FSX J26 Mustang

This repaint showcases a J26 Mustang featuring Swedish Air Force markings with the iconic Red D lettering. Created exclusively by John Terrell for the payware Warbirdsim P-51D "Twilight Tear, Then and Now" product, it accurately depicts one of the noteworthy Mustang airframes that transitioned from the U.S. Army Air Forces to the Swedish Air Force. Owners of this payware add-on can install these textures in Microsoft Flight Simulator X for a high-fidelity historical experience. The base Warbirdsim product is not included here and must be purchased separately, for instance, from a reputable store such as SimShack.

Historical Background of This Airframe

The original aircraft, designated P-51D-20-NA 44-63864, was built at the North American Aviation factory in Inglewood, California, during the final stages of World War II. After arriving in England, it operated under the 83rd Fighter Squadron of the 78th Fighter Group at Duxford. At one point, it was flown by Lt. Hubert “Bill” Davis, who famously named it after the esteemed racehorse “Twilight Tear.” This aircraft soon proved formidable, achieving three confirmed aerial victories against Me-109s during combat in March of 1945.

Following V-E Day, the airframe remained in Europe and was eventually sold to the Swedish Air Force, receiving its new identity Fv26158. Stationed with F16, it was painted as Red D initially, then updated to Green K. By the early 1950s, the aircraft found its way into Israeli Air Force service under serial 3506, possibly engaging in mid-1950s conflicts. Later, a private purchase led the Mustang to Switzerland and then to the United States, but an unfortunate crash landing in Iceland left it wrecked until it was retrieved and restored decades later. In the modern era, the aircraft has been carefully reinstated to its wartime configuration and can often be admired at events, even winning accolades such as the WWII Grand Champion Award at Oshkosh 2011.

Key Repaint Details

This texture set accurately reflects the initial Swedish Air Force livery known as “Red D.” The aircraft’s camouflage scheme and Swedish markings replicate the era shortly after the Mustang’s transition from North American service. The repaint pays close attention to historical references, retaining surface details characteristic of the J26 variant. Within the sim, expect a faithful representation of stenciling, insignia, and an authentic feel of metallic skin surfaces, all crafted to align with historical photographs and documentation.

Installation Steps

Before installation, confirm that you already own (and have installed) the Warbirdsim P-51D "Twilight Tear, Then and Now" package. Then follow these concise instructions:

1. Unzip and place the folder named "Texture.J26 26158 Red D" into the "P-51D_Twilight_Tear" directory found within your Warbirdsim installation.
2. Open the Aircraft.CFG file in the same "P-51D_Twilight_Tear" directory with a text editor.
3. Add the following block of text after the existing [fltsim.X] entries, ensuring you update [fltsim.X] to the next sequential number:

[fltsim.X]
title = Warbirdsim P-51D Mustang "J26 26158 Red D"
sim = P-51D
model = Twilight Tear
panel =
sound =
texture = J26 26158 Red D
panel_alias =
sound_alias =
kb_checklists =
kb_reference =
atc_id = 158
atc_id_color =
atc_parking_types =
atc_parking_code =
atc_airline=
atc_flight_number=
ui_manufacturer = North American Aviation
ui_type = WWII P-51D-20-NA Mustang
ui_variation = "J26 26158 Red D"
description =
visual_damage = 0

Noteworthy Technical Features

The J26 Mustang variant incorporates the Packard V-1650 engine—an American-built derivative of the Rolls-Royce Merlin—offering optimal high-altitude performance. Carefully refined flight dynamics in the Warbirdsim payware product ensure that you experience realistic torque responses and high-speed maneuverability unique to the original airframe. The cockpit details reflect an era-accurate layout, complemented by custom gauges and authentic instrumentation modeling.

Credits and Acknowledgments

This repaint was developed by John Terrell, faithfully replicating the Swedish Air Force “Red D” scheme. Much of the dedication to historical accuracy is attributed to Warbirdsim for their extensive research and simulation craftsmanship. This listing is made available as a freeware download, though users must already own the necessary payware model to fully utilize these textures.