Specifications

DCS

[P-51D Mustang]

AIRCRAFT OVERVIEW

Fuselage

The fuselage is a semi-monocoque, aluminum alloy structure consisting of three sections: engine

mount, main fuselage, and aft section. The engine mount is a box-beam structure attached to the

firewall at four points and extending forward on each side of and below the engine. The engine

mount structure serves as the sole support for all parts of the aircraft which are forward of the

firewall. The main fuselage is of the four-longeron type incorporating an A-shaped overturn structure

aft of the pilot’s seat. Armor plating is provided behind the pilot’s seat and is included as part of the

firewall. The aft section of the fuselage houses the tail wheel assembly and supports the tail section.

Figure 7: P-51D fuselage

Canopy

The P-51D features a teardrop canopy design that allows for an unrestricted view around the aircraft.

The canopy slides back and forth and is operated by a clutch-and-crank handle on the right side of

the cockpit. The canopy is unlocked from the outside by a release button below the canopy on the

right side of the fuselage. The forward flat section of the windshield is armor plate glass.