<article><hdr>Aerial shot of a Piper PA-48 Enforcer</hdr><body>
<hi style=afpcap>The P-51 Mustang was such a rugged and versatile aircraft that substantial numbers were acquired by civilians after World War Two with many still fully airworthy today. The need for an effective counter insurgency (COIN) aircraft for operations in Vietnam became apparent during the mid sixties. Amongst the proposals submitted was a number of remanufactured P-51D Mustangs which had been intended for export to Latin American air arms through MAP. These were upgraded by Cavalier Aircraft Corporation who had obtained the design rights for the original P-51 from North American. The USAF ordered a small number, although these were employed chiefly for test duties and did not see combat. Cavalier subsequently modified a P-51 with a Rolls Royce Dart engine as the Turbo Mustang III for the close air support role. Later still the company installed a Lycoming T55-L-9 engine in a P-51 which became known as the Enforcer. The rights for this project were bought from Cavalier by Piper, although the USAF lacked enthusiasm for the enterprise. However Congress insisted the USAF explore the potential of the Enforcer, with a contract for two Piper PA-48s being placed in September 1981. By this time the aircraft did not resemble a Mustang as it only had ten per cent commonality with its predecessor. The two Enforcers were evaluated at Edwards AFB and Eglin AFB during 1983 and 1984, although there seemed to be little interest in the programme which was abandoned with the aircraft being placed in storage in 1986.</hi>
