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Murdo
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Murdo Cameron is one of the main driving forces behind the idea of
building a P-51 in a kit form that could make a full-size Mustang
accessible to more people. With the friends and contacts he made while
flying 767's for Delta Airlines in Southern California, Murdo was able to amass a wealth of knowledge in composites
construction, as well as a good store of material.
Murdo's original idea was to build Mustangs
using Lycoming turbines connected to full-reverse props, composite
construction, and new technology that would make the aircraft economical
to own as well as to operate, not to mention the performance and fun
factor it would provide to it's owner. One airframe was built and flown
to Oshkosh in 1998, which proved the concept and viability of the idea.
Murdo has been involved one way or another with
the world of Unlimited Hydroplane Racing for many years and thought that
the turboprop powered Mustang would lead the way for the introduction of
turbine powered propeller driven aircraft in the Unlimited Air Racing
world as it did so successfully in the hydroplanes. He did his best to have the turboprop accepted by the Air Racing
community, but alas, it was not to be.
The year is 2005. Murdo began forming a team,
registering at Reno that year for a Race number and with the council of
his partners, decided to build a Racer under the current rules of
Unlimited Air Racing, using a late model Allison V-1710 instead of the
turbine.
2006 has seen Murdo busy in his shop in Coeur
D'Alene, Idaho where he has been reorganizing the hangar to make way for
construction of the Racer. He stays busy producing components for Race
#51, as well as manufacturing several items he sells to the general
aviation community as a side-business.
Murdo has committed himself and his resources
to bringing this Racer to Reno in 2007. He is enthusiastic and confident
in the ability of the aircraft to perform and possibly to win the
National Championship. He is still recruiting members and is getting the
word out through his website, as well as through his active membership in the local EAA
chapters. |
