ScaleWings Aircraft

ScaleWings Aircraft builds the SW-51, a 72 percent scale carbon fiber replica of the P-51 Mustang. The company is listed with an address in Eggenfelden, Germany. The aircraft is made in Poland's Aviation Valley, close to firms such as Sikorsky and Airbus.

The company started in 2013 with a team of aviators. Hans Schwoeller led it, Christian von Kessel brought business drive and Simon Schell was the technical lead. The team built a proof of concept in 2013, and the first flight came in 2014. The stated goal was to make owning and flying a Mustang cheaper for more pilots.

The SW-51 has an all carbon airframe with over 100,000 small details, such as rivets and panel lines, molded in. More than 70 artisans build each aircraft by hand. The engine is a BRP-Rotax 916iS turbo with 160 hp. It has digital engine control (FADEC) and is liquid cooled. The site lists a takeoff run of 950 feet, a cruise speed of 180 knots and a climb rate of 1,800 feet per minute. Fuel use is 7.5 gallons per hour. The site says the aircraft can fly for more than five hours.

The aircraft has a glass cockpit and modern avionics. Safety features include electric landing gear with a mechanical fail-safe, a taxi camera and an airframe parachute. The company says it used certified parts, switches and wiring within an experimental category. Buyers can choose leather interiors and paint schemes, from warbird tributes to custom designs. The site says a global service network supports owners.

Visitors can reserve a Mustang or send a message through the contact form. The form asks for the nearest home airport. There is also a newsletter called the Mustang Bulletin and a careers page.