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North American P-51 Mustang: Difference between revisions
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== Airplane of the Week/Month == | |||
The P-51D (JSBSim) was reviewed as 'Airplane of the Week/Month' on May 04, 2011 as follows: | |||
<b>P-51D (JSBSim)</b> | |||
<b>Model</b> | |||
The JSBSim version of the P-51D comes with a very detailed 3d cockpit, down to various warning plaquettes. I think it conveys the feeling of being in a warbird very much. Based on a quick google image search, it looks pretty authentic to me. | |||
[[File: P51d-cockpit.jpg]] | |||
Most of the switches are actually functional :-) For instance, some amount of fuel management is required for longer flights. The plane comes with a full working set of weapons, from guns via bombs to rockets - so tight dogfights are entirely possible. A full engine startup procedure is simulated. The exterior model is maybe not stunning, but nice enough for all practical purposes: | |||
[[File: P51d-model.jpg]] | |||
<b>Flight characteristics</b> | |||
The JSBSim FDM of the P-51D is very detailed and is actually a joy to experience. As common with warbirds, engine torque is a major issue - try spinning up the engine suddenly in mid-air, and observe how the plane begins to roll unless you counter immediately with the ailerons. Accoding to Hal (the author), the performance characteristics in different altitudes is very faithfully reproduces (I lack the documentation to check, but I haven't seen anything implausible). | |||
The plane is rather difficult to handle - it requires some skill to get it off the ground in spite of the engine torque forces, and even more skill to get it back to the ground in one piece onto the runway. Having the full control equipment (joystick and rudder pedals) is certainly a tremendous help - but it is possible with some practice to fly with just the mouse (avoid crosswinds though...). | |||
The ground handling is tricky - ground loops (the propeller touches the ground) are a constant danger (apparently that really was and is an issue with the real plane) - so careful use of the brakes is a must, and sometimes its even necessary to throttle down immediately after the engine starts. | |||
And, as a very special feature - the plane actually spins rather realistically - so be careful when approaching stall speed. | |||
<b>My personal wishlist</b> | |||
An added pdf manual describing all the features and providing some background info would be terrific - I have the feeling I'm missing so many details... | |||
<b>Things to experience</b> | |||
Let a tank run out of fuel, and experience a lovingly and realistically modelled engine stutter, followed by an emergency landing. | |||
== Related lists == | == Related lists == | ||