P-51D Mustang 'Cadillac of the Skies Series' Part 3: Little Friends for FSX

In many cases the Litle Friends Fighters were P-51 Mustangs.

Here the D model is modelled for the first time by Warbirdsim in its true original form. Extremely accurately researched and modelled Gunbay with with ammunition shoots and indivudually built shells. The gun bay has been recreated to match all of the exact original factory specifications, just as the rest of Warbirdsim?s P-51D Mustang has been built to meet. Each part of the gun bay structure is properly finished in either chromate yellow or interior green paint, according to original factory photos, factory processes, and research conducted by leading Mustang restorers. Various placards and original inspection stamps can be clearly viewed and read up-close. The belts of ammunition are loaded to exactly match the proper loading-method, as outlined on the original ammunition-loading placard. All of the mounting brackets, ammunition feed chutes, link-ejector chutes, and shell ejector chutes for each individual 50-cal machine gun are accurately reproduced. For the rivet counters amongst us, even the number individual links in the ammunition feed chutes is correct.

Using ORIGINAL North American plans and blueprints and working from literally thousands of photographs and sketches incorporating three years of extensive research and development. This is THE enthusiasts definitive version that many have long been waiting for brought to life with all the loving care and stunning attention to detail our studios are becoming renowned for.

Engine Damage (Acceleration Users Only)

The Merlin engine in the P-51 was capable of over-boosting, at up to 67-in of manifold pressure. The max design manifold pressure limitation for the Merlin engine, however, was 61-inches, as indicated by a red line on the manifold pressure gauge. If running the engine for a prolonged period of time above 61-in MP, you should expect that the engine will progressively fail. The first signs of a failing engine will be a noticeable decrease in engine noise, declining airspeed/power, and eventually even potentially a smoke trail, if the situation is not taken care of in time. If any of these signs become noticeable, it is urgent to get the aircraft on the ground quickly at the nearest airport, to prevent further damage.

Supercharger (Acceleration Users Only)

The Merlin V-1650-7 engine in the P-51D is fitted with a fully automatic, two-speed, two-stage supercharger. At between 14,500 and 19,500 feet (17,500 feet in our case), the supercharger will shift from low blower into high blower automatically. Low blower will allow the pilot to climb at 46-in MP, 2700-RPM, though continued throttle adjustments will be needed to maintain this setting as you continue to climb to higher altitudes. At 17,500 ft indicated, just about the point at which 46-in MP can no longer be maintained with the throttle full-forward, the supercharger will shift into high blower. When high blower is activated, immediate throttle input is required to reestablish a proper Manifold Pressure of 46-in, to continue the climb and prevent the engine from over-boosting for a prolonged period of time. The engine is most prone to over-boosting at low altitude, and at or just above the point at which high blower is activated. When the supercharger shifts into high blower, the supercharger indicator lamp will turn on.

Represented in this definitive work of rare and unique models of the thoroughbread fighter are a host of details from the small but significant to the spectacular. This is as close as you will get to flying the real P-51D in FSX!

SPECIAL RENDERING & LIGHTING FX

Making use of the additional features in FSX such as unique, bump texturing and specular lighting add even additional authenticity to an already-wonderfully-detailed, 3d model (and special, reflective textures make the bare metal aircraft almost translucent as the original)!

The following aircraft are included in this unique and highly-detailed package:

EIGHT UNIQUE AIRCRAFT AS THEY FLEW IN WORLD WAR II!

Packard Merlin Sound Set as recorded in the real cockpit on the day with (over 84 hours of editing and mixing and cross-checking to get the right balances)!
Complete Livery Package (see details below) for every version inc. subtle changes!

1. P-51D-10-NA (44-14798) "Butch Baby"
2. P-51D-15-NA (44-14985) "The Millie G"
3. P-51D-15-NA (44-15137) "Baby Duck"
4. P-51D-20-NA (44-63668) "Live Bait"
5. P-51D-20-NA (44-72218) "Big Beautiful Doll"
6. P-51D-20-NA (44-72366) "Hubert"
7. P-51D-25-NA (44-72671) "The Enchantress"
8. P-51K-15-NT (44-12653) "Factory Fresh RAF"

P-51D-10-NA (44-14798) "Butch Baby"

As part of the 362nd FS, of the famed 357th FG ("Yoxford Boys"), "Butch Baby" was the personal mount of Lt. Julian H. Bertram. Before being assigned to Bertram, the aircraft was known as "Master Mike", having been previously assigned to Lt. Joe Broadhead. Although all production P-51D's were manufactured in bare aluminum, several fighter groups were a bit skeptic about flying aircraft that would shine like mirrors in the sun. The 357th decided to paint their aircraft in the field, with some being finished in green over grey, while others were finished in green over bare metal. Within the 357th FG, sometimes USAAF regulation olive drab was used, while at other times RAF dark green was used, having been made available by the English. In the case of 44-14798, the aircraft was finished in RAF dark green, over USAAF neutral grey. "Butch Baby" would survive the hostilities, only to later be scrapped in June 1945, following a landing accident at its base at Leiston, UK.

Externally, the aircraft is unique from most other P-51D's, in that it was modified in England with the addition of two formation lights on either side of the fuselage. This modification was quite rare, limited to few fighter groups, and the modification was applied to formation/wing-lead's aircraft only. The lights themselves are of the standard-issue amber-recognition light. Within the cockpit, an extra toggle switch was added near to the recognition lights, on the main electrical panel, to provide control over them.

P-51D-15-NA (44-14985) "The Millie G"

Assigned to Major Edward B. Giller, C.O. of the 343rd FS, 55th FG, 44-14985 was just the first of four P-51D's that would be assigned to Giller and painted as "The Millie G" (following four previously so-named P-38s). 44-14985, was the most photographed "Millie G", sporting what would be temporary 343rd FS markings, with a great portion of the fuselage painted RAF dark green, accented by a large red stripe. The aircraft would be lost while on a mission on March 22, 1945, with F/O George Nastanovich at the controls, becoming a POW in the last weeks of the war in Europe. Another of Giller's "Millie G's", P-51D 44-72123, survives to this day, on static outdoor display in the Dominican Republic.

As was common place amongst other fighter groups transitioning from the P-38 to the P-51, Major Giller had a P-38 rear-view mirror fitted to the canopy of 44-14985.

P-51D-15-NA (44-15137) "Baby Duck"

"Baby Duck" was the personal mount of Capt. Herbert G. Kolb, a West Point graduate, of the 350th FS, 353rd FG, based at Raydon, England in 1944-45. The aircraft is one of a few 350th FS Mustangs that were painted in the field with an upper coat of RAF dark green to serve as a means of camouflage protection. Due to the then often present 'confusion in battle,' the aircraft unfortunately did not survive the war, being brought down by Russian La-5's over Germany on March 18, 1945. The pilot at the time, Lt. Garnet D. Page, was rescued and returned to the group. Capt. Kolb would finish the war with 14.5 air-to-ground victories.

As was the case on many of the 350th FS Mustangs, a Spitfire rear-view mirror was 'snatched', and mounted to the windscreen of the aircraft.

P-51D-20-NA (44-63668) "Live Bait"

Assigned to the 355th FS, 354th FG, "Live Bait" was the personal mount of Capt. Clayton Kelly Gross. The 354th FG was part of the 9th AF, based at Boxted, England. The name "Live Bait" came to be after Capt. Gross' lead wingman stated on an early flight, "You stay here and I will get up above you in the sun. Maybe we can draw a little action," to which Capt. Gross replied, "What do you think I am, live bait?" Completing two tours with the 354th FG, flying 105 combat missions, Capt. Gross shot down five German Bf 109 fighters. He would also later add an Me 262 victory to that tally, ending the war with 6 air-to-air victories, 2 air-to-ground victories, and a probable.

The 354th FG was the first to fly the P-51 Mustang in combat, rightfully becoming known as the "Pioneer Mustang Group".

P-51D-20-NA (44-72218) "Big Beautiful Doll"

One of the most famous of all P-51D's from the WWII era, 44-72218 was assigned to Col. John D. Landers while in command of the 84th FS, 78th FG, based at Duxford, England. Col. Landers is one of the very few fighter pilots of WWII, to achieve 'ace' status in both the Pacific and European Theatres. Serving in the 49th FG, in the Pacific, flying P-40's, Col. Landers achieved 6 victories against the Japanese. He was transferred to England in 1944, and would serve in multiple fighter groups, including the 78th, 357th, and 361st, known widely for his piloting skills and as an excellent combat commander. By the end of the war, Col. Landers achieved a total of 14.5 air-to-air victories (4.5 while flying the P-51), and an additional 20 air-to-ground victories (all while flying the P-51).

Lander's first "Big Beautiful Doll" was P-51D 44-13923, assigned to him while as part of the 357th FG. When Landers transitioned to the 78th FG, he was assigned 44-72218, becoming his second "Big Beautiful Doll". When Landers later moved to the 361st FG, he kept 44-72218, which was re-painted in 361st FG colors, though the nose art and 'scoreboard' was retained.

P-51D-20-NA (44-72366) "Hubert"

As part of the 369th FS, 359th FG, "Hubert" was the personal mount of Capt. Rene L. Burtner Jr, based at East Wretham, England. The inspiration for the unique nose art on this aircraft, came from a cartoon character in the popular wartime magazine for the G.I.'s, known as "Yank". The three red stripes on the dorsal fin fillet, denoted Burtner's status as a Flight Leader. By the end of the war, Capt. Burtner was credited with 3 air-to-ground victories. Following the end of the war in Europe, the aircraft was sold to the Swedish Air Force.

As was popular on many 369th FS Mustangs, a Spitfire rear-view mirror was mounted to the windscreen. The bracket that was fashioned by the 369th for mounting the mirror, was quite unique in design from that of most other brackets fashioned by other squadrons/groups.

P-51D-25-NA (44-72671) "The Enchantress"

The P-51D? The Enchantress? served as part of the 457th FS, 506th FG, assigned to Lt. William Saks. The 506th operated from Iwo Jima in the summer of 1945, providing long range escort coverage for the B-29 raids reaching deep into Japan. These missions stretched the Mustang?s range limit, and resulted in some of the longest escort missions of the war. Mustangs operating from Iwo Jima were uniquely different from all others, sporting a reconfigured radio setup known as ?Uncle Dog?, resulting in a very different external antenna arrangement. This consisted of dual-mounted twin antenna masts for the AN/ARA-8 radio equipment on the spine of the aircraft, the single antenna mast for AN/ARC-3 radio set moved to below the cowling, and another antenna wire-mast mounted aft of the right main landing gear well, for the SCR-695-A radio set.

To get the most range from the Mustangs, the most common drop tank used within the 506th were the large 110-gallon metal types. In mounting these large drop tanks, wooden sway brace panels and tension straps were required.

P-51K-15-NT (44-12653) "Factory Fresh RAF"

When one thinks of factory fresh Mustangs, not too often does one think of a factory fresh Mustang, finished in RAF markings, but a large chunk of Mustang production was made directly for RAF use, through the lend-lease program. In fact, most all late P-51K production was directly made for the RAF, as in the example of P-51K 44-12653. A very late model P-51K-15-NT, the aircraft is identical to a P-51D-30-NT, though fitted with an Aeroproducts propeller instead of the D?s Hamilton Standard prop. The canopy is of the late-model Dallas, fast-back type, rather than the more common ?Inglewood? type as installed on most P-51D?s of the war. The aircraft is depicted exactly as it looked at the Dallas, TX NAA plant, in 1945, ready to be shipped out to England, and already given the RAF serial of KM387. This aircraft would go onto serve with the RAF until 1947.

SOUND FEATURES

An Authentic and Accurate Sound Pack of the Unique Packard Merlin Engine.

84 hours of recordings and mixing of real  sounds from the real Packard Merlin have been mixed from two separate sources. Carefully recorded to gain the accuracy of the exhaust sound of the unique Merlin V1650 Engine with its characteristic growl.

Two flights were made in a restored P-51D to accurately record this wonderful sound.

At high throttle the engine attains peak torque. At full power the familiar 'growl' of the Merlin can be heard as different phases of engine power increase. Perfect for those with 5:1 surround systems; the sound of the engines peak torque tone curves can clearly be heard above its clean characteristic sound as it flies by on high speed passes.

• Authentic Engine Firing sounds
• Accurate start and shut down
• Sounds from outside taken using carefully positioned microphones in flight
• Additional famous Gunport Whine

Sounds inside the cockpit have been recorded both on the ground, during and up to take off and in flight with many sound characteristics also recorded as they were heard including buffetting, wind noises, creaks and the clank of metal against ground.

3D MODELING OUTSIDE

The most accurate exterior model of a P-51D ever seen in computer form, created using original engineering drawings, dimensions, & cross-reference photos.

• Distinctive areas such as the nose, tail, wing, radiator scoop, and spine are modeled to a degree of accuracy never before seen.
• Working 2 Stage Supercharger, if not handled correctly, the engine will blow!
• Very Accurately depicted Gun Bay detail never before seen modelled to such a high level of detail
• All fasteners, screws, spot-welds, bolts, rivets, & seams are accounted for, & accurately recreated.
• The characteristic and distinct laminar wing airfoil is accurately modeled.
• Plastic canopies, of both Inglewood & Dallas forms, are accurately modeled to the Nth degree, using original engineering drawings of the Inglewood type, and profile photos of the Dallas type.
• Landing gear & landing gear doors are faithfully modeled, including proper strake-angle and accurate oleo compression with weight, & feature all original markings, stencils, and placards, using original engineering drawings of the gear doors and profile photos of the Bendix/Menasco gear legs.
• All wheels and tires are modeled using a complete set of actual dimensions, along with profile photos of the real articles.
• Landing gear retraction/extension animations feature accurate phased delay to exact timing.
• Inner "clam-shell" landing gear doors drop when the hydraulic pressure T-handle is pulled. This, a practice to prevent wear to the hydraulic system. As properly kept-up aircraft, the flaps will not droop after shutdown (Just as in the real aircraft, you cannot lower the flaps simply by activating the emergency hydraulic release. If Mustang's hydraulic system is not in top form, the flaps will droop down over time, after shut down, but may take hours before it is noticeable).
• Flaps will accurately deploy/retract with available hydraulic pressure.
• .50 cal. machine guns are accurately textured and properly staggered along the wing leading edges.
• Per restoration, both cuffed and square-tip Hamilton Standard propellers are accurately modeled.
• An accurately modeled set of Aeroproducts prop blades and unique spinner are featured in the P-51K.
• Wing hard points are modeled in detail, including sway braces mounted to the shackles.
• Individual exhaust stack are fully modeled using profile photos of the real stacks.
• The pilot relief tube exit is accurately modeled at the lower end of the tail, on those restorations which feature this detail.
• The static ground wire is accurately modeled at the lower end of the tail on stock-restored examples, which is effected by speed and ground contact.
• Both coolant and oil cooler doors, all trim tabs, gear doors, and gear legs, feature animated push-rods, and in proper cases, animated hydraulic cylinders.
• The structure of the gear wells is accurately modeled and textured unlike ever seen before, with all proper ribs and stringers, rivets and bolts, and individual finishes according each aircraft.
• The pilot model features updated period head-gear, extensively researche dfor accuracy
• Examples with tail warning radar installed feature an accurately modeled radar antenna array on the vertical tail.
• A full compliment of effects includes lighting, start-up, dirt taxi, and landing.

3D MODELING INSIDE

(COCKPIT LOOK AROUND FROM LEFT TO RIGHT)

• Map & Data Case
• Flare Cartridge Bag
• Flare Pistol Port
• Flap Handle
• Carburetor Air Controls
• Rudder Trim
• Aileron Trim
• Elevator Trim
• Gear Handle
• LH Cockpit Light
• Arm Rest
• Coolant Radiator Air Control Switch
• Oil Radiator Air Control Switch
• Landing Light Switch
• LH Cockpit Light Switch
• Throttle Lever
• Microphone Button
• Throttle & Prop Friction Controls
• Prop Lever
• Mixture Lever
• Left & Right Manual Payload Release Levers
• Supercharger Warning Light
• Fuel Booster Pump
• Oil Primer
• Starter Switch
• Fuel Primer
• Magneto Switch
• Payload Arming Switches
• Instrument Panel Light Switch
• Gear Position Indicator
• LH Instrument Panel Light
• Gunsight Power Switch
• Gunsight Reticle Fixed/Gyro Switch
• Directional Indicator Gauge
• Clock
• Suction Gauge
• Manifold Pressure Gauge
• Tachometer
• Coolant Temperature Gauge
• Carburetor Temperature Gauge
• Gyro Horizon
• Gyro Compass
• Airspeed Indicator
• Altimeter
• Turn and Bank Indicator
• Vertical Speed Indicator
• Oil & Fuel Gauge
• Oxygen Flow Blinker
• Oxygen Pressure Gauge
• Aircraft Restriction Placard
• Fuel Cutoff Lever
• Fuel Tank Selector
• Hydraulic Release T-Handle
• Hydraulic Pressure Gauge
• Spare Bulbs Bracket
• Oxygen Regulator
• Canopy Emergency Release Handle
• Canopy Crank
• Recognition Light Key
• RH Instrument Panel Light
• RH Cockpit Light Switch
• Generator & Battery Switches
• Gun Heat Switch
• Pitot Heat Switch
• Position Lights Switches
• Recognition Lights Switches
• Tail Warning Radar Power
• Tail Warning Radar Test
• SCR-522 Radio Control Box
• RH Cockpit Light
• IFF Power Switch
• Detonator Switches
• F-Band Switch
• G-Band Switch
• Radio Circuit Breaker Switches
• Emergency Coolant Door Release Handle
• Signal Light Power Receptacle
• Cold Air Control
• Hot Air Control
• Defroster Control
• LH Fuel Gauge
• RH Fuel Gauge
• K-14A Gun Sight
• Gun Sight Range Dial

(COCKPIT FACING AFT)

• Armor Back Plate
• Fuselage Fuel Gauge
• SCR-522 Radio Set
• Battery
• Fuel Plumbing
• Fuel Tank

FLIGHT MODEL - WARNING:  Highly sensitive flight model. (Stall it on a tight turn and you will spin like the P-51D manual warns)

"Snap Roll" also included into air model where pilot force a snap roll due to excessive speed, AOA, wrong weighting and COG pushing.

FORCE FX USERS NOTE

For those using Force FX Hardware. The buffet due to applying too much back-pressure on the control column will be felt throughout the different speed ranges.

SPECIAL FEATURES

DROP TANKS
Install tanks if needed for long flights or display. If need be, they may be ARMED and RELEASED, or simply uninstalled.

GUN BAY
By simply assigning the wing fold mechanism, this will open the Gunbay to reveal incredible detail.

CLAM-SHELL DOOR RELEASE
As procedures followed by the real pilots, following shut down, the hydraulic t-handle may be pulled, allowing the landing gear clam-shell doors to deploy within seconds.

K-14A GUN SIGHT
As per given flight conditions, the gun sight if installed, may be removed or added back into the cockpit by the user.