Specifications

DCS
[P-51D Mustang]
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AIRCRAFT OVERVIEW
In emergency situations, the landing gear can be released by means of a red handle just above the
hydraulic pressure gauge on the front panel of the cockpit. Pulling this handle releases the pressure
in the hydraulic lines, allowing the gear to drop of its own weight when the landing gear lever is in
the DOWN position. Slight rocking of the aircraft left and right using roll input may be required to
ensure the gear is locked in place when hydraulic pressure is released.
Compared to the earlier P-51 B-C models, the landing gear system of the P-51D has been redesigned
to save weight. The weight-on-wheels (WOW) safety mechanism on previous models, which
prevented the pilot from accidentally retracting the gear while on the ground, has been eliminated.
While operating the D model, therefore, attention must be paid not to move the landing gear lever
while the aircraft is on the ground.
When operating the P-51D, do not set the Landing Gear Control handle to the UP position
while the aircraft is on the ground!
The landing light is installed inside the left wheel well and retracts with the gear. An automatic cut-off
switch makes it impossible for the landing light to be on when in the retracted position.
Brake System
The main landing wheel brake system employs hydraulically actuated disc-type brakes. Each brake is
operated by individual master brake cylinders located directly forward of the instrument panel. The
brakes are selectively controlled by means of toe pedals incorporated into the rudder pedal assembly.
The brake system is entirely separate from the general hydraulic system, however the brake master
cylinders receive hydraulic fluid directly from the reservoir of the hydraulic system. A stand-pipe
arrangement in the reservoir ensures a reserve of fluid for brake operation even if the supply of fluid
for normal hydraulic operation is lost.
A parking brake incorporated into the brake system holds the wheels in a locked condition over long
periods of time; the parking brake control handle is just below the center of the instrument panel.
After takeoff, it’s important to avoid braking the wheels to stop them from turning. If the brakes are
hot from excessive ground use, they are likely to freeze. The design of the gear and the wheel wells
is such that under normal conditions the turning of the wheels has no harmful effect even after they
have been retracted into the wheel wells.
Engine
The power plant of the P-51D is a liquid-cooled, 12-cylinder Rolls-Royce Merlin V-1650-7, built in the
U.S. by the Packard Motor Car Company. It is equipped with an injection-type carburetor, a two-
speed, two-stage supercharger, and develops over 1400 hp on takeoff.