by Edwin Canino
When ScaleWings embarked on their journey, they were a set of passionate people who wanted to do “something exciting that had never been done before in general aviation,” said Christian von Kessel, CEO. Hailing from Germany, Christian spoke of growing up and attending airshows that featured ultralights as well as vintage and modern aircraft from the world over that produced that raw emotion and excitement that “gets your heart pumping”. Combining his experience in both fixed-wing and rotor aircraft alike, with his MBA in international business administration, he is leading ScaleWings into the future with a group of experts and innovators surrounding him, with those youthful memories in mind. Christian went on to explain that one of ScaleWings’ other founders brought over “20 years of extensive knowledge and experience in crafting and innovating large-scale RC aircraft to the most incredible detailing. Creating some of the world’s most beautiful models that included handmade rivets, 12ft wing spans, and a focus on WW2 era airframes.” Around 13 years ago, they recognized an inflection point was occurring in the carbon fiber industry, becoming more accessible, combined with innovations in computing and software. The idea was born to take that technology of crafting the skins in carbon fiber, while bringing together some of the finest German aerospace engineers that honors and aim to recreate the iconic American P-51 Mustang that revolutionized, and many in America argue “Won” the war for the Allies. surrounding him with those youthful memories in mind. Christian went on to explain that one of ScaleWings’ other founders brought over “20 years of extensive knowledge and experience in crafting and innovating large-scale RC aircraft to the most incredible detailing. Creating some of the world’s most beautiful models that included handmade rivets, 12ft wing spans, and a focus on WW2 era airframes.” Around 13 years ago, they recognized an inflection point was occurring in the carbon fiber industry, becoming more accessible, combined with innovations in computing and software. The idea was born to take that technology of crafting the skins in carbon fiber, while bringing together some of the finest German aerospace engineers that honors and aims to recreate the iconic American P-51 Mustang that revolutionized, and many in America argue “Won” the war for the Allies.
They didn’t just pick the P-51 out of nowhere. ScaleWings conducted a worldwide survey polling aviators & enthusiasts, who all emphatically declared the P-51 Mustang, the path they should take to create and bring to market.
With sales all over Europe, America, Australia, Bolivia, South Africa, and Colombia. Christian did not mince words, “After the survey we raised & invested the money required to not HALF ASS it, as they say, but go the extra mile needed. We spent hundreds of thousands of Euros in calculations alone with a certified office in Germany that works alongside Extra, as well as adding a team that worked on the development of the Diamond DA 42, as well as high-performance gliders.” They designed the aircraft from the ground up, which is much closer to CS23 certified design & manufacturing principles. Creating much higher standards than those of a normal kit or light sport aircraft (LSA).
“The P-51 won that survey by a LARGE margin – we have sold to Australia, Colombia, Bolivia, South Africa, ALL over the world, people know what the Mustang is.” – Christian von Kessel – CEO
When it comes to the detail of a ScaleWings SW P-51, there really is no comparison – unless it’s the ACTUAL P-51.
From the EXACT rivet lines found on a true P-51, to the way that no screw goes the same way or has the same pattern. Christian said there are rivets in places the owner will never ever see unless they maintain the entire aircraft themselves, placed explicitly to recreate this American icon as 1 for 1 as possible. Including no screw lines facing in the same direction, as the original would have appeared when constructed and regularly maintained. They like to think of it as “functional art”.
The ScaleWings SW P-51 measures in at 70-72% of the size of an actual WW2 era P-51 Mustang, with a wingspan of approximately 25-26ft (7.9 meters) compared to the original’s 37ft. It is a 2-seater aircraft that weighs in (empty) at around 1,278lbs or about 16% of the original P-51’s weight.
In 2022 they debuted their first mockup publicly here at SUN ’n FUN. In the past 4yrs since that debut – they have sold and delivered more than 62 aircraft with 2025 being their biggest year, which saw 40 planes leave their manufacturing facility based in Poland’s “Aviation Valley” in Krosno. This year, ScaleWings has already delivered 4 aircraft, stating that roughly every 3weeks they begin a new airplane’s construction.
From the technological advances and inclusions in the aircraft systems to the structure itself, the SW P-51 is a modern marvel of architecture. Combining composites found in the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, & the Dreamliner alike, to its turbocharged Rotax 915is (early models) & the 916is that include FADEC-controlled, fuel-injected attributes that provide high reliability and efficiency, allowing a roughly 160knot cruise speed while burning roughly only 7-8 gallons of fuel per hour. As well as a top speed that comes near 200 knots and just over 200 MPH.
Where the P-51 Mustang may have its SW P-51 counterpart beat in the sound and speed department due to her world famous Merlin engine, and the speeds that changed the course of the war through bomber escorts including the world famous Tuskegee Airmen. Christian said, “The best part is flying them in formation, it really plays with your mind because there’s a Mustang on your wing and you cannot tell the difference from the original.”
“The aircraft flies SO precisely, actually better than the real Mustang when compared in terms of handling characteristics, and is much more agile and more precise.” He went on to explain “The pushrod system found within the SW P-51 is made of carbon fiber, and has no play, or bending and it flies a lot more similarly to a fly by wire F-16 Fighting Falcon (Viper) than its counterpart, in terms of roll rate and precision response on the stick” – feedback that was provided through many current SW P-51 Owners with hands on experience, like Trevor “Dozen” Aldridge a former USAF Thunderbirds F-16 pilot, and the owner that I personally first learned about the ScaleWings SW P-51 as he created content with his early in the ScaleWings story airplane acquisition.
I asked Christian, “After this much success on this aircraft, what comes next?” I was very surprised and relieved to hear that they are staying laser-focused on their core vision and pouring themselves into the further development of this aircraft and its ownership community. Christian and the team envision a long-lasting community of owners that will plan trips and outings and travel cross-country together with fleets of SW P-51s. There is still a lot of great work that they wish to accomplish.