Specifications

[P-51D Mustang]
DCS
EAGLE DYNAMICS
113
Spins
Power-off Spins
In general, spins in the P-51D are uncomfortable, because of heavy oscillations. Occasionally, the left
spin oscillations will dampen out after approximately three turns, but the right spin oscillations will
not. When controls are applied to start a spin, the aircraft snaps one-half turn in the direction of the
spin, with the nose dropping to near vertical. At the end of one turn, the nose rises to or above the
horizon and the spin slows down, occasionally coming almost to a complete stop. The aircraft then
snaps one-half turn with the nose dropping to 50-60 degrees below the horizon and continues as
during the first turn. The force required to hold the controls in the spinning position is quite heavy,
and some rudder buffet becomes noticeable. When controls are applied for recovery, the nose drops
to a near vertical position and the spin speeds up and then stops in one to 1 and 1/4 turns.
Power-off Spin Recovery
Recovery procedure is the same in both a left and a right spin. As soon as opposite rudder is applied,
the nose drops slightly. The spin speeds up for about 1 and 1/4 turns and then stops. The rudder
force is light at first, becomes very heavy for about one second in the first one-half turn, and then
drops to zero as the spin stops. Recovery is affected in the normal manner as follows:
 Controls with spin.
 Apply full opposite rudder.
 Stick neutral after the aircraft responds to rudder (as rotation stops)
 Rudder to neutral and complete recovery as spin ends.
Power-on Spins
Power-on spins should never be intentionally performed in the P-51. In a power-on spin, the nose of
the aircraft remains 10 to 20 degrees above the horizon, and recovery control has no effect upon the
aircraft until the throttle is completely retarded.
Power-on Spin Recovery
Close throttle completely and apply controls as for power-off spins recovery. Hold full opposite rudder
with stick in neutral until recovery is affected. As many as five or six turns are made after rudder is
applied for recovery, and 9,000 to 10,000 feet of altitude are lost.
High Performance Maneuvers
The P-51D offers exceptional aerobatic qualities; stick and rudder pressures are light and the aileron
control is excellent at all speeds. The primary safety consideration for any high performance
maneuver is altitude.
The aircraft is capable of performing chandelles, wingovers, slow rolls, loops, Immelmans, and spilt-S
turns with ease. However, remember that inverted flight must be limited to 10 seconds, because of
loss of oil pressure and failure of the scavenger pump to operate in an inverted position.