posted 08-10- 04:18 PM
(Hey- I've been off work sick, so I got a lot done 
)This FM will be posted a soon as I get an answer to a question about an add-on file.
This will probably be the final FM unless I hear of problems with stick response that cannot be alleviated by calibrating the sick or using the CTFJV utility.
Top speed is within 1 mph except for the 10-13K altitude because of superchargers not being modeled.
Roll rate is correct.
Turn rate is correct.
Take off and stall speeds are correct
Acceleration is correct.
Climb rate is really close.
Changed to a different skin for now. This will be undergoing some modeling changes in a few weeks, I'd like some feedback on which skin you guys would like to use as a default.
Ridgerunner is out as a choice, as there are books on CFS with that paint scheme on the cover. It would be great to use an easily recognizeable one like Casualty's Lou IV or Yardsticks Moose texture. Let me know what you think.
Below is the readme that will be included with this release.
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How realistic is this FM? The instructions below are a match almost item by item with the instructions given in the P-51 training video I have- and you need to use them with the new P-51D FM.
SDOE P51D Pilot's instructions.
This plane now has most of the characteristics of the real aircraft. There are some things that you need to know about this plane or you'll get in trouble very quickly.
Take off
1) With no ordinance, do NOT use flaps. With Ordnance use 1/2 flaps to prevent elevator blanking.
2) Apply several notches of rudder trim to the right
3) Apply several notches of aileron trim to the right
Note: The # of times you need to hit the trim keys depends on your keyboard settings. If you are using the default settings, try 4 to 8 clicks. You'll find the right amount with practice.
2) Pull back on the stick to hold the tail down. The Mustang was known to tip forward if too much throttle was applied with the brakes on.
3)Ramp up to about 25% throttle, then release your brakes.
4) once she gets to about 10mph, gradually increase your throttle to max.
5) Keep the tail down until you are over 50mph
6) Let the tail raise, but apply very slight back pressure to maintain a slight up angle.
7) Wait until your airspeed is over 110 mph before trying to lift off, the best speed is over 120 mph. Trying to lift off too early will cause the plane to roll to the left and bury your left wing tip in the concrete (ouch). When carrying external ordnance, takeoff speed WITH flaps can be as high as 135+ mph.
8) Never slam the throttle forward if you find yourself lifting off before your power is at 100%, You'll most likely roll into the ground.
Flight
Non wep power is 85% throttle.
Turning
Low speed- here's where most people will get into trouble.
If you are going at a low speed <300 mph, (the slower the speed, the more you need to follow these instructions) tight turns require varying the throttle. Pulling the stick back hard with full throttle will cause a spin, especially when turning left. Drop your throttle, ease into the turn, and then gradually ramp your throttle up. Depending on the amount of bank, the engine & prop will still cause the plane to flip if too much is applied. Go EASY until you learn the limits.
Hi speed turns-
Ease the stick back into the full back position. You can do this without going into a spin, but yank & bank may get you into trouble depending on your AOA and bank angle. You can still easily black out even when easing the stick into the full back position.
Accelerated stalls- This is a stall during a climb with a high angle of attack. The real P-51's will stall to the left and roll on their back. So will this one. The recovery procedure is very easy. Let her nose drop, you can even apply rudder and aileron to do a "hammerhead". AS SOON as the nose drops, let the stick go to a neutral position until your airspeed is above stall speed and she'll fly out of the stall without spinning.
Spins- everybody's favorite (yeah right)
When she starts to go into a spin IMMEDIATLY let go of the stick or put it in a neutral position. ANY attempt to stop the spin before the nose is down will only make it worse. If spinning to the left, reduce power at first as the engine and prop torque will accelerate the spin. When the nose is down, you can apply opposite rudder. (This matches the real stall recovery procedure for the P-51)
In a nose down attitude the real P-51 would pull itself out within 3 rotations on a spin to the left, and less on a spin to the right. This FM will do the same thing.
Trim
Once in the air, set the aileron & rudder trim to neutral. Get your speed to about 300 mph and trim the ailerons. The P-51 was unique in that, once the trim was set, it required little to no aileron trim when changing speed. You just have to wait until your speed steadies out before doing any adjustments. It will tend to roll slightly while accelerating, so be patient. I was surprised to find out this FM will do the same thing. Setting the trim at 300 mph, I took her to 350, 400, and down to 250 mph. The most I ever had to trim by was one click from the 300 mph setting.
Elevator trim is also fairly neutral once set.
Diving, the real P-51D picks up speed quickly in a dive and has a slight tendency to pull to the left in a prolonged dive, so does this one. Correct with either slight stick pressure or rudder trim (same methods used in the P-51 Army Air Corps traing video).
Landing
Use full flaps, stall speed is <95 mph so flare out when you get close to that point
If you miss your landing, gradually apply power (easy on the throttle boys). Once your airspeed is over 115, raise your gear and flaps and go around again. This is another case where slamming the throttle forward to pickup speed can cause you to roll into the ground (just like the real P-51's)
Well that's all I can think of for now- Good Hunting!
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P.S. OPEN PLANE IS AWESOME!!!!!!!
[This message has been edited by Da Jug head (edited 08-10-2001).]
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