AH P-51D updated

They claim it's easier to take off, but I have not had much luck. I tried ever-so-gentle power advancements, still I start to donut halfway down the runway. She won't tip left or right though, I guess that's good if you're a Merlin powered ATV. After about 9 attempts to take off, I hit Y and jumped into the air with some Airshow Assistant wing-men for tower passes (which is awesome!), and it flies heavier than before. I'm going to have to re-tame this beast. Feels more finished now, and glad to say all my repaint liveries are fine, no need for updates (so far).
 
Experience is similar for me Fnerg... Getting Airborne about 50% of the time I'd say, but if external tanks are fitted forget it. If I want them I add them in flight. The overall impression I'm getting when trying to take off, is that I've got a Rotax, not a Merlin, up front.

Matt
 
Make sure you have 6% right trim dialed in on the rudder before you start moving, and check the docs on the tailwheel lock functionality (whether it's realistic or disabled). Those are key to getting this thing airborne. :)
 
I cannot hear any difference. And the taking off is still very difficult and feels unrealistic. Very different from the Spit MkIX. I cannot find any improvement.
 
Not difficult al all to take this one in the air. Feels very realistic to me. Great model.

Cees
 
That's a lot of your mileage may vary, gentlemen.. . hehe
 
Last edited:
I love what AH has done to this model. I find it difficult to get it in the air decently, but I'm no pilot.

Priller
 
6 degrees right rudder trim, keep the stick held back to keep the tailwheel locked, don't firewall the throttle but follow the manual's guidelines for takeoff power, and I don't have any issues.

The first time I tried it without doing the above, though, it was ground loop city!
 
I think it might be a bit better now. I have been using it with Flightfizzik's mod since day 1 to correct the 4000-hp engine and resulting 50-mph too much speed, so I don't have a clear memory of how bad the stock flight model used to be. Currently, without FF's mod, it is reasonably manageable to take off, although probably not using real-world Mustang technique. You don't really need to set the rudder trim unless you have your sensitivity dialed way back, as the rudder response is excessive. It might be preferable to dial it way back, to prevent pilot induced oscillations, and then use the rudder trim. Lifting the tail as early as possible, as you would do in most any real taildragger warbird, gets you into trouble with this plane, as most MSFS planes, but worse than usual with this one. Two-point landings, which are the norm with most US fighters of this period, are inordinately difficult as well. Three pointers are easy. I haven't tested whether they have scaled back the engine power to realistic levels. Overall, I'd say it's a bit better but still dead last among the 6 different P-51Ds that I fly in current/recent flight sims.

August
 
The mod that August speaks of was mine and I also did the latest official updated version. Aeroplane Heaven agreed to use it in the update, rather than me updating the mod. If you follow real world procedures, it takes off easy. That is, do NOT lift the tail early. There is ~5500 lbs-ft of prop torque trying to roll the airplane to the left ( which is completely absent in IL-2 btw ), so you must hold about 40% right aileron during the takeoff. Likewise, about 15-20% back stick to keep the tail from lifting too soon. Keep straight with rudder. It will takeoff when it is ready. I will make a video this weekend, probably today sometime. I also think input curves may be causing issues for some people. Personally, everything is linear except elevator, which is -35% sensitivity. That is exactly half way between default ( -70% ) and linear. I use that for everything. No profiles for different airplanes, etc.

Screenshot (2337).png
 
Following the takeoff instructions and using 6 degree right rudder trim, a little aileron trim, full back pressure on the stick with the tail wheel locked to keep the tail wheel engaged until one reaches flying speed worked great. Smooth straight-ahead takeoff. Removed rudder trim and aileron trim in the air and was able to do a straight by the book landing. It seems in the air that it flies fairly realistically. For all the hours I have flown, I have never flown a Mustang, so I don't have first-hand experience with the real aircraft, but this simulation is certainly fun.
 
I have put another hour on it and concluded that it is quite improved. Glad to know Wells authored the FM revisions. The performance is corrected, and the handling is honest enough to, once you have learned it a little, enjoy flying it without getting that feeling that it is unfairly sending you into the weeds. Wells is right that the curves seem to matter. Personally, I am using straight linear on my X56 for ailerons and elevator, and a heavily damped curve on my CH pro pedals, which gives reasonable control harmony and limits overcorrection/hunting on the runway. I might run out of rudder authority in some crosswind situations. I have read that in a real P-51D, if you have to accept a strong crosswind component on takeoff, you try to have the crosswind coming from the left so that it helps you counter the torque rather than exacerbate it, even if that puts you slightly downwind.

August
 
So the deal is...the 6 degree rudder trim is not to counteract the takeoff torque (although clearly it helps). Rather, it is to provide proper rudder trim at the climb power setting of 46" MP after takeoff, gear up, and flaps up. Suggestion...Dudley Henriques has a wonderful series over on the A2A forum about P-51 pilot technique...it's quite fascinating (and informative) reading.
 
This has been a very helpful discussion. I've learned a lot, thanks!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top