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I really looked forward to downloading this package from Wings of Power, for the P51 Mustang is one of the most beautiful and fastest aircraft both historically and present day. If you have ever seen one sitting on the tarmac, it looks as though it’s moving at 300+ mph, just sitting there! The North American P 51 Mustang began it’s life as the NA-73X to meet a British requirement of 1940. With the adoption of the British Merlin 61 and 65 engines , these aircraft demonstrated the ability to achieve 710km/h (441 mph) at 9085 m (29,800 feet). They could cook!!! Wings of Power brings you the P51D/H Mustang , an excellent package that provides you with the most exceptionally accurate modeling of the Mustang! If you really want to feel what it might be like to fly one of these bad boys, hop into one of the cockpits of the widely varied paints of the Wings of Power P51. The package includes a well laid out Manual, which you should really read to get the most out of the plane. I suppose that you could lump me in the category of “Who needs the Instructions” kind of guy. Well, I hopped on into the cockpit of “Ahm’ Available” (my personal favorite paint job), and, without manual in hand or mind, tried to take off. I must emphasize “try” here, for I was really not ready for the “Absolute Realism” that was promised. Needless to say, I’m glad that no one was looking over my shoulder! It looked as if I had a few too many as I tried to control this beast down the runway! I managed to get her into the air, where I promptly hit the end button and read the manual!!! My second attempt at takeoff was considerably smoother! They suggest that if you can, buy an actual flight manual to use as a reference, for that is exactly what they did!

I am very impressed with the attention to detail on these aircraft. From the spillage stains around the gas tanks, to the effect of the black and white smoke that emits from the engine when the mixture is improperly leaned. I could list dozens of intricate details, but seeing is believing! Some of these are discussed below. The virtual cockpit is workable with so much detail it feels like you're sitting in the cockpit of an actual P51!

The textures are absolutely amazing! The shine of the polished aluminum is stunningly realistic! You may want to slap a pair of sunglasses on, it’s that shiny!!! My impression of the flight dynamics is WOW! They aren’t kidding around when they say that this thing handles like the real deal. I can see where the name of Mustang fits this craft! Ever been on the back of an animal with the power to kick your butt? Here’s your chance! Just like the animal it’s named after, this aircraft has got to be handled with respect! If you don’t respect the plane and it’s limitations, she’ll buck you off in a heartbeat. With this aircraft, it is a must that you know your plane! Pilot’s use precise settings to fly “by the book”. This realism is built into the model. The package provides excellent references for flight dynamics and settings.

New versions: Surplus, Civil, and Combat
Through the use of a new “Refit Tool,” the user can change the configuration of their P51 from a civilian configuration to a true combat ready aircraft. After the upgrade, the Refit Tool can be found in your in your START MENU (lower left portion of your computer screen), under PROGRAMS / WINGS OF POWER.

P51D “Surplus”
The "Surplus Version" of the Wings of Power P-51D Mustang is what you would have had if you'd been fortunate enough to purchase one P-51D when they were available. The guns have been removed, reducing the weight by nearly 1,000 pounds. The fuel in the center tank has been limited to only ten gallons, which preserves the handling characteristics but reduces the range. This aircraft will stall at a lower speed, will climb faster, be more nimble, and fly farther on a gallon of fuel. It will also have slightly higher top speeds, and will accelerate and slow down more quickly.

P51D “Combat”
The Wings of Power P-51D Combat flight model is set up with a high level of realism, which extends to aircraft loading and fuel supply. In the Fuel and Payloads menu, you will see three fuel tanks and six station loads. The first two station loads are the pilot and weight of the engine oil, which is stored in a tank mounted on the aircraft firewall. When full, this tank weighed 94 pounds, which is reflected in the default weight of this station load. The normal pilot weight was considered to be 200 pounds for this aircraft, also reflected in the station loading. The remaining four station loads reflect the guns and ammunition, handled separately for each wing. Thus, the plane can be set up for flight with the normal gun and ammo weight present in the wings, without ammo but just with the gun weight, or without guns and ammo for acrobatic trim. The manual states that the presence of the gun and ammunition weight has a negligible effect on aircraft handling, but this weight will affect the rate of climb and fuel consumption as well as takeoff distance, albeit marginally.

Flight Characteristics
From the P-51 Manual:
"The P-51 is one of the sweetest-flying fighter planes ever built. It is very light on all controls and stable at all normal loadings. Although light on the controls, it is not so sensitive that you would call it jerky. Light, steady pressures are all you need to execute any routine maneuver. At various speeds in level flight or in climbing or diving, the control pressures you have to hold are slight and can be taken care of by slight adjustments on the trim tabs. However, the trim tab controls are sensitive; use them carefully.
CAUTION - In designing the later models of the P-51 and adding new equipment such as radio units and an additional gas tank, the center of gravity of the airplane has been moved back. The effect is that the forces necessary to move the stick have been lightened. Instead of a force of 6 lbs per G of acceleration, you exert a force of only about 1.5 lbs. to move the stick. As a result, you have considerable leverage on the stick -- you can easily put greater stresses on the airplane than it is designed to withstand. So be careful in sharp pullouts and in steep turns."

Can be flown “by the book”
Gorgeously constructed aircraft, inside and out, down to the last rivet
Fully clickable cockpits with authentic working gauges
3D cockpits so real, they look just like their 2D rendered counterparts
The latest wind-tunnel technology helps to create the most authentic,
fluid flying qualities, including complex spins and stalls
Enhanced visual effects and lighting

Wings of Power, with their “Absolute Realism” technology gives those of you that want the realism and depth of the P51 everything that you could hope for. For those who like to hop in and fly, be prepared for a challenge, but one that is definitely worth overcoming! I can’t stress it enough, it’s the realism of this craft that makes it so darned fun to fly!!!
Absolute Realism is the science / art of combining by-the-book accuracy with the true feel of flight. The Wings of Power P51 describes the experiences of the plane and the pilots that know it best. This realism goes beyond strong visuals and feel, but delivers a high-fidelity re-production of the real Merlin engine.

Features:
Built with “Absolute realism” flight technology
Can be flown “by the book”
Famous Mustang stall characteristics, including the deadly flat spin
“Absolute Realism” means the entire flight envelope is modeled via the actualpilot’s training manuals
Authentic cruise performance under various conditions with realistic fuel economy
Absolute Realism even delivers authentic “distance-to-altitude” performance under various power settings
Merlin torque means full power cannot be applied with brakes on or aircraft will “nose over”
Gorgeously constructed aircraft, inside and out, down to the last rivet
Authentic sounds
True-to-life sound characteristics of the famous Rolls Royce “Merlin” engine from idle to war emergency power
Actual P51 gyro and flap motor sounds
Stall buffet, canopy, ground roll, and authentic cockpit wind
Both modern and veteran P51 pilots helped create the “feel” of flight

“Wings of Power “Special Effects” package includes:
Historically accurate lighting for stunning nighttime visuals
Realistic startup visuals modeled after the real aircraft
Belly landings with realistic effects and physics programming

General Information
Empty Weight: 7,266 lbs.
Wingspan: 37.03 feet
Wing Area: 235.75 square feet
Normal Takeoff Weight: 9,600 lbs.
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 12,403 lbs.
Top Speed, altitude: 437 mph TAS @ 25,000 feet MSL
Top Speed, Sea Level: 367 mph TAS
Stalling Speed, clean (9,500 lbs.): 113 mph IAS
Stalling Speed, landing (9,500 lbs.): 98 mph IAS
Powerplant: Packard Merlin V-1650-7, 1490 HP for takeoff, 1720 HP combat emergency
Armament: Six .50 caliber machine guns; two bombs up to 1000 lbs each; six rockets

At $24.99 (US), this is a must have bargain for those of you who are into the “Real Thing”,and love those vintage warbirds, and for those of you who are fairly new to the Flight Sim world, having an aircraft with such realistic characteristics enhances your learning ability immensely! I have been simming for a few years now, and I learned quite a bit from this product and the information it contains! Imagine that, learning AND having fun, all at the same time!!! What more could you want?

To find out more about this great aircraft add on visit www.shockwaveproductions.com