How many Mustangs were built?

Short answer

15,686 Mustangs were built. North American Aviation built it as an American long-range, single-engine fighter and fighter-bomber. The project formally launched on 4 May 1940, with a firm order for 320 aircraft on 29 May. It was used in World War II and the Korean War.

Published: October 31, 2026 · Updated: October 31, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Bottisham Four" - Four P-51 Mustangs fighters in flight

A long-range fighter

The P-51 Mustang was an American long-range, single-engine fighter and fighter-bomber. It was built by North American Aviation. It was used during World War II and the Korean War, among other conflicts.

British orders and early batches

The commission approved the detailed design drawings, formally launching the Mustang project on 4 May 1940, and on 29 May 1940 a firm order for 320 aircraft was placed. In September 1940, the MAP ordered another 300 NA-73s. Since the first Mustangs were built to British requirements, those aircraft carried factory numbers and were not designated P-51: the order comprised 320 NA-73s followed by 300 NA-83s, all designated Mustang Mark I by the RAF.

Escort over Germany and final count

Production of the P-51B began at NAA's plant in Inglewood, California, in June 1943. From late 1943 to 1945, the USAAF's Eighth Air Force used the P-51B and P-51C —supplemented from mid-1944 by the P-51D— to escort bombers on raids over Germany. The RAF later operated 308 P-51Bs and 636 P-51Cs, known in service as the Mustang Mk III. The total number built was 15,686.