman Heritage Museum and Air Park are open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access. Visit the museum’s web site for current details on visiting the museum and air park.

Also see . . .
1. Airmen Heritage Training Complex. USAF Airman Heritage Museum (Submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. North American F-82 Twin Mustang. Wikipedia

The North American
Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

3. F-82E "Twin Mustang" and Marker
F-82 Twin Mustang is the last American piston-engined fighter ordered into production by the United States Air Force. Based on the North American P-51 Mustang, the F-82 was originally designed as a long-range escort fighter for the Boeing B-29 Superfortress in World War II. The war ended well before the first production units were operational.

(Submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the F-82E "Twin Mustang" and Marker along the air park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

4. The view of the F-82E "Twin Mustang" and Marker along the air park

F-82E "Twin Mustang" image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - US Air Force, circa 1945

5. F-82E "Twin Mustang"

North American XP-82 "Twin Mustang" 44-83887 at Muroc Army Air Base, California. Official flight view of the "Twin Mustang", the Army Air Forces long-range fighter. Powered by two 12-cylinder Allison V-1710 engines, the P-82 is capable of a top speed of over 475 miles per hour. Rate of climb for the aircraft is over 5000 feet a minute. Standard armament is six .50 caliber machine guns, but the P-82 can also carry eight additional guns in a special center nacelle.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 162 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.