Specifications

[P-51D Mustang]
DCS
EAGLE DYNAMICS
27
Surface Control Lock
The surface control lock is located at the base of the control stick. To lock the controls, the stick is
moved into the locking arm while pulling out the knob on the arm; then the knob is released to lock
the stick in place. This locks all of the controls. The rudders catch and are locked when moved into
neutral position. To release the lock, the locking arm is pulled out and the spring is moved forward
out of the way. Note that there are two holes in the locking lug. When you use the bottom hole, the
tail wheel is locked along with the controls. Using the top hole leaves the tail wheel free to swivel
360° so the aircraft can be towed.
Landing Gear
The landing gear consists of two main gears and a tail gear. All three units are fully retractable
hydraulically and are controlled simultaneously by the Landing Gear Control handle on the left side of
the cockpit. When the landing gear is retracted, the main gear is completely enclosed in the wings
and the tail gear is completely enclosed in the fuselage. The tail wheel is steerable and full swiveling.
When the control stick is in the neutral position of pulled back, the tail wheel is locked; in this
position it is steerable 6° to the right or left through the use of the rudder pedals. With the control
stick positioned forward of neutral, the tail wheel is unlocked for free swiveling action.
Figure 11: P-51 Main Landing Gear Housing, Fairing and Shock Strut
The landing gear takes 10-15 seconds to move into position. In situations where the landing gear
must be raised immediately after lowering it, such as go-around, it’s important to raise the gear only
after it is fully extended and locked. Raising the gear before it locks risks damaging the gear or the
fairing doors.